Chug

Chihuahua Pug Hybrid Dogs, Pugwawa

Family: CanidaeCanis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Michelle McCarthy

  The Chug is an attentive and active companion, and though it has a short history it is one of the most sought after hybrids around.

The Chug is a mixed dog breed, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug. Chugs are lively and loyal companions. They are very affectionate and expect lots of attention. They may or may not tolerate strangers or other pets and animals, and though they usually do well with children they may or may not be the best pet for young ones. They do, however, tend to make good watchdogs. When selecting a Chug, look for eye and respiratory problems.

Common Name(s) Chug, Pugwawa

Breed Type The Chug is a mixed breed. A cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug, the Chug is a popular hybrid.

Background The Chug has a short history, but it has already become one of the most sought-after hybrids around. Most breeders produce only first generation crosses to preserve the health of the Chug.

Description Chugs come in many different colors. Their muzzles are longer than the Pug's but more blunt than the Chihuahua's. They may have short or medium length hair. Their ears are often short and floppy. Sizes vary, but Chugs are always relatively small.

Care and Feeding The Chug needs a nutritious diet and it must be fed lightly to prevent obesity. Chugs are easy to groom. Occasional brushing and as-needed baths should be sufficient. Be sure to dry your Chug quickly after bathing, and take special care to get the ears dry.
Chugs need regular checkups to stay healthy. Vaccinations are due as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

Some Chugs shed heavily. Regular vacuuming is essential during shedding periods.

Housing Your Dog Chugs should live indoors, and they do well in apartments. They have a hard time adjusting to extreme temperatures, especially cold ones.

Social Behaviors Chugs usually do well with children, but they may not be the best type of dog for young ones. They may or may not be tolerant of strangers and other dogs and pets.

Handling and Training Chugs are very smart, but they may be stubborn when it comes to training. It is important to be firm yet gentle for best results.

Activities Chugs need daily walks and play sessions to keep them happy and healthy. But it is important not to overwork them due to their tendency toward respiratory problems.

Breeding/Reproduction The fact that they come from parents of two different breeds makes most first generation Chugs very healthy. But if you breed a Chug with another Chug, it is important to check bloodlines of both your dog and any potential mate for hereditary illnesses. Eye and joint problems, and Pug Dog Encephalitis, are some of the more prevalent disorders to look for.

Common Health Problems First generation Chugs rarely have serious health problems. Of those that do, they usually consist of eye problems and respiratory difficulties. Your veterinarian can determine the best treatment for these ailments.

Availability Chugs may be difficult to find in some areas, but their growing popularity is making them easier to locate. Prices vary.

References "Chug", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Chihuahua", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Pug", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Chug Puppies", ChugPuppies.com
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Chihuahua", Referenced online, 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Pug", Referenced online, 2008

Lastest Animal Stories on Chug View all 37 Animal Stories on Chug Add Your Animal Story

Catherine - 2013-05-30 Just took in a 2 year old female Chug from a shelter. She is an amazing dog! 12 pounds of funny, sweet, cuddly, love. She has brought so much love. She rarely barks, and at that, the bark sounds like a sneeze. She is pretty funny looking, big eyes with the classic pug wrinkles, flat nose on the end of little snout, and what an under bite! Her bottom teeth usually peek through her lips. Folks cant help but smile when they see that adorable face. I always had larger dogs, but am not strong enough to walk a big dog anymore. She is a blessing! Reply

Sheryl - 2012-11-26 I got my little boy Charlie about 2 years ago and don't know really how old he is I'm thinking maybe 4. This little dog is so smart and loveable I have never had a dog love me so much we are always together and he has to give me hugs and kissess all the time and I do the same to him. He hates the cold and will not stay outside and we also have a 5 year old Lab/Newfie mix and she loves to stay outside so its kinda hard but she don't mind and they get along wonderful. The only problem I have with my chug is he always pees in my house he won't poo in the house I once read that a chug will pee in the house and mark everywhere so he can show you how loyal he is and would even die for you I don't know how true it is? If someone can help me with a way to train my chug to stop peeing in my house and he is very smart so I know he knows what he is doing he is just so stubbrn. Charlie Roche - 2012-11-26 Chugs can be house broken just like any other pup.  As to why he is doing it in the home - I really couldn't tell you.  Is he neutered?  When you say  marking his territory - if he is neutered that usually helps immensely and puts a stop to it.  Just not housebroken?  Easy to do but take a ring of keys (ones you don't use) and keep them with you.  If the Chug looks like it is going to go potty in the home or starts to go potty in the home, throw the keys down at the ground and say 'NO'.  Keys make a big noise - do not hit the pup with the keys but close to him is OK.  Big noise usually scares them and stops the peeing and then you take him out.  You can try it.  Some have put keys in a soda can but that is large - the keys just can be in your pocket. Reply

Anonymous - 2012-08-05 We have a one that is over a year old, and have had him since he could be weened from his mother. He is so sweet, but at the same time, he is a nightmare. He isn't grasping anything we have/are trying to teach him. If he get's past the kitchen door, he is running to rooms to pee and poop on the beds. He won't listen, doesn't sit, and if you tell him to stay, he stops until you turn around, then follows. I don't know what to do. Our other dog, a Shepard, is fine and we taught him the same way. Does anyone else have problems with this breed seeming 'dumb?' It is getting SO frustrating that we have seriously contemplated getting rid of him. Any suggestions? Charlie Roche - 2012-08-06 Chugs have a independent nature, although they love their humans, but it canmake training them more difficult.  Shepoherds love to please their humans and are so smart and they listen.  Chugs are the typical two year old human.  I would try and crate train him.  He is right withyou next to you where you can grab him or he is in the crate.  What you would be doing is preventing him from making any errors.  He is next to you and then you pick him up and take him outside and walk him (don't forget heel) and then he goes in his crate.  You take him out of his crate and take him back outside and he goes to the bathroom and then he comes back in - directly again right by you or where you can see him.  Get the housebreaking part down and then worry about stay.  You can use 'Stay'  'Sit' etc but just initially worry about getting him housebroken.  I would wash all the bedding or have it dry cleaned as his scent is on those items and you want to remove that sccent.  Gigi - 2012-08-20 I have a year and a half year old chug. He is very independent and intelligent. He practically potty trained himself and it could be because he hates dirt, and the smell of pee and poop. When he goes outside to potty, he tells me by barking and stops when I acknowledge that he did his business and follows me to pick it up. Your chug needs to learn that pee or poop on beds is wrong. Because they hate the smell, make sure you make them smell and say NO. Wash out all evidence of their pee and poop and they won't go back. Save a piece of paper towel with a tiny bit of pee and place it where you want your chug to do its business. Sometimes when I command my chug to do simple things like SIT, he conveniently turns DUMB like yours. I have to stand up and be above him and say in a stern voice to SIT then he follows. They are very sensitive to your tone of voice. Be it a stern command or a sweet I love you. My chug learns a trick with just one session. But I have to keep asking to see that trick or command. He really gets it and when he gets a petting, he will use his paw to show me where he wants to be scratched. Sometimes I feel like he will speak in human words one day. Extremely smart and independent dogs can be very difficult but also very rewarding. Chugs need a lot of excercise. Make sure yours gets a lot. You will notice that their chihuahua personality takes over and they are hyper then once the energy is expended, they 'pug out' like a light. Be patient. Your dog loves you and needs a lot of attention. I mean A LOT of attention. Reply

Trinette - 2012-10-22 Hello folks, I have what I suspect is a Chug. His name is Benji. A of a friend of mine needed to rehouse him and I accepted. I believe him to be about a year old but I'm not sure. I have a 13 yr. old female black pug that is blind in one eye and going blind in the other. He is a bit much for her but they are learning to get along. I can tell he is very intelligent and learns quickly. I'm looking forward to many years of bonding with him. As he is unaltered I wonder if this will be a problem for him or if neutering is best. I believe in neutering my animals as I am not a breeder nor want to be an accidental one. My pug is spayed so no accidents here. He doesn't hump people and has figured out that my pug doesn't want to be humped for dominance or pleasure. Thank you for your earlier comments about your chugs. Charlie Roche - 2012-10-23 I think it is always good to spay/neuter a pet if you aren't intending to breed.  The two pups should bond and get along quite well and I think you will find the Chug will lead the Pug around helping with the lack of sight which is a good thing. Anonymous - 2012-12-09 We just got a chug a week ago and she keeps biting and nibbling. How do I reduce the nibbling and biting? Reply

Shirley - 2012-11-24 I recently adopted a 1 1/2 year old chug from a rescue shelter. He is the most stubborn dog I know. He knows what you are talking about but will only do it if he wants to. Since he is older can someone give some advise on what to do. He was house trained when I got him. So this was a big plus. It is just like having a stubborn toddler in the house. I know I kinda have him spoiled he only sleeps with me because he likes the electric blanket. I got him his own and he won't sleep in it. He thinks every time I shower he is suppose to jump in. He follows me all around the house and will not go lay down until I sit down. When I do sit down. He makes me hold him in my lap. Any tips on how I can break some of these behaviors. Charlie Roche - 2012-11-24 Have no fear, you are doing very well.  It sounds like your furry friend is training you quite well and that is all that is needed for a perfect relationship.  Seriously, nature of the pooch - just enjoy it and if a particular behavior bothers you - just say 'NO' and put him in his bed or in a crate.  Sounds like he loves you and all affection on his part though. Shirley - 2012-11-24 Thank you. I love him so much I just want him to know when I say no I mean no! You are right I feel like he is training me than me training him. :). Charlie Roche - 2012-11-24 They are just sooo cute and adorable and lovable and a person has a tendency to laugh or hug when we know we should say 'NO'.  Puppy is very smart and he will understand 'NO'.  Us humans - we are very trainable by the furry things we love. Reply

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