The Pug-Zu is a cross between the Pug and the Shih-Tzu. You already know where this is going. It’s a breed that can’t be ignored. It will make its presence noticeable. If you want a perfect dog for companionship, then the Pug-Zu should be your prime choice. It is friendly and compassionate.
Its small size also makes it more adaptable to various living conditions. The next few paragraphs should be enough to give you a pretty good idea of the Pug-Zu.
Pug-Zu History
We don’t know a lot about the Pug-Zu. Therefore, we will have to take the roundabout way of understanding it. The Pug is one of its parents. It hails from ancient China. According to experts, the Pug has been around for more than 2000 years. It has always been a companion dog. It was the prime companion dog for the Emperors of the Han Dynasty. It made its debut in Europe in the 15th Century.
The Shih-Tzu is also an amazing breed from China. The Shih-Tzu has been attached more to spirituality and worship. Some people considered the Shih-Tzu to be a divine dog with healing powers. We can tell you that it heals the heart for sure. The Shih-Tzu has also primarily been a companion dog. Perhaps the reason for the birth of the Pug-Zu was to get a Pug-like dog minus the breathing problems.
Pug-Zu Characteristics
The Pug-Zu takes more after the Shih-Tzu in physical appearance. It will have a long coat that is soft to touch usually. The coat length may change based on the dominant genes. Colors for the coat include Brown, Brindle, Fawn, Black, and White. It has beady, mischievous eyes. The ears of the Pug-Zu will usually drop to the side of its head. Muzzle length depends on which parent the Pug-Zu is taking after.
How Big do Pug-Zu Get
Pug mixes usually have a height range of 8 to 12 inches. The females should usually be an inch shorter than their male counterparts. The weight range for both genders is 8 to 22 lbs. You can expect the weight range to increase if you don’t pay attention to its diet. You should pay attention to the Diet section below.
How Long Does Pug-Zu Live
Due to the diversity of both parent breeds, the lifespan of the Pug-Zu will remain between 9 to 14 years. Unfortunately, the Shih-Tzu’s physical genes and Pug genes don’t mix around that well. Therefore, you will have to be extra careful about its health. The healthier your doggie is, the longer it will live. You can find more information about its health below.
How Much Does a Pug-Zu Cost
The possible price range for the Pug-Zu is also quite wide. Normally the Pug-Zu can cost you between 300 and 1000 dollars. This wide range is a result of the varying physical features of the Pug-Zu. For example, eye colors and coat colors also affect the price of the Pug-Zu. In addition, other physical features like height will also affect the price of the Pug-Zu.
Pug-Zu Temperament/Personality
The Pug-Zu is an intelligent and curious dog. It loves learning about new things. In simple words, training the Pug-Zu should be easy enough. However, you will have to do something to make the training sessions more interesting for it. It won’t like the same routines being repeated over and over again.
As for compatibility, the Pug-Zu isn’t picky. It tends to get along with everyone. Children are a good match for this dog. Even other pets tend to love this dog. With the Shih-Tzu as one of the parents and the Pug as the other, this was expected. Overall it’s a good choice for everyone.
Caring for Pug-Zu
What does your doggie need? Your doggie needs everything, including good food, health, and some recreation. What do you need? You need to understand what your doggie needs. You probably see where this is going. Please pay attention to the following section.
Pug-Zu Nutrition
The Pug-Zu is a small dog and needs no more than one cup of dog food. However, the Pug-Zu is also known to have certain allergies. You can use Dog Food for Allergies to make things easier. You should also be careful about the things that you give your doggie as food. For example, giving it anything with chocolate in it is a major no-no.
How to Groom a Pug-Zu
Grooming the Pug-Zu is easy-peasy because of its small size. If you hate repeating stuff, then it could become slightly irritating. The first thing is brushing its coat. You will have to brush the coat every day. Overall, the brushing sessions won’t take more than 20 minutes. The bathing sessions should be arranged based on the circumstances. Brushing its teeth should also be a daily priority.
Pug-Zu Activity Levels
The Pug-Zu doesn’t need a lot of exercises. Anyone can manage using up to 30 minutes of their daily time for the health of their doggie. You can use some Dog Steps and Stairs to give it exercise. The steps and stairs can also be used to allow your buddy to reach certain places. It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?
Caring for Pug-Zu
There isn’t a lot that the Pug-Zu needs. However, some things could make your doggie feel more appreciated. First on the list is getting some Rubber Dog Toys. You should also get your doggie some Puppy Teething Toys. These will allow your doggie to reduce the pain of teething for your puppy.
Giving your dog a Dog Collar is also important. It will allow you to identify your doggie from afar and also tell people that it is domesticated. A collar also makes the doggie feel appreciated. It’s like giving your doggie a family heirloom. The small things matter the most.
Pug-Zu Health
The Pug-Zu’s diversity makes it a beautiful dog, with the best of both parent’s features. However, it will also make the Pug-Zu more susceptible to medical conditions. Possible conditions will include Demodectic Mange, Yeast Infections, Epilepsy, Nerve Degeneration, Eye Problems, Staph Infections, and various other problems. You can take care of these conditions with a bit of determination.
What kind of determination? The determination to take the Pug-Zu to the vet’s office regularly. By regularly, we refer to visits weekly. If you don’t take it to the vet’s office regularly, then the health of the Pug-Zu will deteriorate. Everything has to be maintained, like the Cogs of a Machine. So please, maintain the health of the Pug-Zu.
Breeds Similar to Pug-Zu
Best Dog Food For Pug-Zu
The best dog food for Pug-Zu is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. It is a delicious recipe made from vegetables, fruits, and rice formula for better digestion. Moreover, the antioxidants and probiotics promote better immunity and good health.
- Contains deboned chicken as the prime source of protein for muscle development.
- The small-sized kibble is not only suitable for small breeds, but also has a crunchy texture that removes tartar.
- Added glucosamine and omega fatty acids support better joint health and healthy skin.
Best Puppy Food For Pug-Zu
The best puppy food for Pug-Zu is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula. This high-protein dog food provides sufficient energy for growing puppies who are active all day. It also contains calcium and phosphorus that is essential to build strong bones and healthy teeth.
- The DHA and fish oil are great for cognitive and eye development.
- Probiotic fiber and antioxidants take care of his immunity and digestion.
- The product is made from real chicken as the first ingredient that is a source of muscle-building protein.
Best Dog Crate For Pug-Zu
The best dog crate for Pug-Zu is Precision Pet Products Provalu Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. If you travel with pets often, the crate can be folded up and carried along. Easy to clean and maintain, it makes an ideal place for the pet to relax and rest at night.
- Comes with a leak-proof pan for easy cleanup.
- The divider panel is very convenient for growing puppies since it allows the crate to expand as the pet grows.
- The crate is rust-resistant with rounded edges and provides proper ventilation and safety.
Best Dog Bed For Pug-Zu
The best dog bed for Pug-Zu is Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler Covered Dog Bed. The bed comes with an added blanket for pets who like to burrow for extra warmth. Bolstered edges provide comfort and support to his joints, legs, and neck after a long day.
- The bed has a water-resistant bottom and can be washed and dried in a machine.
- Provides extra support to the neck while napping.
- Made from non-toxic materials, the bed is designed to provide optimum safety and security.
Best Dog Harness For Pug-Zu
The best dog harness for Pug-Zu is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness. The breathable mesh material keeps the pet comfortable in all seasons. It is also easy to put on since it doesn’t go over the head.
- Keeps off direct pressure from the neck and throat.
- Made from durable material, the harness can handle rough usage, wear and tear.
- Stylish and comfortable, it is the ideal choice for dog owners.
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