The Pug Poodle mix is a cross breed that is the result of a breeding a Poodle and a Pug together. They are often called the Pugapoo, the Pugoodle, the Pugpoo, or the Pugadoodle. Since we don’t know a lot about this hybrid, we can learn a lot more by looking at both parents. Of course, every dog will be a bit different, but here’s a closer look at what we do know about their potential appearance, grooming needs, temperament, and health.
Origin and History
The Pug Poodle mix is considered a hybrid or designer dog, and these types of dogs are fairly recent creations. Although we are not sure exactly when this hybrid was first started, it likely got its start within the last 10-30 years, since that was when designer dogs became so popular. Even though we don’t know a lot about the origin and history of the Pugapoo, we can learn more about these dogs by taking a closer look at the history of both of the parents.
The Poodle has been around for a long time, and originally the dog was bred in Germany to help hunt waterfowl. Later these dogs became popular and distinct in France, and they were bred in three different sizes. Both the Standard and the Miniature sized Poodles were used as working dogs and companions, but the Toy Poodle was bred solely to be a companion dog. Later the Poodle would come to England in the middle of the 19th century and later in the 19th century they would be imported to America.
The Pug is a breed that is very old, tracing back to China where it is mentioned all the way back in 206 BC. These dogs were prized by China’s emperors, and they were pampered and well taken care of. When China started trading with Europe during the late 1500s, Pugs were brought to Europe and they became popular among nobility and royal families across Europe as well. They continued to be popular throughout the Victorian era and eventually were imported to America after the end of the Civil War. Pugs were never bred to be working dogs – they were always bred to be a faithful companion and lap dog.
Appearance
Your Pug Poodle mix will be a small to medium sized dog that is between 8 and 15 inches tall and between 10 and 30 pounds as an adult. Some of these dogs may have a short, Pug like coat, while others have a curly coat. It’s also possible for them to have a coat that falls somewhere in between the two. The Pugapoo can come in many different colors, although some of the most common colors include white, golden, black, gray, brown, and cream. Usually they have dark, almond shaped eyes, a round head, a squarish body, and a medium sized muzzle.
Pugapoo Temperament
You can expect your Pug Poodle mix to be a very happy and enthusiastic dog, and they just love being around people. They get excited easily and love getting to play. They have an enthusiasm for everything that makes them so much fun to have around, and they are very eager to please as well. The Pugapoo dogs are playful, friendly, and they are even great with children. The hybrid does tend to bark a lot, so it’s important to work on training these dogs not to bark incessantly. Since they love human companionship, they will soak up all the affection and attention you will give them. However, they shouldn’t be left on their own for a long time, since they can develop separation anxiety if this occurs.
The Pug Poodle mix isn’t overly active, but they do need some moderate mental and physical activity to use up their energy. Taking these dogs on a couple walks a day and adding some play time will be plenty of activity to keep them healthy and happy. Since the Pugapoo dogs are so intelligent and like to please their owners, they usually do very well with training. However, they can have a stubborn streak from time to time. It’s important to only use positive training methods, since these dogs are sensitive, so use treats and praise as you undertake training. Early training and socialization are essential and will improve this dog’s general temperament and behavior.
Grooming
No matter what type of coat your Pug Poodle mix has, they will need some grooming. If your Pugapoo has a coat that takes after the Poodle, then they may need to be clipped every few months by a professional grooming. They’ll also need brushed nearly daily to avoid tangles and mats. If the coat is more like the Pug’s coat, then they’ll need to be brushed daily as well and they’ll need to be bathed more often. Make sure you check their ears weekly, looking for signs of irritation and wiping them clean with a solution from a veterinarian. When nails become long, they’ll need trimmed, although you may want to have this done by a professional. You’ll also need to make sure to brush their teeth several times a week, since smaller dogs are particularly prone to dental problems.
Working Roles
These dogs are generally not used in working roles, although the Pug Poodle mix makes a great pet and companion dog.
Health
Both the Poodle and the Pug have long lifespans, with the Poodle having an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years and the Pug having an average life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years. Expect your Pugapoo to have an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years as well. Although these hybrids are usually very healthy, you still need to be aware of some of the potential health risks that can be passed down from the parent breeds. Some of the potential health concerns that may affect your Pug Poodle mix include:
- Cancer
- Addison’s disease
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Juvenile renal disease
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Entropion
- Proptosis
- Obesity
- Necrotizing meingoencephalitis
- Hemivertebrae
- Cushing’s disease
- Patellar luxation
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Eye problems