Chug Overview
Chug Characteristics
About The Chug
What Is A Chihuahua Pug Mix called?
When a Chihuahua is crossed with a Pug, the offspring is called a Chug.
These dogs can also be called Chihuahua-Pug, Chugg, or Pughuahua. But we’re sure you’ll agree that Chug is the much catchier name for these little, loving pets!
Chugs are known for being friendly, playful, and loyal. They like to bond more with one member of the family than the others, and they’ll protect their chosen human in any way possible.
These dogs are wonderful, so why wouldn’t you want to learn more about them? Keep reading our ultimate guide to do just that.
Chug Breed History
Thought to have originated in the US in the early 2000s.
Popularized by celebrities who wanted handbag dogs.
Can minimize the effects of overbreeding their purebred parents.
There isn’t much information on the history of the Chug, as they are a relatively new breed. However, it’s assumed that they were first bred in the early 2000s, as this is when the small dog came into fashion, often being carried around in bags by celebrities.
People everywhere wanted a small dog of their own to carry around, so the demand for Chihuahuas and Pugs grew exponentially.
This led to overbreeding, which made these purebreds much more prone to health issues later in life.
Mixing the Pug and Chihuahua together offered the best of both worlds – a small dog that was less prone to health conditions. Who wouldn’t want a Chug?
As expected, demand grew for Chugs as soon as they were introduced to the pet market. More breeders jumped on the bandwagon, and now the Chug is an established mixed breed in the US and other parts of the world.
Chug Personality & Temperament
Supervise them at all times around small children.
Have a tendency to yap.
Can become attached to one member of the household more than others.
The best way to describe a Chug is sociable and stubborn. They’re clever dogs, but they’ll only allow you to see this side of them on their terms. They need plenty of mental stimulation and challenges throughout the day to keep boredom at bay.
Many Chugs experience small dog syndrome, which can make them more likely to be assertive around strangers and larger dogs.
They tend to be good with children provided that they are socialized from an early age, although we’d recommend keeping them around older children only.
Small children might not know how to play with a dog properly. As the Chug is a small dog, they are more prone to getting injured when playing with children. So, always keep an eye on them when around children.
Like the Chihuahua, the Chug can get attached to one family member. They might become territorial of this person and want to spend all of their time with them.
Chugs don’t like being left alone for very long and they enjoy traveling with their owners wherever they’re going.
Chug Health
Fewer health issues are inherited from parent breeds.
Could suffer from heatstroke and breathing issues if they inherit the Pug’s nose.
Periodontal diseases are a concern for smaller dogs.
There aren’t too many health issues to be concerned about when it comes to the Chug, because they’re a mixed breed and therefore have less chance of inheriting the health concerns of the parent breeds.
Major concerns to look out for are Patellar Luxation and Collapsed Trachea. Minor issues include Dry Eye and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Chugs that inherit the squashed muzzle of the Pug might be prone to breathing problems similar to their parent breed.
They might also be susceptible to heatstroke, so limit their time outdoors in the summer and always offer them a shaded spot to relax.
Small dog breeds can suffer from dental issues due to overcrowding across their smaller jaws.
To avoid your Chug suffering for too long, take them to a routine vet checkup at least once a year. This minimizes suffering and pain while maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Chug Training
Use positive reinforcement only.
Ensure the favorite family member is the main trainer.
Not the best breed for trainability.
As far as mixed-breed dogs go, the Chug is not the best to train. They can suffer from small dog syndrome as well as develop a stubborn side thanks to their Chihuahua parent.
They’ll only be willing to train when they want to, so don’t be surprised if they refuse to listen to your commands.
Chugs tend to bond more with one family member and they’ll be more inclined to listen to them.
This is because they like to please their chosen favorite owner, more so than other members. Always use positive reinforcement and remember – patience is key!
Chug Exercise Requirements
Use positive reinforcement only.
Ensure the favorite family member is the main trainer.
Not the best breed for trainability.
Chugs might be small, but they still have plenty of energy to burn! They get tired quickly due to their small legs and thick bodies, but their energy levels replenish just as fast.
So, they’ll prefer to have lots of quick play times throughout the day rather than one long walk.
Chugs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise a day, but something as simple as running errands could tire them out.
They need plenty of training time to stimulate their brains but keep the training sessions short and exciting. Chugs are great dogs for seniors who can’t keep up with a high-exercise needs dog. They’re also the ideal candidates for living in apartments.
Chug Diet & Feeding
Choose food formulated for small dogs.
Look for kibble fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Chugs should be fed a diet formulated for small dogs with moderate energy levels. Both parent breeds are known for gaining weight quickly, which can lead to obesity.
This means that this is a common issue for Chugs, so make sure you only feed them enough for their body weight.
As Chugs often also deal with dental problems, feed them high-quality food that will be gentle enough on their teeth. If your dog suffers from lots of skin issues, choose food fortified with vitamins.
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Chug Cost
Costs between $600 and $800.
Always shop around to ensure you’re using a reputable breeder.
Chugs have been in high demand since they originated in the early 2000s, so there are plenty of breeders offering them.
This has lowered their price slightly, so you can now find them for around $600 to $800. Remember to always opt for a reputable breeder rather than an untrustworthy breeder.
Ongoing costs include furniture, food, sturdy toys, lots of treats, and vet bills. Insurance might be higher due to the health concerns both parents offer the gene pool.
