Pug and Yorkshire Terrier Mix: The Complete Porgie Breed Guide

What Is a Pug and Yorkshire Terrier Mix?

The pug and Yorkshire Terrier mix — most commonly called the Porgie (sometimes "Pugshire" or "York-Pug") — is a small designer crossbreed that combines the clownish charm of the Pug with the bold, spirited personality of the Yorkshire Terrier. Standing roughly 8 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 7 and 18 pounds, this mix lands firmly in the toy-to-small category, making it a popular choice for apartment dwellers and families looking for a compact companion.

Unlike purebred dogs governed by an AKC breed standard, the Porgie has no single governing standard. That means individual dogs can vary significantly in appearance, coat type, and even temperament depending on which parent they favor. Understanding both parent breeds is the key to predicting what you might get.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Pug vs. Yorkshire Terrier

To understand what a Porgie might be like, you need to look closely at both parent breeds. Each contributes a distinct set of physical and behavioral traits, and the resulting mix can lean heavily toward either side.

Parent Breed Comparison Table

Trait	Pug	Yorkshire Terrier
AKC Group	Toy	Toy
Weight	14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg)	4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)
Height	10–13 in (25–33 cm)	7–8 in (18–20 cm)
Coat	Short, smooth, double coat	Long, silky, single coat (hair-like)
Shedding	Moderate to heavy (surprisingly high for short coat)	Very low — considered low-shedding
Muzzle Shape	Brachycephalic (flat-faced)	Mesocephalic (proportionate)
Temperament	Affectionate, playful, people-oriented	Bold, alert, independent, terrier-driven
Lifespan	13–15 years	11–15 years
Origin	China (ancient breed)	England (19th century)

The Pug brings a laid-back, sociable disposition and a compact, sturdy build. Pugs are famously people-oriented — they follow their owners from room to room and thrive on physical closeness. The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, brings terrier tenacity: a higher prey drive, a tendency to vocalize, and a fearless confidence that belies their tiny size. According to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier breed profile, Yorkies are "tomboyish" for a small dog, and that energy can absolutely surface in a Porgie.

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Beyond

Unlike Poodle mixes (Doodles), which are often bred through multiple generations to lock in a low-shedding coat, the Porgie is almost always an F1 cross. Multigen Porgie breeding programs are uncommon, which means predictability remains limited even if you find a breeder advertising "second-generation" puppies.

Size, Coat, and Appearance: The Variability Factor

One of the biggest questions prospective Porgie owners ask is: "How big will my dog actually get?" The honest answer is that there's a meaningful range, especially in F1 puppies.

Porgie Size Range by Likely Parent Influence

Parent Lean	Weight	Height at Shoulder	Build Description
Pug-dominant	14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg)	12–15 in (30–38 cm)	Stocky, barrel-chested, shorter legs
Balanced (50/50)	10–14 lb (4.5–6.4 kg)	10–13 in (25–33 cm)	Compact but proportionate
Yorkie-dominant	7–10 lb (3.2–4.5 kg)	8–11 in (20–28 cm)	Fine-boned, lighter frame

Coat Type Possibilities

The Porgie's coat is one of the most variable traits in the cross, and it depends entirely on which parent's genes dominate:

• Short and smooth (Pug-type): A dense double coat that lies flat against the body. These dogs shed more than you'd expect — Pugs are notorious shedders despite their short hair. Expect seasonal blowouts in spring and fall.
• Medium-length and silky (Yorkie-type): Longer, finer hair that may be straight or slightly wavy. This coat type is lower-shedding but requires more frequent brushing to prevent matting, especially behind the ears and around the legs.
• Blended coat: A medium-length coat with some wave or texture, often with a slightly longer fringe on the ears, chest, and tail. This is common in balanced F1 Porgies and requires moderate grooming.

Color Variations

Porgies can appear in fawn, black, tan, blue-and-tan, silver, or parti-color combinations. A Pug-dominant Porgie is more likely to be solid fawn with a black mask, while a Yorkie-dominant one may show the classic blue-and-tan saddle pattern. Mixed coloration — such as fawn with darker points — is common.

Muzzle Shape and Brachycephaly

This is a critical point many breed profiles gloss over. If your Porgie inherits the Pug's brachycephalic (shortened) skull structure, they may be at risk for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) — a condition where narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a compressed airway make breathing difficult. Dogs with a more Yorkie-like muzzle length are far less likely to experience this. When evaluating a Porgie puppy, look for open nostrils and observe whether the puppy breathes quietly at rest. Noisy breathing, snorting, or exercise intolerance in a young puppy warrants a veterinary evaluation.

Temperament: What to Expect From a Porgie

Porgie temperament sits on a spectrum, and understanding the range helps you prepare for the dog you actually get — not the one you imagined.

Best-Case Scenario

A well-socialized Porgie that blends the Pug's easygoing affection with the Yorkie's alertness makes a delightful companion. These dogs tend to be:

• Deeply bonded to their primary person — a true "velcro dog"
• Playful in short bursts but content to lounge for hours
• Alert enough to bark at the doorbell but not prone to nuisance barking
• Sociable with familiar people and accepting of strangers after a brief greeting period
• Adaptable to apartment living without needing a yard

Challenging Scenario

A Porgie that inherits the Yorkie's wariness combined with the Pug's stubbornness can present training and socialization challenges:

• Small dog syndrome: Without consistent boundaries, Porgies can develop pushy or snappish behavior, particularly if owners treat them as fragile and avoid correcting unwanted behavior
• Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds are prone to distress when left alone for long periods. A Porgie left crated for 8+ hours daily may develop destructive or vocalizing habits
• Prey drive: Yorkie-influenced Porgies may chase cats, small dogs, or wildlife, requiring careful management on walks
• Stubbornness in training: Pugs are intelligent but often unmotivated by obedience for its own sake. Combined with a terrier's independent streak, this can make recall and leash training slow

Positive reinforcement training — using high-value treats, clicker markers, and short 5-minute sessions — works best for this mix. Force-free, reward-based methods build confidence without triggering the defensive reactivity that aversive tools (shock collars, prong collars) can create in sensitive small dogs.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The idea that mixed-breed dogs are automatically healthier than purebreds is an oversimplification. While research published in veterinary genetics journals suggests that outcrossing can reduce the risk of certain recessive disorders, a Porgie can still inherit any condition common to either parent breed. What hybrid vigor does is reduce the probability of inheriting two copies of the same recessive gene — it does not eliminate health risks.

Health Conditions to Screen For

Inherited Health Risks by Parent Breed

Condition	Inherited From	What to Watch For	Estimated Vet Cost
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Pug	Noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity, collapse episodes	$1,500–$5,000 (surgical correction)
Patellar Luxation	Both	Intermittent "skipping" of a hind leg, reluctance to jump	$1,000–$3,500 per knee
Dental Disease	Both (crowded teeth from Pug side)	Bad breath, red gums, tooth loss by age 3–5	$300–$800 per cleaning
Eye Conditions (PDE, corneal ulcers, dry eye)	Pug	Squinting, discharge, cloudiness, sudden vision changes	$200–$2,000+ depending on condition
Tracheal Collapse	Yorkie	"Goose honk" cough, especially when excited or pulling on leash	$500–$3,000 (management to surgery)
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)	Yorkie	Stunted growth, disorientation after eating, seizures in young dogs	$2,000–$6,000 (surgical)
Hip Dysplasia	Pug	Bunny-hopping gait, difficulty rising, hind limb lameness	$1,500–$5,000 (surgical options)

Responsible breeder screening: Ask for proof of OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluations, eye clearances from a veterinary ophthalmologist, and — if the Pug parent has a notably flat face — a functional airway assessment. For the Yorkie parent, request evidence of liver shunt screening (bile acids test) and cardiac evaluation.

Always consult your veterinarian about a preventive care plan tailored to your individual dog's conformation and health history. A brachycephalic-leaning Porgie needs a very different management plan than one with a longer muzzle.

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming by Coat Type

Your Porgie's grooming schedule depends on which coat they inherit:

• Short Pug-type coat: Brush 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush to manage shedding. Bathe every 4–6 weeks. Clean facial wrinkles daily with a damp cloth or wrinkle wipe to prevent yeast and bacterial infections — this is non-negotiable for Pug-leaning Porgies with skin folds.
• Longer Yorkie-type coat: Brush daily with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks for a trim. Bathe every 2–3 weeks using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo.
• Blended coat: Brush 3–4 times per week. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks. Pay special attention to the ear fringe and feathering on the legs.

For all Porgies: trim nails every 2–3 weeks (or when you hear clicking on hard floors), brush teeth daily with a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste, and check ears weekly for redness or odor.

Exercise Requirements

Porgies are not high-energy dogs, but they still need structured daily activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom-related behavior problems.

• Adult Porgies: 30–45 minutes of total daily activity, split into two walks (15–20 minutes each) plus indoor play or training sessions
• Puppies (under 12 months): Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age rule per walk (e.g., a 4-month-old gets roughly 20 minutes per outing)
• Senior Porgies (8+ years): Shorter, slower walks with more rest breaks; adjust for joint stiffness or respiratory limitations

Critical heat warning: If your Porgie has any degree of brachycephaly, avoid outdoor exercise when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C). Brachycephalic dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently through panting, and heatstroke can develop in minutes. Walk in early morning or evening, carry water, and watch for excessive panting or a dark purple tongue.

Feeding and Weight Management

Pugs are notoriously food-motivated and prone to obesity. A Porgie that inherits this trait needs strict portion control. Feed a high-quality, AAFCO-certified small-breed formula, measured by weight not by eye. For a 10–14 lb (4.5–6.4 kg) adult Porgie, expect to feed approximately ¼ to ½ cup of dry kibble twice daily, adjusted based on activity level and body condition score (BCS). Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal BCS — you should be able to feel (but not prominently see) the ribs, and the dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above.

Cost: What You'll Pay for a Porgie

Purchase Price

Porgie puppies from breeders typically range from $500 to $1,500, though prices vary by region, breeder reputation, and whether health testing documentation is provided. Puppies priced below $500 often come from backyard breeders or puppy mills where health screening is nonexistent — the upfront savings can translate into thousands in veterinary costs within the first few years.

Some breeders charge a premium ($1,200–$2,000) for "teacup" or "mini" Porgies, which are typically the runts of a litter or dogs bred from undersized parents. These dogs carry elevated health risks including hypoglycemia, fragile bones, and dental overcrowding. Approach any breeder advertising unusually small sizes with caution.

Rescue and Adoption

Porgies and similar small-breed mixes regularly appear in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption fees typically range from $150 to $400 and often include spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and microchipping. Check Pug-specific rescues (such as Pug Rescue Network affiliates) and Yorkshire Terrier rescue organizations, as both intake streams may include Porgie crosses. Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet are reliable search tools for finding mixed-breed dogs in your area.

First-Year Budget Estimate

Estimated First-Year Costs for a Porgie

Category	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Purchase/Adoption	$150	$1,500
Veterinary (exams, vaccines, spay/neuter)	$400	$900
Food (premium small-breed kibble)	$180	$360
Grooming supplies or professional grooming	$100	$500
Gear (crate, harness, bed, bowls, toys)	$150	$350
Pet insurance (annual premium)	$300	$600
Total First Year	$1,280	$4,210

After the first year, expect annual costs of $800 to $2,000 for routine care, food, grooming, and insurance, not including emergency veterinary visits.

Is the Porgie Right for You?

This Mix Suits You Best If:

• You live in an apartment or smaller home without a large yard
• You're home for significant portions of the day (these dogs do poorly with 10+ hour absences)
• You want a companion dog, not a working or sport dog
• You have experience with — or patience for — small-dog training challenges
• You can commit to daily dental care and regular grooming
• You have older children (ages 8+) who understand how to interact gently with small dogs

This Mix May Not Be Ideal If:

• You work long hours away from home with no midday break option
• You have very young toddlers who may accidentally injure a small, fragile dog
• You want a highly obedient, off-leash reliable dog
• You have cats or small pets (prey drive from the Yorkie side is a real possibility)
• You're unwilling to manage potential brachycephalic health issues, including heat restrictions and possible surgical costs

How Porgies Compare to Similar Small Mixes

If you're considering a Porgie, you may also be looking at other small designer crosses. Here's how the Porgie stacks up against two common alternatives:

• Porgie vs. Puggle (Pug × Beagle): Puggles tend to be larger (15–30 lb), higher-energy, and more vocal (beagle howling). Porgies are more compact and lower-energy but may have more respiratory concerns.
• Porgie vs. Morkie (Maltese × Yorkie): Morkies are typically smaller (4–8 lb), more consistently low-shedding, and less likely to have brachycephalic issues. Porgies are sturdier and generally more laid-back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pug and Yorkshire Terrier mix hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but a Porgie that inherits the Yorkie's single-layer, hair-like coat will shed significantly less and may be better tolerated by people with mild dog allergies. However, a Porgie that inherits the Pug's double coat will shed moderately and produce more dander. You cannot predict this in advance with an F1 puppy — if low allergen exposure is a priority, consider an F1B Porgie backcrossed to a Yorkshire Terrier, or look at more predictable low-shedding mixes.

How long do Porgies typically live?

Most Porgies live between 12 and 15 years, which is consistent with both parent breeds. Dogs that maintain a lean body condition, receive regular dental care, and avoid serious respiratory or orthopedic complications can live into their mid-to-late teens. Obesity significantly shortens lifespan in small breeds — keeping your Porgie at a healthy weight is the single most impactful thing you can do for longevity.

Do Porgies bark a lot?

It depends on which parent's vocal tendencies dominate. Yorkies are alert barkers who will announce visitors, squirrels, and passing dogs. Pugs tend to be quieter but may snort, snore, and make a range of amusing vocalizations. A Porgie may inherit moderate barking tendencies — enough to serve as a "doorbell" dog without constant nuisance barking — or they may lean toward either extreme. Early training to establish a "quiet" cue helps manage this regardless of genetic tendency.

Are Porgies good with children?

Porgies can be excellent with respectful, older children (ages 8 and up) who understand that small dogs are fragile. They are not ideal for households with toddlers or very young children who may pick the dog up roughly, drop them, or invade their resting space. Any interaction between a Porgie and children should be supervised, and children should be taught to read basic canine body language — a stiff body, lip licking, and whale eye are signals the dog needs space.

Can Porgies be left alone during the day?

Most Porgies tolerate being alone for 4–6 hours if they've been gradually conditioned to it through crate training and departure desensitization. Beyond that, separation anxiety becomes a real risk, as both Pugs and Yorkies are companion breeds that thrive on human presence. If you work full-time outside the home, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare (for socialized Porgies), or a pet sitter to break up the day.

Where can I find a Porgie puppy or adopt one?

Search for Porgie puppies through reputable small-breed breeders who provide OFA health clearances for both parent breeds and allow you to meet the parents in person. Avoid pet stores and online sellers who ship puppies without a meeting. For adoption, check local shelters, Pug rescue organizations, Yorkshire Terrier rescue groups, and platforms like Petfinder. Mixed-breed small dogs are among the most commonly surrendered to shelters, so patience in your search often pays off.