Yorkie Mixed With a Pug: The Complete Yorgie Breed Guide

If you've been searching for a compact companion dog and stumbled across the yorkie mixed with a pug — sometimes called a "Yorgie" or "Pugshire" — you've found one of the more unpredictable designer crosses in the small-dog world. Unlike Goldendoodles or Labradoodles where generations of selective breeding have produced relatively consistent outcomes, the Yorkie-Pug mix is still largely a first-generation experiment. That means individual puppies from the same litter can look, behave, and even shed very differently from one another.

This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect from a Yorkie-Pug cross, what varies wildly between individuals, and how to decide whether this mix fits your household. We'll cover parent breed genetics, health screenings you should demand from any breeder, and the real costs of ownership in 2026.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Yorkshire Terrier Meets Pug

Understanding a mixed-breed dog starts with understanding each parent. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug sit on nearly opposite ends of the small-dog spectrum in terms of coat, build, and energy — which is exactly why their offspring are so variable.

Parent Breed Comparison

Trait	Yorkshire Terrier	Pug
AKC Group	Toy	Toy
Weight Range	4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)	14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg)
Height	7–8 in (18–20 cm)	10–13 in (25–33 cm)
Coat Type	Long, silky, single coat (hair-like)	Short, smooth double coat
Shedding	Very low	Moderate to high
Energy Level	Moderate — feisty, alert	Low to moderate — laid-back
Trainability	Moderate — independent streak	Moderate — food-motivated, can be stubborn
Lifespan	11–15 years	13–15 years
Skull Shape	Mesocephalic (moderate muzzle)	Brachycephalic (flat-faced)

The Yorkshire Terrier originated in 19th-century England as a ratting dog in textile mills before becoming a Victorian lapdog. Despite their tiny size, Yorkies carry terrier DNA — they're bold, vocal, and prone to chasing small animals. The Pug, by contrast, descends from ancient Chinese companion dogs bred exclusively for company. Pugs are generally easygoing, sociable, and less driven by prey instinct.

How Big Does a Yorkie Mixed With a Pug Get?

Size prediction in a Yorkie-Pug mix is one of the more challenging aspects because the parent breeds differ by roughly 10 pounds. Most Yorgies fall somewhere in the middle, but litter variation is significant.

Yorkie-Pug Mix Size Range

Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder
Small end (more Yorkie influence)	7–10 lb (3.2–4.5 kg)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)
Average	10–14 lb (4.5–6.4 kg)	9–11 in (23–28 cm)
Large end (more Pug influence)	14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg)	11–13 in (28–33 cm)

A useful rule of thumb: take the average weight of both parents and expect the puppy to land within ±20% of that number. If the Yorkie parent weighs 6 lb and the Pug parent weighs 16 lb, the midpoint is 11 lb — so expect puppies between roughly 9 and 13 lb at maturity. Puppies typically reach 75% of their adult weight by 6 months and full size by 10–12 months.

Coat Types, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

This is where the Yorkie-Pug cross gets genuinely unpredictable. The two parent breeds carry very different coat genetics, and first-generation (F1) puppies can inherit any combination.

Is a Yorkie mixed with a Pug hypoallergenic? The short answer is: not reliably. While Yorkies are often called "hypoallergenic" because their hair-like coat sheds minimally and produces less dander, Pugs shed considerably. An F1 Yorkie-Pug mix has roughly a 50/50 chance of inheriting a low-shed coat, but there is no genetic guarantee. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific puppy before committing — and understand that even low-shed dogs produce allergenic proteins in their saliva and skin (Can f 1 and Can f 2), so no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Multigen Yorgies

Because the Yorgie is not a well-established designer breed like the Goldendoodle or Cavapoo, the vast majority you'll encounter are F1 crosses. This means you should expect significant variability in appearance, coat, and even adult size within a single litter.

Temperament: What Personality Will a Yorgie Have?

Temperament is the area where prospective owners most want certainty — and where mixed breeds offer the least. That said, understanding the behavioral tendencies of both parent breeds helps frame the range of possibilities.

Common temperament traits reported by Yorgie owners include:

• Affection-seeking: Both parent breeds are companion-oriented. Expect a dog who wants to be near you — on the couch, in the bathroom, at your feet while you cook.
• Moderate vocalization: Yorkies are notorious barkers; Pugs tend to grunt, snort, and occasionally bark. Most Yorgies are vocal but not incessant if trained with positive reinforcement from puppyhood.
• Moderate energy: Neither breed is a high-drive athlete. Expect 30–45 minutes of daily activity — two short walks plus indoor play sessions.
• Potential separation anxiety: Both breeds bond closely with owners. A Yorgie left alone for 8+ hours daily is at high risk for distress behaviors (barking, destructive chewing, house-soiling).

Early socialization — exposure to diverse people, sounds, surfaces, and other animals between 3 and 14 weeks — is the single most impactful thing you can do to shape temperament. Enroll in a force-free puppy kindergarten class (look for trainers certified through CCPDT or IAABC) and avoid any program that uses punishment-based methods.

Health Considerations: Inherited Risks From Both Parents

Let's address a common myth directly: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health risks in designer mixes. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) applies primarily to traits controlled by many genes — like overall vitality and fertility. It does not protect against inherited conditions caused by dominant or co-dominant genes, and it only reduces recessive disease risk if both parent breeds don't carry the same mutation. Since many small-breed conditions are shared across breeds, a Yorgie can inherit problems from either side.

Health Conditions to Screen For

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence	Screening Method
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Pug	High in Pugs (~50%+ show clinical signs per veterinary studies)	Assess muzzle length; respiratory exam
Patellar Luxation	Both	Common in toy breeds (estimated 5–20%)	Orthopedic exam; OFA certification
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease	Yorkie	Higher in Yorkies and small terriers	X-ray; OFA evaluation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both	Present in both breeds	DNA test (Optigen or Embark); CERF/OFA eye exam
Tracheal Collapse	Yorkie	Up to 20% of Yorkies develop it, typically after age 5	Clinical signs; radiographs; fluoroscopy
Dental Disease	Both	Extremely common in small breeds — most have periodontal disease by age 3	Annual veterinary dental exam
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE / NME)	Pug	Rare but fatal — estimated 1–2% of Pugs	DNA risk marker; MRI for diagnosis

Brachycephalic airway concerns deserve special attention. If your Yorgie inherits a shortened muzzle from the Pug parent, they may develop BOAS — a condition where narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrow trachea make breathing difficult. Signs include noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity, and gagging. The AVMA notes that brachycephalic dogs are at significantly higher risk for heatstroke and anesthesia complications.

What to ask a breeder: Request OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP clearances for both parents' patellas, a current CERF/OFA eye exam, and DNA test results for PRA. If the Pug parent has a notably short muzzle, ask about BOAS screening. A responsible breeder will have these documents ready — if they don't, walk away.

Always consult your veterinarian about a preventive health plan tailored to your individual dog's build, coat type, and inherited risk profile. Annual wellness exams should include a dental assessment, patellar check, and weight monitoring — obesity dramatically worsens both BOAS and patellar luxation.

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming requirements depend entirely on which coat type your Yorgie inherits. Here's a practical breakdown:

Grooming Schedule by Coat Type

Task	Yorkie-Type Coat	Blended Coat	Pug-Type Coat
Brushing	Daily (pin/slicker brush)	3–4× per week (slicker + comb)	1–2× per week (rubber curry brush)
Professional Grooming	Every 6–8 weeks ($50–$80 per session)	Every 8–12 weeks ($40–$65)	Not typically needed
Bathing	Every 2–3 weeks	Every 3–4 weeks	Every 4–6 weeks
Facial Fold Cleaning	Usually not needed	If folds present: 2–3× per week	Daily to every other day
Nail Trimming	Every 2–3 weeks	Every 2–3 weeks	Every 2–3 weeks
Dental Brushing	Daily (critical for all small breeds)	Daily	Daily

Facial fold care is important if your Yorgie inherits any degree of Pug-like wrinkling. Moisture and debris trapped in facial folds cause yeast and bacterial infections. Clean folds with a soft cloth or veterinary-recommended wipe (chlorhexidine-based wipes like VetOne or Pet MD) and dry thoroughly.

Exercise needs are moderate. Plan for:

• Two walks of 15–20 minutes daily
• Indoor play sessions (fetch, tug, puzzle toys) for 10–15 minutes
• Avoid exercise in high heat or humidity if your dog has any brachycephalic features — heatstroke risk is real
• Use a harness rather than a collar for walks to reduce pressure on the trachea (especially important given the Yorkie-side tracheal collapse risk)

Cost: How Much Does a Yorkie-Pug Mix Cost?

Pricing for designer mixes varies widely based on breeder reputation, location, and whether health testing has been performed on the parent dogs.

Yorgie Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Source	Price Range	What to Expect
Responsible breeder (health-tested parents, OFA/DNA clearances)	$1,200–$2,500	Health guarantee, take-back clause, socialization program, veterinary records
Casual/backyard breeder	$500–$1,000	Limited or no health testing, minimal documentation, no take-back guarantee
Rescue or shelter adoption	$150–$400	Spay/neuter included, initial vaccinations, variable health history; Yorgies occasionally appear in small-breed rescues

First-year ownership costs beyond the purchase price typically run $1,800–$3,200, including:

• Initial veterinary exam and vaccinations: $200–$400
• Spay/neuter (if not included): $300–$700
• Grooming (if Yorkie-type coat, 6–8 sessions): $300–$640
• High-quality small-breed diet (annual): $300–$500
• Pet insurance (recommended for mixed breeds with dual-breed health risks): $35–$60/month ($420–$720/year)
• Gear (harness, crate, bed, toys, dental supplies): $200–$400
• Puppy training class (force-free, 6–8 weeks): $150–$300

Yorgies are uncommon enough that you won't find them at every breeder or rescue. Check small-breed rescue organizations like Small Paws Rescue or local Pug and Yorkie breed-specific rescues — mixed-breed dogs from these breeds sometimes end up in their care. Petfinder.com allows you to search by size and location for similar small mixes.

Who Is the Yorkie-Pug Mix Best Suited For?

The Yorgie's ideal owner is someone who values companionship over athleticism, can tolerate some behavioral unpredictability, and is prepared for the grooming and dental care that small breeds require. If you want a dog you can predict down to the exact coat type and adult weight, a purebred Yorkie or purebred Pug from a health-tested breeder will give you more certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a Yorgie?

A Yorgie is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pug. Both are AKC Toy Group breeds, but they differ significantly in build, coat type, and skull shape. The Yorkie contributes a small frame and silky low-shed coat, while the Pug contributes a stockier build, short double coat, and potentially a brachycephalic (flat) face.

How big will my Yorkie-Pug mix get?

Most Yorgies weigh between 7 and 18 lb (3.2–8.2 kg) and stand 7 to 13 inches (18–33 cm) at the shoulder. The average falls around 10–14 lb. Exact size depends on which parent's genes are more dominant and the specific size of each parent dog.

Are Yorkie-Pug mixes good with children?

They can be, with important caveats. Yorgies are small enough that a toddler could accidentally injure them by dropping, squeezing, or stepping on them. Families with children under 8 should wait or consider a sturdier small breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Older children who can be taught gentle handling and respect for the dog's space generally do well with Yorgies.

Do Yorkie-Pug mixes bark a lot?

Barking tendency varies. Yorkies are famously vocal, and Pugs tend to be less so but make up for it with snorting and grunting. Most Yorgies fall somewhere in between — alert enough to bark at the doorbell but not constant barkers if trained early with positive reinforcement methods. Never use a shock collar or punishment-based bark control; instead, teach a "quiet" cue using treat rewards.

What is the lifespan of a Yorkie mixed with a Pug?

Expect 12–15 years, consistent with both parent breeds. Longevity depends heavily on maintaining a healthy weight (obesity shortens small-breed lifespans by an estimated 2+ years), keeping up with dental care, and managing any inherited conditions like BOAS or patellar luxation proactively.

Can I find a Yorkie-Pug mix at a rescue?

Yes, though they're uncommon. Check Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, and breed-specific rescues for both Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs — mixed-breed dogs from these breeds occasionally appear. Adoption fees typically range from $150–$400 and usually include spay/neuter and initial vaccinations.