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puginese mixed dog breed pictures 3 scaled - Puginese

Puginese

The Puginese is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Pug and Pekingese dog breeds. Affectionate, sensitive, and independent, these pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.

Puginese dogs go by a few different names, including Pekeapug and Pugapeke. Despite their status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed-breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!

These adorable, little pups make great apartment dogs for people with busier schedules, as well as companion animals for small families or seniors. They’re known to be a bit skittish, so they’ll need to reside in a more calm, quiet household. They prefer the indoors and aren’t particularly “yappy,” but is known to bark at strangers who enter the home, making them excellent watchdogs. If you want a loyal companion and a small dog with a big personality, the Puginese may be the right dog for you!

FunkyPaw recommends a carrier for traveling with your small Puginese. 

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash  in public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:6 to 14 inchesWeight:7 to 18 poundsLife Span:12 to 14 years

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More About This Breed

Highlights

  • The Puginese is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Pug or Pekingese parents.
  • The main colors of Puginese dogs are cream, brown, gray, black, or brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
  • They are not a good choice for allergy sufferers, as they tend to shed a moderate amount, especially in the summertime. Their coats require weekly brushing.
  • The Puginese is prone to weight gain as well as diabetes, and has medium energy levels. They have moderate exercise needs and do not require a lot of walks. Make sure your dog gets a short daily walk, weather permitting, and some indoor playtime mixed in as well.
  • The Puginese is prone to being frightened by loud noises and stressed in hectic environments. They do best in smaller, calmer households and make wonderful pets for those with busy schedules, as they’re independent little dogs.
  • Some Puginese pups are difficult to train and are described by owners as not being the most intelligent mixed breed. Patience and early training are key.
  • Puginese dogs prefer to be around adults or older kids who know how to play gently and aren’t overly excited.
  • Puginese dogs aren’t naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the solo pet in the household.

History

The Puginese mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Pugs and Pekingese in the early 2000s. It is not known why these breeds were crossed, but designer breeders continued to create Puginese pups as the demand for them increased.

Even though the Puginese got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.

Check your local shelters, look up Puginese rescues, or check with breed-specific Pug or Pekingese rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them.

Size

As the Puginese is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Pug and a Pekingese parents, you can expect a Puginese to be on the small side.

Most weigh in at seven to 18 pounds and range in height from six to 14 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average.

Personality

Many Puginese owners describe these dogs’ personalities as loving and stubborn, yet always wanting to make their owners happy. They require only a moderate amount of exercise and would much rather stay indoors on the couch with their owner than play at a dog park.

Some Puginese pups are difficult to train and are described by owners as not being the most intelligent mixed breed. Patience and early training are key, as well as using plenty of positive reinforcement while obedience training. These dogs tend to have a short attention span and will become frustrated if overwhelmed with learning new tricks. Again, patience is key!

They aren’t particularly known to be “yappy” small breed dogs, but the Puginese will most definitely bark to alert their owners of the arrival of a stranger. While it is common for the Puginese to be startled rather easily, their loyalty and desire to protect those they care about makes them excellent watchdogs.

Since the Puginese is prone to being frightened by loud noises and stressed in hectic environments, they do best in smaller, calmer households. They make wonderful pets for those with busy schedules, as they are independent little dogs, but will also love being the companion of a senior just as much as being a family pet.

Health

The Puginese mixed breed is predisposed to the same conditions that the Pug and Pekingese also face. While most are fairly healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.

Some of the common health problems Puginese dogs suffer from include:

  • Heart murmurs/heart attacks
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory/breathing issues
  • Epilepsy
  • Luxating Patella
  • Allergies
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease

Care

As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Puginese pup’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

The Puginese is prone to weight gain as well as diabetes, and have medium energy levels. The Puginese has moderate exercise needs for a small breed dog and do not require a lot of walks. Make sure your dog gets a short daily walk, weather permitting, and some indoor playtime mixed in as well.

Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help you with this.

It is very common for the Puginese to have an underbite and to not always have the best oral health. You should try to brush their teeth daily, as they are prone to dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.

Feeding

An ideal Puginese diet should be formulated for a small breed with medium energy. They have a tendency to gain weight and are also prone to diabetes, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats as well.

As with all dogs, the Puginese’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Puginese’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.

Coat Color And Grooming

Puginese coats are often a mix of their Pug and Pekingese parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Puginese dogs are cream, brown, gray, black, or brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.

They usually have either short, smooth coats like a Pug or longer, silkier coats like a Pekingese. They are not a good choice for allergy sufferers, as they tend to shed a moderate amount, especially in the summertime. Both types of coats require weekly brushing, especially the longer coats, seeing as they can tend to get matted if not brushed well enough.

Because they can have longer coats as well as a short, flat snout, the Puginese isn’t particularly suited for extreme weather conditions. Limit the amount of time your dog is outdoors, especially in the hot summer months, as they will have difficulty breathing and can become overheated rather quickly.

Children And Other Pets

Because the Puginese is a small dog, they can be easily injured and will need to be supervised by an adult when playing with children. Puginese dogs prefer to be around adults or older kids who know how to play gently and aren’t overly excited. That said, when introduced at a young age, they will play just fine with kids and make a great family dog or companion.

When it comes to other pets, the Puginese can get along with other animals if introduced slowly, calmly, and at a young age. Early socialization is very important if you plan on having other pets with your Puginese. That said, Puginese dogs aren’t naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the solo pet in the household.

Still, many Puginese will get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, early socialization, and luck of the draw.

Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Puginese because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Pug or Pekingese breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:

  • PNC Midwest Rescue
  • Compassionate Pug Rescue

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