Dogs Mixed With Pugs: 7 Popular Pug Mix Breeds Explained

Why Pug Mixes Have Captured the Dog World

Pugs are one of the most recognizable breeds on the planet — those wrinkled faces, curled tails, and clownish personalities have earned them a devoted following for centuries. But in recent years, dogs mixed with pugs have surged in popularity as prospective owners seek the charm of a pug combined with traits that might offset some of the breed's well-documented health challenges.

The pug (classified by the AKC as a Toy breed) is a brachycephalic dog — meaning it has a shortened skull and flat face. This anatomy contributes to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which affects an estimated 50-60% of pugs to some degree. By crossing pugs with longer-muzzled breeds, some breeders aim to produce puppies with slightly more open airways, though results are far from guaranteed.

Before we explore specific pug mixes, it's critical to understand one thing: mixed-breed dogs are not uniform products. Even puppies from the same litter can vary dramatically in appearance, size, temperament, and health. If you need predictability — for allergy reasons, apartment size restrictions, or lifestyle compatibility — a mixed breed is a gamble.

The Parent Breed: Understanding the Pug Foundation

Every pug mix inherits half its genetics from the pug side, so knowing the breed inside and out helps you anticipate what any pug cross might look and behave like.

Pugs were originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese emperors and later became favorites of European royalty. Their entire purpose is companionship — they bond intensely with their people, often following them room to room. This makes them wonderful family dogs but also prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches.

Key Pug Traits That Show Up in Mixes

When a pug is one parent, certain characteristics tend to appear in offspring with moderate frequency:

• Curled tail: The double-curl tail is a dominant pug trait that frequently appears in first-generation mixes
• Compact body: Stocky, square-proportioned build often carries through
• Facial wrinkles: Varies depending on the other parent — may be reduced in longer-muzzled crosses
• Stubbornness: Pugs are intelligent but notoriously independent thinkers, making training a patience exercise
• Food motivation: Most pug mixes inherit a hearty appetite, which is useful for training but requires careful portion control

7 Popular Dogs Mixed With Pugs

Below are the most commonly seen pug crosses, each with its own blend of traits, challenges, and care requirements.

1. Puggle (Pug × Beagle)

The Puggle was one of the first designer breeds to gain mainstream attention, emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The beagle parent contributes a longer muzzle (potentially easing breathing issues), a strong scent drive, and a more athletic build.

• Size range: 15–30 lb (7–14 kg), 10–15 inches tall
• Coat: Short to medium, smooth; typically fawn, tan, or tricolor
• Shedding: Moderate to heavy
• Temperament: Friendly, curious, vocal — beagles are notorious howlers, and Puggles often inherit this trait
• Exercise needs: 30–45 minutes daily (higher than a pure pug)
• Notable concern: Beagles are scent hounds — off-leash reliability is often poor, and Puggles may inherit this wandering instinct

2. Maltipug / Pugtese (Pug × Maltese)

This cross aims to combine the pug's outgoing personality with the Maltese's smaller size and potentially lower-shedding coat. Results vary enormously.

• Size range: 8–18 lb (3.6–8.2 kg), 8–12 inches tall
• Coat: Highly variable — may inherit the Maltese's long, silky hair or the pug's short double coat, or something in between
• Shedding: Low to moderate (depends entirely on coat inheritance)
• Temperament: Affectionate lap dog; may be more reserved with strangers than a pure pug
• Exercise needs: 20–30 minutes daily
• Notable concern: Maltese are prone to dental disease and luxating patellas — both conditions that pugs also face, making this a potential doubling-up of risk

3. Chug (Pug × Chihuahua)

One of the smallest pug mixes, the Chug combines two brachycephalic or semi-brachycephalic breeds. This pairing does little to address the pug's breathing concerns.

• Size range: 8–15 lb (3.6–6.8 kg), 8–12 inches tall
• Coat: Short to medium; may inherit the Chihuahua's longer coat variety
• Shedding: Moderate
• Temperament: Bold, loyal, sometimes territorial — Chihuahuas are known for forming intense single-person bonds
• Exercise needs: 15–25 minutes daily
• Notable concern: Both parent breeds are prone to patellar luxation and dental overcrowding; Chugs often face compounded dental issues in a small mouth

4. Pug-Zu (Pug × Shih Tzu)

Two ancient companion breeds combine in this mix. Both breeds were developed for royal courts, resulting in a dog that is almost purely a lap companion.

• Size range: 10–20 lb (4.5–9 kg), 9–13 inches tall
• Coat: Medium to long, potentially wavy or straight; higher grooming requirements
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Temperament: Sweet, gentle, sometimes stubborn; generally good with children and other pets
• Exercise needs: 20–30 minutes daily
• Notable concern: Both breeds are brachycephalic — this mix does not improve airway anatomy and may inherit eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers) from both sides

5. Daug (Pug × Dachshund)

The Daug combines the pug's stocky frame with the dachshund's elongated body, creating a unique silhouette that comes with specific orthopedic concerns.

• Size range: 12–25 lb (5.4–11.3 kg), 9–13 inches tall
• Coat: Short and smooth (most common); wire-haired or long-haired varieties possible depending on dachshund parent
• Shedding: Moderate
• Temperament: Playful, sometimes willful; dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so tenacity and digging behavior may appear
• Exercise needs: 25–40 minutes daily
• Notable concern: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is extremely common in dachshunds — the pug's compact build does not eliminate spinal risk, and the Daug's body shape can put unusual stress on the spine

6. Bugg (Pug × Boston Terrier)

Two compact, flat-faced breeds combine in the Bugg. This is another cross that does not meaningfully address brachycephalic anatomy.

• Size range: 14–22 lb (6.4–10 kg), 10–14 inches tall
• Coat: Short, smooth; often black and white markings from the Boston Terrier side
• Shedding: Moderate
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, sometimes clownish; Boston Terriers tend to be slightly more active than pugs
• Exercise needs: 30–40 minutes daily
• Notable concern: Both breeds are brachycephalic; Boston Terriers are also prone to patellar luxation and eye conditions including cataracts and corneal ulcers

7. Pugweiler (Pug × Rottweiler) — The Novelty Cross

This unusual pairing has appeared online and in some novelty breeding programs. The extreme size difference between the breeds (a Rottweiler can be 10x a pug's weight) makes natural breeding dangerous and ethically questionable; artificial insemination is required.

• Size range: Highly unpredictable — 20–60+ lb (9–27+ kg)
• Coat: Short, double coat
• Temperament: Extremely variable and difficult to predict given the vastly different breed temperaments
• Notable concern: Responsible breeders generally avoid this cross due to the ethical issues around the size disparity and the unpredictability of combining a toy companion breed with a large working breed

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Beyond

Most pug mixes sold by breeders are F1 crosses — a purebred pug bred to a purebred dog of another breed. This means each puppy in the litter could look and behave quite differently from its siblings. One Puggle puppy might have the beagle's long ears and hunting drive, while its littermate looks almost entirely pug.

The F1B backcross is sometimes used when breeders want to emphasize traits from one parent. For example, breeding a Puggle back to a beagle might produce puppies with longer muzzles and better airway anatomy, but at the cost of losing some of the pug's distinctive appearance.

Important note: Unlike some doodle breeds (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles) where multigenerational breeding programs have been established over decades, pug mixes are almost exclusively F1. There are no established multigen breeding lines for Puggles, Maltipugs, or other pug crosses. This means predictability remains low across the board.

Size, Coat, and Appearance: What to Expect

Size Range Across Popular Pug Mixes

Mix	Min Weight	Max Weight	Height Range
Puggle	15 lb (7 kg)	30 lb (14 kg)	10–15 in
Maltipug	8 lb (3.6 kg)	18 lb (8.2 kg)	8–12 in
Chug	8 lb (3.6 kg)	15 lb (6.8 kg)	8–12 in
Pug-Zu	10 lb (4.5 kg)	20 lb (9 kg)	9–13 in
Daug	12 lb (5.4 kg)	25 lb (11.3 kg)	9–13 in
Bugg	14 lb (6.4 kg)	22 lb (10 kg)	10–14 in

Coat Inheritance: The Genetic Lottery

Coat type is one of the most variable traits in pug mixes because the pug carries genes for a short, smooth double coat, while the other parent may carry genes for long hair, wire hair, curly hair, or a single coat. Here's how inheritance typically works:

• Short-coat parent (beagle, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua smooth): Puppies usually inherit a short, smooth coat. Shedding is moderate to heavy.
• Long-coat parent (Maltese, Shih Tzu, long-haired Chihuahua): Puppies may inherit anything from short to medium-long hair. Texture can be straight, wavy, or slightly curly. Grooming needs increase significantly if the longer coat is inherited.
• Wire-coat parent (wire-haired dachshund): Less common, but puppies may inherit a rougher, wiry texture that requires hand-stripping.

Are Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?

No. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and pug mixes are no exception. Even when crossed with a lower-shedding breed like the Maltese, there is no guarantee that individual puppies will inherit the low-shedding coat. The pug's double coat sheds heavily, and that trait frequently appears in F1 mixes. If you have dog allergies, a pug mix is not a safe choice without spending extended time with the specific dog first.

Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios

Temperament in mixed breeds is where individual variation becomes most apparent. While parent breeds give you a range of possibilities, any given puppy can land anywhere within (or occasionally outside) that range.

Best-Case Temperament Scenario

The ideal pug mix inherits the pug's affectionate, people-oriented nature combined with the other breed's strengths. A well-socialized Puggle, for example, might be friendly with strangers (beagle influence), playful and entertaining (pug influence), and slightly more athletic and breathing-comfortable than a pure pug. Most pug mixes bond deeply with their families and do well with children when properly socialized during the critical 3–14 week window.

Challenging Temperament Scenario

The difficult combination occurs when a pug mix inherits the pug's stubbornness alongside the other breed's more challenging traits. Examples:

• Pug + Beagle: Pug stubbornness + beagle scent obsession = a dog that is nearly impossible to recall off-leash and resistant to training without high-value food rewards
• Pug + Chihuahua: Pug clinginess + Chihuahua territorial behavior = a dog that may resource-guard, bark excessively, and struggle with strangers or other dogs
• Pug + Dachshund: Pug food motivation + dachshund independence = a dog that is clever enough to manipulate situations but unwilling to comply with commands it finds unrewarding

Early socialization is non-negotiable for pug mixes. Enroll in puppy classes using positive reinforcement methods — reward-based training with treats, praise, and play. Avoid aversive tools like shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls, which damage trust and can increase fear-based behaviors in sensitive companion breeds.

Health Considerations: The Hybrid Vigor Reality Check

Health Conditions Pug Mixes May Inherit

Condition	Source	Prevalence	Estimated Treatment Cost
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Pug (and Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu parents)	50–60% of brachycephalic breeds	$1,500–$5,000+ (surgical correction)
Patellar Luxation	Pug, Chihuahua, Maltese	Common in toy/small breeds	$1,500–$3,500 per knee
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund parent	~25% of dachshunds	$3,000–$8,000 (surgical)
Eye Conditions (corneal ulcers, proptosis, dry eye)	Pug, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier	High in brachycephalic breeds	$200–$3,000 depending on severity
Hip Dysplasia	Beagle parent (less common in toy breeds)	~10–15% in beagles	$1,500–$6,000 (surgical)
Dental Overcrowding / Periodontal Disease	Pug (and all small-breed parents)	80%+ of small dogs by age 3	$300–$1,200 per cleaning/extraction

The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed information on each of these conditions. Your veterinarian can discuss breed-appropriate screening tests — for pug mixes, this typically includes:

• Orthopedic screening: Patellar evaluation and, for larger mixes, hip radiographs (OFA or PennHIP certification) — typically $200–$400
• Eye examination: CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist — $100–$250
• Cardiac evaluation: Auscultation and, if indicated, echocardiogram — $300–$600
• BOAS assessment: Functional airway grading by a veterinarian experienced with brachycephalic breeds

What Responsible Breeders Should Provide

If you purchase a pug mix from a breeder, ask for documentation of health testing on both parent dogs. A responsible breeder will have:

• OFA or equivalent health clearances for both parents
• A written health guarantee (minimum 1 year, ideally 2 years)
• A take-back clause requiring the dog be returned to them if you cannot keep it
• Proof that the breeding was planned intentionally (not accidental)

Always consider adoption from a rescue or shelter as well. Many pug mixes end up in rescue when owners underestimate the care requirements or when behavioral issues arise from inadequate socialization. Breed-specific rescues (like Pug rescue organizations) often take in pug mixes alongside purebreds.

Cost Breakdown: Buying, Adopting, and Annual Care

Expense	Low Range	Mid Range	High Range
Puppy from breeder	$500	$1,000–$1,500	$2,500+
Adoption from rescue	$150	$300–$400	$500
First-year veterinary care	$500	$800–$1,200	$2,000+
Annual ongoing care (food, vet, supplies)	$800	$1,200–$1,800	$2,500+
Grooming (if longer coat inherited)	$0 (home grooming)	$40–$60/session	$600+/year
Pet insurance (annual premium)	$360	$600–$800	$1,200+

Pug mix puppies from breeders typically range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the popularity of the specific cross, the breeder's reputation, and geographic location. Puggles remain the most widely available and tend to fall in the $800–$1,500 range. More unusual crosses like Pug-Zus may command higher prices simply due to scarcity.

Adoption through a pug-specific rescue or general small-breed rescue typically costs $200–$400 and often includes spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and a veterinary exam — making it a significantly more affordable entry point.

Grooming and Daily Care by Coat Type

Grooming needs depend entirely on which parent's coat the dog inherits:

Short-Coat Pug Mix (inherited pug or beagle coat)

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks, or as needed
• Wrinkle care: If facial wrinkles are inherited, clean daily with a damp cloth or veterinary-recommended wrinkle wipe to prevent yeast and bacterial infections
• Nail trimming: Every 2–4 weeks
• Dental care: Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste — small breeds are at extreme risk for periodontal disease

Medium-to-Long Coat Pug Mix (inherited Maltese, Shih Tzu coat)

• Brushing: Daily to prevent matting, especially behind ears and in armpits
• Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for trimming and sanitary clips
• Eye care: Daily wiping to remove tear staining (common in both pugs and Maltese)
• Ear cleaning: Weekly if ears are floppy (beagle influence) or hairy (Maltese influence)

Who Should Consider a Pug Mix?

Pug mixes are best suited for households that match the following profile:

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a pug mix?

A pug mix is the offspring of one purebred pug and one purebred dog of another breed. The most common pairings include pug × beagle (Puggle), pug × Maltese (Maltipug), pug × Chihuahua (Chug), pug × Shih Tzu (Pug-Zu), pug × dachshund (Daug), and pug × Boston Terrier (Bugg). Each combination produces a different blend of traits.

How big will my pug mix get?

Most pug mixes fall in the 8–30 lb (3.6–14 kg) range depending on the other parent breed. A Maltipug or Chug will typically stay under 18 lb, while a Puggle can reach 25–30 lb. Individual puppies within the same litter can vary by 5 lb or more, so exact adult size is difficult to predict until 6–8 months of age.

What will the temperament of a pug mix be like?

Pug mixes are generally affectionate, people-oriented companion dogs. They tend to bond closely with their families and enjoy being near their owners. However, temperament varies significantly based on the other parent breed and individual genetics. Some pug mixes are outgoing and gregarious; others may be reserved, territorial, or highly independent. Early socialization (exposure to diverse people, sounds, surfaces, and experiences between 3 and 14 weeks) is the single most influential factor in shaping adult temperament.

Is a pug mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No pug mix can be considered hypoallergenic. Pugs are heavy shedders for their coat length, and this trait frequently appears in mixed offspring. Even when crossed with a lower-shedding breed like the Maltese, there is no guarantee that a specific puppy will inherit the low-shedding coat. If allergies are a concern, spend extended time with the individual dog before committing to adoption or purchase.

What health issues might my pug mix inherit?

The most significant inherited risk is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) from the pug side, which affects breathing, exercise tolerance, and heat regulation. Other common concerns include patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), dental overcrowding and periodontal disease, eye conditions (corneal ulcers, dry eye, proptosis), and — depending on the other parent — conditions like IVDD (dachshund parent) or hip dysplasia (beagle parent). Consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate screening and maintain regular wellness exams at least annually.

How much does a pug mix cost?

Pug mix puppies from breeders typically cost $500–$2,500, with most falling in the $800–$1,500 range. Adoption from a rescue costs $150–$500 and usually includes initial veterinary care. Budget an additional $800–$2,000 for first-year expenses including vaccinations, spay/neuter, supplies, and preventive medications. Pet insurance for a pug mix typically runs $30–$100/month depending on coverage level, deductible, and the dog's age at enrollment.

Can pug mixes be left alone during the day?

Pug mixes are companion dogs that generally do not tolerate long periods of solitude well. Most can handle 4–6 hours alone if properly crate-trained and exercised beforehand, but 8+ hours daily without a midday break often leads to separation anxiety, destructive behavior, or excessive barking. Doggy daycare, a dog walker, or a pet camera with treat-dispensing capability can help manage longer absences.

Do pug mixes get along with other pets?

Most pug mixes are sociable with other dogs when properly socialized, inheriting the pug's generally friendly disposition. Cats and small animals are more variable — beagle-influenced mixes may have higher prey drive, while Maltese or Shih Tzu-influenced mixes tend to be more neutral. Always introduce new pets gradually and supervise initial interactions.