The Ultimate Guide to Pugapoos: Pug Poodle Mix

Last Updated on June 4, 2024

Are you eyeing the Pugapoo: the delightful hybrid breed of a Poodle and a Pug?

These lovable pups are the perfect blend of loyalty and playfulness and are a favorite for families who want to enjoy the personality of a Pug with the low-shedding coat of a Poodle.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Pugapoos and explore everything you need to know about this charming breed.

We’ll also discuss why the Pugapoo is a slightly controversial breed.

So, get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of the Pugapoo!

Pugapoo dog breed facts
Height	8 to 15 inches
Weight	10 to 30 lbs
Temperament	Affectionate, playful, sensitive

What is Pugapoo?

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A Pugapoo, also known as Pugoodle or Pugadoodle, is a mix between a Pug and a Toy/Miniature Poodle.

As Pugapoos aren’t purebred dogs, major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club do not recognize them. However, organizations like the International Designer Canine Registry and the American Canine Hybrid Club do.

Pugapoos may inherit the long hair from Poodles or get the short coat of a Pug dog. They are good house pets with an average energy level.

They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, and they also love to meet and befriend new people. However, if you wish to maintain their fun-loving attitude, you must allow them to socialize from an early age.

Appearance

Predicting the appearance of a Pugapoo can be challenging— after all, both the Pug and the Poodle have distinct looks, and breeding them together can result in a variety of different coats and colors in their pups, even those born within the same litter!

As a result, a Pugapoo puppy may possess a unique blend of features from both parents or take after one breed more prominently than the other. Here’s what you can expect regarding the Pugapoo’s appearance.

Coat

The length and texture of a Pug Poodle mix dog’s coat can vary from short to long, and it can be straight, wavy, or curly. This is primarily determined by the genetic makeup of each individual Pugapoo, as they can inherit different coat traits from their parent breeds.

For example, one puppy in a litter may have curly hair similar to a Poodle’s, while another may have a short coat like a purebred Pug.

If a Pugapoo inherits a coat similar to a Poodle, it will require more grooming to prevent matting and tangling. However, if their coat is more like that of a Pug, it will require less maintenance and brushing. Understanding the characteristics of your Pugapoo’s coat can help you provide the appropriate care for their grooming needs.

Although Poodle coats are hypoallergenic and do not shed much, Pugs are neither low shedders nor hypoallergenic, and it’s impossible to predict if the Pugapoo dog will inherit the Poodle coat or the Pug’s. Even experienced dog breeders won’t be able to tell whether the Pugapoo puppy’s coat will be non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

However, as Poodle mixed dogs, Pug Poodle mixes generally have coats that shed less compared to other breeds. That being said, if you have several allergies, it’s recommended to spend some time with a Pugapoo puppy to assess your reaction to their coat.

Color

Miniature Poodles are available in a wide range of colors, including solid colors such as black, white, red, and apricot. They can also have multi-colored coats, including parti and phantom variations.

Purebred Pugs, on the other hand, are only available in the colors fawn and black.

As a result, Pugapoos can inherit a variety of colors depending on the coat of their parent breeds.

The most popular colors for Pugapoos are black, fawn, and cream.

Height and Weight

Since both the Pug and the Miniature/Toy Poodle parents are small, a Pug Poodle mix inherits the size. It is usually 8 to 15 inches tall and weighs 10 to 30 lbs.

Because of the small size, this hybrid dog adjusts well to apartment living.

Personality and temperament

Pugapoo dogs can display a range of personality traits that may seem contradictory. This is because Pugs and Poodles have distinct personality traits that differ from one another. Therefore, predicting a Pugapoo’s personality can be as challenging as predicting their appearance!

The best way to get to know a Pugapoo’s potential personality is to take a look a closer look at both parents.

Pug

Originally from China, the Pug is believed to be an ancient purebred dog breed. In the 16th century, Chinese traders brought them to Europe, where they soon became popular with European royalty, particularly in Holland.

The Pug has been carefully bred over generations to be a devoted companion animal, rather than a hunter or guard dog. As a result, it’s well-suited to being a loving family pet, with its affectionate and gentle nature.

Despite their cheerful, funny, and sometimes silly behavior, Pugs are not the most active dogs and may not enjoy running around the dog park. That being said, while Pugs prefer a relaxed indoor lifestyle, they do require light exercise to stay healthy.

Pugs remain one of the most popular small dog breeds thanks to their unique appearance and adorable demeanor. Although they aren’t the smartest dog, Pugs are generally outgoing and enjoy meeting new people and love to snuggle.

Note: Due to their snub noses, travelling with a Pug can be challenging. Some airlines won’t even accept snub-nosed dogs onboard as they have risks of suffocating while flying. That’s certainly something to keep in mind if you want to get a Pug Poodle mix, as you may have trouble travelling with one.

Poodle

The Poodle breed, on the other hand, has a different story to tell. It was bred in Germany as a mushroom hunter and companion dog and later became the national dog of France.

Although they were originally large dogs, their miniature and toy variants came into existence due to the rising popularity of Poodles.

Poodles are extremely affectionate, intelligent, and playful pets. They are also obedient and calm though they have watchdog tendencies and will bark and alert you if they notice something out of the ordinary.

Ensuring that a Poodle receives enough daily exercise is essential. These dogs enjoy interacting with people and strive to please their owners. They possess a natural intuition and can detect their owner’s emotions, tone, and body language.

Pugapoo

Being that Pugs and Poodles differ in terms of energy levels and exercise needs, it’s difficult to determine exactly what a Pugapoo will be like. While a Pug dog is more relaxed and prefers to sit on the lap of its human inside the house with just a little bit of exercise, a Poodle dog prefers lots of outdoor activities. Poodles are intelligent, sophisticated, and emotional, while Pugs are cheerful, naughty, and fun.

However, there are a few qualities that seem to shine through in Pugapoos. Let’s dive into each one.

Affectionate

Pugapoo dogs are known to be very affectionate towards their owners. They enjoy being close to their humans and will often seek out attention and affection from them.

They have a strong bond with their owners and are often very loyal and protective of them. Overall, Pugapoos make wonderful companion pets for those looking for a loving and affectionate furry friend.

Playful

Pugapoo dogs are known to be playful and energetic, often displaying a fun-loving and cheerful personality. They inherit these traits from both parent breeds, who also happen to both be playful.

These little dogs love to play and interact with their owners and other dogs. They enjoy learning new tricks and games, and are always eager to please.

Overall, their playful nature makes them great companions for families and individuals who enjoy an active and lively pet.

Sensitive

Just like their parent breeds, Pugapoos hate to be left alone for long durations. Doing so can develop separation anxiety in them. A Pugapoo would do best in a home where someone is home more often than not.

Exercise

Pugapoos have a moderate level of energy and need some regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.

In general, 30 to 45 minutes of walks and playtime should be plenty for a Pugapoo.

This can include playing fetch, jogging, or walking to burn energy. While they are small in size and can run around the house to get some exercise, it is essential to take them outside to ensure that they are exposed to new experiences, sounds, sights, and more. You can take them to parks, pet stores, or puppy classes.

Since Pugs are more likely to become overweight, it is crucial to provide enough exercise to your Pugapoo daily. Additionally, it is essential to provide a healthy and balanced diet to maintain their overall health.

Grooming

Pugapoo dogs have moderate grooming needs that depend on the type of coat they inherit from their parent breeds.

If a Pugapoo inherits the Poodle’s curly or wavy coat, they require frequent grooming sessions to prevent matting and skin infections. Brushing their coat every day will help remove dead hair and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat. You may also need to trim their coat regularly to maintain the desired length.

If a Pugapoo inherits the Pug’s short coat, they still require grooming, but not as much as those with a curly coat. Brushing them once or twice a week will be enough to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Regular baths and nail trimming are also essential grooming tasks for Pugapoo dogs.

It’s also important to pay attention to the Pugapoo’s facial wrinkles, which can trap moisture and debris, leading to skin irritation and infection. Wiping their wrinkles with a damp cloth and drying them thoroughly can help prevent these problems.

Finally, you should also regularly clean their ears, brush their teeth, and inspect their eyes for any signs of infection or irritation.

Price

Pugapoo puppies aren’t very popular and can be challenging to find. On average, a Pugapoo puppy will cost around $1,000 but can be more depending on where you live.

Where to find Pugapoo puppies

You can buy a Pugapoo from a reputable breeder or adopt one from a local dog shelter.

Rescue

The first place to look for a Pugapoo puppy is local rescues and dog shelters. Often, you can find Poodle mix dogs and other small hypoallergenic dogs in need of homes. I put together a list of Doodle dog rescues to help people find Poodle mix dogs—take a look and see if there are any Pugapoo pups available.

Reputable breeders

If you’re looking to find a Pugapoo, a reputable breeder is a great place to start your search.

However, it’s important to be careful when choosing a breeder. You should make sure that they’re willing to let you meet both the Pug and Poodle parents and provide all necessary medical documents to ensure the parents’ health.

A responsible breeder should also offer all documents related to the puppy’s health, including medical tests and vaccinations. It’s a good sign if the breeder is willing to show you where the puppies grow up and provide them with a healthy environment and regular exercise.

By doing your research and choosing a responsible breeder, you can increase your chances of finding a healthy and happy Pugapoo puppy to bring home.

Health problems

While this dog does not present too many health problems, it may have a couple of common issues, such as the following:

1. Eye problems: Both Poodles and Pugs are prone to several eye issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
2. Skin problems: Poodles and Pugs can develop skin allergies and infections due to their sensitive skin. They can also have skin folds, which require regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection.
3. Respiratory issues: Pugs, in particular, have a flat faces and short snouts that can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.
4. Joint problems: Both breeds can develop joint issues, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and osteoarthritis, which can cause pain and mobility problems.
5. Dental problems: Poodles and Pugs are prone to dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.
6. Obesity: Both breeds can gain weight easily, which can lead to obesity and related health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine for your Pugapoo to prevent obesity.
7. Ear infections: Poodles and Pugs have long ears that can trap moisture and dirt, leading to ear infections. It’s important to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent these issues.

It is crucial to find out about the health issues of the parents. This will help you understand if the puppy you’re buying might inherit some of the genetic problems. A responsible breeder will make sure to check the health of the parent dogs and only use a healthy Poodle and Pug to get a perfectly fit litter.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Pugapoo dog is about 12-14 years. Pet parents can ensure their Pugapoo lives a long and healthy live by feeding them a high-quality dog food, taking them to the vet when necessary, staying up to date on their vaccinations, and giving them enough exercise throughout the day.

Why you shouldn’t get a Pugapoo

Pugapoos make excellent canine companions, but there are a few reasons why you might want to reconsider this dog breed:

1. If you are a frequent traveler, a Pugapoo may not be the best pet for you, as some airlines do not accept snub-nosed dogs.
2. Pugapoos require a lot of grooming to maintain their coat’s health and prevent matting, which may not be ideal for some pet owners who prefer low-maintenance pets.
3. While Pugapoos are considered hypoallergenic, they are not entirely hypoallergenic. Some people with severe allergies may still experience an allergic reaction to them.
4. Pugapoos are intelligent dogs, but they are not the smartest breed, so it may take more time and effort to train them compared to other breeds. However, they make up for it with their friendly and loving personalities.
5. Pugapoos can develop separation anxiety if you aren’t home a lot.

Overall, getting a Pugapoo may not be suitable for everyone, but for those who are willing to put in the effort and time to care for them, they can make wonderful and loyal companions.

Summary

If you’re a dog lover who wants a laidback but playful and silly pup, the Pugapoo might be the perfect dog for you.

These sweet and swilly pups might not be the smartest, but they sure are lovable.

Do you have a Pugapoo? Drop a comment and let us know what they’re like!