Are you a lover of tiny canines? A Chug is a small bundle of cuteness, getting the heart-melting traits from Pugs and Chihuahuas. You are not thinking that this pup got its name after drinking beer in a gulp, right?
The Chug is a delightful little fellow, perfect for all types of families and singles. The doggo will leave you laughing on the floor with the comical Pug traits. Alternatively, you may get a new surprise every day with its mysterious Chihuahua characteristics.
Well, that is what you get with crossbreeds—you never know for sure! Read on all you need to know before adopting a Chug!
Chug History
As with many other designer dogs, Chugs have gained popularity in the last 2-3 decades. However, both its parent breeds are ancient, present for centuries. While Pugs date back to 200 B.C., Chihuahuas exist from 300 B.C. Thus, both species have significant historical relevance.
Pug is known to be a royal breed who lived with the Han Dynasty of China for quite some time. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, were considered spiritual dogs and were commonly found in Mexican households.
Therefore, Chugs are quite the companions and very protective of their owners—both traits found in their breed parents.
Chug Characteristics
You must know that no two crossbred doggos have the same traits. While some of them may have more of the maternal characteristics, others may be more like their fathers. Still, Chugs are generally loyal, energetic, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn and territorial.
You must make it a point to train the canine as soon as it gets home.
How Big Do Chugs Get
Though Chugs may vary in size, they are mostly slightly larger than Chihuahuas and smaller than Pugs. Still, they fall under the category of small dogs, with a height of 6-12 inches. They are fantastic lapdogs, weighing between 10-20 pounds.
How Long Does Chug Live
Despite being a designer dog, a Chug may gain several health problems in inheritance from their breed parents. Still, with regular grooming and health checkups, you can live with your toy dog for up to 10-13 years.
That said, you must pay attention to its specific diet and exercise needs.
How Much Does a Chug Cost
The Chug is not a very popular breed, which is why you may easily find a pup within $400-$800. Furthermore, if bred well, the Chihuahua and Pug mixes do not have many health issues.
Thus, you have to bear a minimum maintenance cost. Still, make sure to collect all the information about the baby from its breeder.
Chug Temperament/ Personality
Chugs are the ideal companion dogs, who love to play around and cuddle with their humans. However, they can also get territorial, sometimes even for a specific member of the family. With proper training, you can curb this behavior of the little pup.
Another prominent trait is its constant yapping. So, if you are looking for an attentive watchdog, your Chug will do the alerting job just fine.
When it comes to blending with other dogs and pets, these little doggos may get aggressive if not socialized well. The same goes for kids, as Chugs are relatively stubborn. Therefore, you must ensure that you train the tiny furball to mingle from its puppy years.
Caring for Chug
Chugs may be tiny, but they require considerable care. It may be in the form of specific nutrition to regular grooming. Furthermore, your little friend may be prone to various health problems. So, regular checkups are a mandate!
Chug Nutrition
Small dog breeds have special diets, and that is what your Chihuahua Pug needs. Though the food quantity is usually just a maximum of one cup per day, it must be nutritious enough. Chugs are energetic doggos and usually burn what they eat, but they also tend to overeat. So, you must pay special attention to their food limit and activity.
How to Groom a Chug
A Chihuahua Pug mix usually has a smooth, short coat. Still, the hair may be longer if the doggo leans more towards the Chihuahua parent side. Nevertheless, your Chug will require daily brushing to keep its fur free of tangles, debris, and mites. You will also need to wipe dry the little wrinkled face and keep the ears and teeth clean to prevent any diseases.
Chug Activity Levels
Both Chihuahuas and Pugs are lively little doggies, and so is their crossbreed. Your Chug will require short play and exercise sessions, though the doggo will run behind you round the day.
Make sure to take the pooch for a walk or playtime at least once a day. Doing this will keep the canine physically fit and mentally healthy. It will also keep the Chug’s boredom and stubbornness at bay.
Caring for Chug
Chugs are high-spirited pets who may not require your attention round the clock. Still, they can be annoying and stubborn at times, which is why they need rigorous training. You must start training the pup the day you bring the baby home.
It will help your furry friend know that you are the alpha and will also improve their socializing skills.
Apart from training, your Chihuahua Pug mix is the perfect family doggo and will do anything to please you. Still, you need to give attention to its daily grooming needs and moderate physical activity. You need to especially beware of its dental health and weight gain, which may lead to several health issues.
Chug Health
Regular veterinary checkups are highly significant for Pugs and Chihuahuas, and thus, for Chugs. Owing to their flat face and short muzzle, they are prone to a respiratory issue known as brachycephalic syndrome.
Other than that, the pooch may be vulnerable to eye problems like cataracts, cherry eyes, dry eyes, etc. Also, make sure your doggo gets plenty of water and shade in summers. The Chug’s dense coat may lead to heat strokes.
Breeds Similar to Chug
Best Dog Food For Chugs
Due to many similar traits dogs are thought as the modern version of the ancient wolves, and to keep your wild spirited yet tiny Chug nutritionally balanced the best dog food for Chugs would be Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Apart from chicken, the food includes menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, dried egg, tomato pomace, etc. This savory commercial adult dog food is packed with antioxidants, prebiotics, and vital minerals.
- This food also contains carbohydrate-rich pea starch.
- Rosemary oil lets you preserve the food for several months.
- This high protein wholesome diet takes care of oral health.
Best Puppy Food For Chugs
Though the small puppy’s stomach size is smaller than a teacup, they demand food more often than their adult counterpart, so in such situations, the best puppy food for Chugs is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. This premium quality commercial puppy food is perfect for puppies up to 12 months after birth.
- This heart-friendly meal includes all the necessary ingredients for a puppy’s growth, like barley meal, savory chicken and fish oil, etc.
- Supports in healthy brain and vision development.
- This highly digestible puppy food is apposite for a finicky appetite.
Best Dog Bed For Chugs
Chugs are small-sized dogs who love to keep their legs, tails together while sleeping, and the best bed for Chugs would be Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. Inside the bed the dogs get plenty of room to settle properly, and this modern dog bed is designed with super soft fabric material. One can remove the bolsters and the main comfy cushion as per his wish.
- This polyester fiber filled dog bed looks stylish from the inside out.
- The two-piece bed features a convoluted foam base.
- In no case, you should use chlorine bleach on this machine washable bed.
Best Dog Crate For Chugs
The best dog crate for Chugs is Go Pet Club Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate. This lightweight covered crate ensures easy portability, and an arched shape gives the Chug a fort-vibe. The white and green dog crate can be seamlessly folded down to 2 inches thick sheet.
- This well-ventilated dog crate is made of polyester and PVC for extra durability.
- The floor pad can be removed when needed.
- This compact dog crate can also be cleaned with mild cleaner and detergents.
Best Dog Harness For Chugs
The best dog harness for Chugs is Puppia Black Trim Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness as it is an every-day harness designed with air-mesh padding. The adjustable chest belt ensures a comfortable fit. The harness opens in the neck region, and the core material of this harness is polyester.
- This super-soft dog harness features a quick-release buckle along with a D ring.
- This durable dog harness is also available in X-large size apart from the standard sizes.
- Apart from camo, there are other color options too.
Best Dog Collar For Chugs
The best dog collar for Chugs is Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Stripe Polyester Reflective Dog Collar as this simple multi-colored dog collar makes your Chug the most stylist dog in the neighborhood. Designed with polyester webbing, this dog collar is made of multiple reflective threads. This sophisticated dog collar features a logo and an accessory loop.
- This durable, compact collar survives machine wash.
- In all the cases, this adjustable collar leaves a two-finger gap to prevent choking.
- The silver hardware accessories make it super-fancy.
Best Dog Muzzle For Chugs
Muzzle training is a big part of obedience training, that is why every dog owner needs a dog muzzle, and the best dog muzzle for Chugs is Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle. This basket-shaped muzzle provides your Chug a piece of mind in all situations. This new and improved ultra muzzle doesn’t restrict jaw movement at all.
- This grilled muzzle features an over-head strap with elastic.
- The pre-holed webbing makes the muzzle ventilated.
- This convenient dog muzzle has neoprene padding for extra comfort.
Best Dog Toys For Chugs
Dog toys are responsible for both mental and physical stimulation in dogs; the best dog toy for Chugs is KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy. This red-colored Frisbee is ideal for fetching games, and it triggers the dogs to jump excessively. This flexible rubber toy bends easily and doesn’t hurt the gums at all.
- This flying Frisbee doesn’t withstand heavy chewing.
- This long-lasting flyer is available in two sizes only.
- This reflective toy is ideal for outdoor fun.
Best Dog Brush For Chugs
Though the Chugs are low maintenance, they require grooming every once in a while, and the best dog brush for Chugs is Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. This auto retract brush clears the fur from the pinholes almost instantly. The comfortable grip of the handle allows you to groom for longer hours.
- This green brush features stainless steel pins.
- The pins are all slanted, and as a result, they reach every corner of the body.
- This gentle pinned brush collects fur from cloths.
Best Dog Shampoo For Chugs
Chug’s best dog shampoo is Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs as it nourishes the skin and deeply clears the skin pores. The 16 oz and 32 oz bottles of the dog shampoo last for more than six months. This ph balanced shampoo steers clear of all the artificial elements.
- This vet-recommended shampoo is only 97% natural.
- This checks dryness, redness, itchiness, irritation, everything.
- This shampoo is fragrance-free, and there is no sulfate in it.
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