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ChugPugwawa

Family: Canidae

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Canis lupus familiarisMichelle 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 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

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Latest Comments
I bought a Chug about 4 weeks ago and she is absoloutley adorable. She is so friendly with everyone and everyone stops me, asks what she is and want to take her home. She is very clean and has had only a couple of "accidents", which was when we first got her. But even then she always used to go on puppy pads virtually all of the time but, now lets us know when she needs to go out so seems to be virtually house trained already (at 12 weeks). All in all I think she is a very intelligent dog and seems to know what is acceptable and what is not in relation to biting and chewing. She has learned that chewing her toys is ok but she must not chew and bite people. She loves company and her walks and has such a great little personality. I can highly recommend this hybrid breed as they seem to have the best of both dogs but without the individual breed problems. A small full of charcter dog and I am so pleased I bought her. debbie 2009-08-23
I have a chug, female, 4 yrs old now. She is a lovable dog. Does not get along with kids or dogs bigger than her. She definitely has Napoleon syndrome. She loves her walks and just being on the couch with whoever is home. If she is left alone too long she gets back at the family somehow. She is the highest maintenace dog of the 3 I have. But I would not trade her for anything. Bridget 2009-05-20
I love Jupiter, my little chug! At 5 months old, he is sooo adorable and very friendly. He is also a most definite ham. Whereever we go, people always stop to talk about/to him. We've even had cars stop to ask what kind of dog he is. I cannot believe the attention he attracts... people literally fall in love with him at first sight. He absolutely loves attention. All day while I work at the computer at home, he sits on my lap. If we have company and he feels "neglected" he'll start acting up to get attention which is always good for a laugh. He's an absolute fantastic dog and I would highly recommend this breed. Although the AKC does not recognize the Chug, everyone agrees they should!! Tampa 2009-04-06
I have a male Chug--he is the smartest boy I have ever seen. He does not have any bad habits and he loves the whole family. He's very sweet and if you ask him to stay he will sit there until you tell him it's ok to move. His name is Hobie. He never barks at animals or family members, but if a stranger pulls in our driveway he definitely lets you know about it. I have had all types of breeds, this one is the best mannered and loving pet I have ever had. He loves bed time and he will let you know that he wants to go to bed. He does seem to have a breathing problem sometimes and it's like he sneezes backwards. What can we do to help him with this. MRS LAMBDIN Judy 2009-02-15

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