MyEmbrace Login 
Prepare yourselves for endless laughs and cuddles—meet the Chug! These adorable pups are the perfect blend of Chihuahua sass and Pug playfulness, packing big personalities into their small, lovable frames. Whether they’re zipping around with bursts of energy or snuggling up close, Chugs know how to steal the spotlight. And your heart.
These little dogs are as entertaining as they are affectionate, making them a fantastic choice for families, singles, or anyone looking for a loyal companion. Curious about what it’s like to live with a Chug? From their quirky traits to their care needs, you’ll discover just why these pint-sized pups have captured the hearts of so many. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Chugs!
Quick Facts About Chugs
Name: Chug, Pughuahua, Chi-Pug
Origin: United States (Designer breed)
Size: 10-20 pounds, 6-12 inches tall
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Appearance: Compact body, wrinkled face (varies), short to medium coat
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, sometimes stubborn
Compatibility: Good with singles, seniors, families with older children
Intelligence: Smart but can be strong-willed
Exercise & Energy: Moderate activity level
Grooming Needs: Moderate, depends on coat type
Training: Needs consistent, positive reinforcement
Health: Watch for breathing issues and joint problems
Highlights: Portable size, adaptable personality
What Makes Chug Dogs Special
Perfect size for modern living: Chug dogs combine the compact nature of both parent breeds into an ideal size for any living situation. Whether in a cozy apartment or spacious home, these adaptable pups fit perfectly into urban and suburban lifestyles while being sturdy enough for daily activities.
Distinctive personality blend: These unique dogs inherit the Pug's playful charm and the Chihuahua's confident spirit, creating a companion who's both entertaining and devoted. Their expressive faces and dynamic personalities make them standout characters in the world of designer breeds.
Exceptional companion dogs: Chugs form incredibly strong bonds with their families, often becoming devoted shadows to their favorite humans. While small in stature, they offer big love and unwavering loyalty.
Portable yet protective: Despite their small size, Chugs make surprisingly effective watchdogs, inheriting the Chihuahua's alert nature and the Pug's bravery. Their portable size combined with their protective instincts makes them ideal travel companions who can keep a watchful eye on their family wherever they go.
What Do Chugs Look Like?
When it comes to looks, full grown Chug dogs can vary widely in appearance, taking characteristics from both parent breeds. Some Chugs inherit the Pug's signature wrinkles, while others display the Chihuahua's more refined features. Their expressive eyes and compact bodies make them undeniably adorable.
A Chug’s Size
Full grown chihuahua pug mix dogs usually weigh between 10-20 pounds and stand 6-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size makes them perfect for apartment living and easy to transport, though they're sturdy enough to handle regular play sessions.
What Type of Coat Do Chugs Have?
Chug dogs can sport different coat types depending on their genetic makeup. Most have short, smooth coats like their Pug parent, while others might have slightly longer fur if they take after a long-coated Chihuahua parent. Colors vary widely, including fawn, black, brown, and various combinations.
Chug Temperament and Personality
Chugs can vary widely in both their temperament and personality, depending on which parent breed they resemble more. Some might be a little more independent and sassier like a Chihuahua, while others will embody the playful, easygoing nature of a Pug. One thing’s for sure—these dogs love their humans and thrive on attention.
Are Chugs a Good Fit with Children in the Family?
When considering a good family dog, it’s important to take children’s ages into consideration. Chugs are known for being affectionate with their families and can make wonderful pets, but they're best suited to homes with older children who understand how to properly handle small dogs. This is because their small size makes them vulnerable to injury from rough play, so it is best to supervise interaction and playtime of your pug with your children.
How Well Do Chugs Mingle with Other Animals?
With proper socialization, Chug dogs generally get along well with other pets. Early exposure to different animals also helps prevent the development of aggressive tendencies that can sometimes come from their Chihuahua heritage.
How to Care for Your Chug
Chugs, though small, require attentive care. Their unique needs, inherited from both Chihuahua and Pug parents, necessitate responsible ownership. From maintaining their coats to ensuring they receive proper exercise, a little extra effort goes a long way in keeping your Chug happy and healthy.
Grooming Needs of a Chug
Chugs' grooming needs vary depending on their coat type. If they take after their Pug parent, expect regular shedding, so brushing them weekly will help control the hair around your house. If your Chug inherits the longer coat of a Chihuahua, you may need to brush more often to avoid mats and tangles. And if they have those adorable Pug wrinkles, don’t forget to clean and dry the folds regularly to prevent skin infections.
Train Your Chug
Training a Chug can sometimes be a test of patience—they’re smart, but they can also be a bit stubborn. Consistency is key, along with positive reinforcement, and starting with basic commands like teaching your dog to sit can build a strong foundation.
Short, fun training sessions with plenty of treats and praise will go a long way toward keeping them engaged. Early socialization is also important to help curb any protective tendencies they might inherit from their Chihuahua side.
A Chug’s Living Needs
Chugs adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. They tend to have a moderate activity level, so a brisk 20–30-minute walk or some active play will usually keep them happy. Just watch out for signs of overheating, especially in hot weather, as they might inherit the Pug's brachycephalic (flat-faced) breathing issues.
Do Chugs Need Special Diet?
Chugs thrive on high-quality dog food that’s tailored to their small size and moderate activity levels. Since both Pugs and Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, it is best to monitor your Chug’s portions carefully.
Dividing their daily food intake into two meals helps maintain steady energy and blood sugar levels. So, if your Chug inherits a love of food from their Pug side, be mindful not to overfeed them. Extra weight can worsen health issues like hip dysplasia and breathing problems, so keeping them at a healthy weight is helpful to their overall well-being.
Chug Health
Chugs, like all hybrid dogs, can inherit health conditions from both parent breeds—Chihuahuas and Pugs. While they are generally healthy, it’s important to be aware of potential issues so you can keep your Chug in tip-top shape with regular veterinary care. Here are the most common health problems Chugs may face:
Common Health Issues in Chugs
Breathing Issues or Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Due to their Pug lineage, Chugs with flatter faces can develop breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or in hot weather. This condition, known as brachycephalic airway syndrome, can make it harder for them to breathe and may require lifestyle adjustments or even surgical intervention in severe cases.
Patellar Luxation
A common issue in small dogs, patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slides out of place. Chugs may develop this condition, which ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain that may require surgery. Regular check-ups can help detect this early and ensure proper treatment if needed.
Hip Dysplasia
Although more common in larger breeds, Chugs can sometimes inherit this painful condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket. This can lead to arthritis over time and may require physical therapy or surgery.
Eye Conditions
Both Pugs and Chihuahuas are prone to eye issues, and Chugs can inherit these conditions as well. They may develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), where the eyes don’t produce enough tears, leading to irritation. Regular eye check-ups are important to prevent further complications, given that Chugs are also prone to eye injuries due to their prominent eyes.
Dental Problems
Small breeds like Chihuahuas are known for dental issues, and Chugs are no exception. They can be prone to plaque buildup and gum disease, so regular brushing and professional dental care are beneficial to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Get Pet Insurance for Your Chug
Given the complex genetic background of Chug dogs, pet insurance becomes particularly important for this unique mixed breed. Both Chihuahuas and Pugs have breed-specific health conditions that can be passed down to their Chug offspring, making insurance coverage a wise investment for responsible pet parents. Since many hereditary conditions can be expensive to treat, having insurance helps ensure you can provide the best possible care without financial strain.
The key to maximizing pet insurance benefits for your Chug is enrolling them while they're young and healthy. Insurance providers typically don't cover pre-existing conditions, so securing coverage early in your Chug's life ensures you'll have support for any breed-specific issues that may develop later. With proper insurance coverage, you can focus on enjoying life with your charming Chug companion instead of worrying about potential future veterinary expenses.
Chug History
The Chug is a relatively recent addition to the world of designer dogs, gaining popularity in the late 20th century. While mixed-breed dogs have always been around, the intentional crossbreeding of Chihuahuas and Pugs began to take off in the 1990s.
This hybrid brings together two breeds with rich and fascinating histories: the ancient Chihuahua, originating from Mexico, and the Pug, with roots in China. Though Chugs don’t have the deep historical background of their parent breeds, they've quickly found their place as charming and beloved companions in many homes.
Getting a Chug
Finding the right Chug puppy requires careful research and patience. A reputable breeder will openly discuss health certifications, allow you to meet the puppy's parents, and show you their breeding environment. Remember, finding an ethical breeder is more important than finding the perfect puppy – good breeders will help match you with a Chug that fits your lifestyle while prioritizing health and temperament.
After looking into adoption fees and options as well as breeders, you may want to consider bringing home an adult Chug from rescue organizations that specialize in small breeds or Chihuahua and Pug mixes. Adult dogs often have established personalities, and many health conditions can be ruled out, plus you'll be giving a deserving dog a loving home. Whether choosing a puppy or adult, schedule a veterinary visit soon after bringing your Chug home to establish a preventive care routine, especially for dental health.
Never purchase a Chug from pet stores or online retailers who won't let you visit their facility – these sources often support puppy mills and produce unhealthy, poorly socialized puppies. Always ensure you have a clear contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that outlines responsibilities on both sides, including health guarantees and return policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chugs
How much exercise do Chug dogs need?
Chugs require moderate exercise with an average of 20-30 minutes of activity daily. This can include daily walks, playtime, or interactive games. Be careful not to over-exercise them, especially in hot weather, due to potential breathing issues.
Are Chugs good apartment dogs?
Yes! Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment dwellers, provided they get regular walks and mental stimulation.
Do Chug puppies bark a lot?
Barking tendencies vary, but many Chugs inherit the Chihuahua's watchdog nature. Early training can help manage excessive barking.
How much do Chug puppies' cost?
Expect to pay between $500-$1,500 for a Chug puppy from a reputable breeder. Remember to factor in ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, and supplies.
Are Chugs easy to train?
While intelligent, Chugs can be stubborn. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best, especially when started during puppyhood.