Bugg Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bugg?

There's no consensus on when this dog first entered the market though it's a very recent addition. Designer dogs go through phases of popularity, and both the Boston Terrier and the Pug, perhaps more so, have enjoyed their moment in the designer spotlight.

With that in mind, it figures that a Pug and Boston Terrier mix was going to happen eventually. However, as they're not storied dogs with a long history of companionship alongside humans, it's difficult to draw on their exact lineage and history.

Who are Bugg dogs best for?

This dog thrives in families or with a couple or a solo companion alike. They have a daft nature, which means they're always on hand to entertain and keep you cheerful.

They're small dogs and don't mind if they're raised in a large home or condominium, so where you live won't be a restriction on their happiness.

They only have moderate exercise needs, and their energy levels are manageable, making them the perfect choice for a first-time dog owner or someone who's looking for a dog that requires minimal effort to raise properly.

Buggs require plenty of early socialisation with other dogs as they prefer to be the centre of attention and don't like to give up the spotlight. If they're not properly adapted to life with other dogs, they can be territorial or aggressive, so bear this in mind if you're introducing them into a home with existing pets.

How much grooming does a Bugg need?

Buggs have a short, fine coat that comes in shades of black, brown, or grey. Buggs shed only lightly, so they can be compatible with owners who suffer from mild allergies. They should be brushed once a week and bathed 2-3 times a year or whenever you feel it is necessary.

Do Bugg bark much?

Neither of its parent breeds is a compulsive barker, and the Bugg has taken on this trait. The Pug is notoriously quiet, and for a terrier, the Boston Terrier is unusually quiet.

So it's a surprise that the Bugg can be a bit of a barker if they're not trained properly. This is a territorial breed and can be a little bull-headed about maintaining control over their space which they will attempt by yapping.

If you start training them early and giving them the right socialisation, then this sort of behaviour can be trained out of them; otherwise, it's likely to get out of hand.

Do Bugg bite?

Buggs are fairly low risk when it comes to biting humans; however, they're territorial dogs and may get a bit mouthy with other animals or dogs if they feel like their space is invaded or if they feel like they're losing attention.

The Boston Terrier is notoriously mouthy, and while they like to play rough, they never mean any harm, even if they happen to cause grazes and bites in the process. The Bugg has picked up a similar tendency that can be tamed with proper training and socialising. The use of chew toys for them to take this energy out on has proven a successful way to curtail this behaviour.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bugg?

The behaviour of designer dog breeds is difficult to predict as we can't be sure which parent is going to be the more dominant when it comes to their temperament.

However, as the temperament of both parent breeds of the Bugg is pretty similar, their behaviour is fairly easy to predict. They are loving and extremely devoted to their owners.

They often pick one favourite in the family who will keep that top spot for life; in any case, they love to play with every family member, especially kids, and love being the centre of attention.

They can, however, inherit the territorial attitude of the Boston Terrier parent, which needs to be addressed with obedience training before it causes any issues.

Some owners of territorial, antisocial lapdogs may act like it's not a big problem because they're not big dogs or because they coddle them too much. However, any dog with antisocial behaviour that isn't addressed as a problem that needs solving is only kidding itself.

Establishing yourself as the alpha as soon as possible with this dog is key to a fun, cooperative relationship.

What is the weight & size of a Bugg?

The Bugg is a small dog like its parents and will top out at between 35-46 cm tall at the withers and weighs 4.5-11 kg across both sexes.

How much training does a Bugg need?

Buggs are smart dogs that are easy to train; however, they can inherit a stubborn streak from their Boston Terrier parents, which may necessitate a patient owner.

Reward-based training is the best approach with a firm but caring hand rooted in positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is never a good approach, and, if anything, it will likely worsen the behaviour you're trying to improve.

Positivity and patience are key; if you use both, you'll find the training process not only to be successful but also a great opportunity for bonding.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bugg?

The Bugg's parent breeds are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they both suffer from a natural difficulty to breathe comfortably, which can develop into more acute breathing issues. These issues are likely to affect this designer dog breed as well, as it will inherit their flat snout either way.

Their protruding eyes can also fall victim to picking up debris which can cause lasting visual ailments.

Regular check-ups with the vet should be maintained to stay on top of any burgeoning health issues so they can be tackled early.

What is the lifespan of a Bugg?

With the correct nutrition and proper treatment, the Bugg has a lifespan of between 10-13 years.

How much should you feed a Bugg?

Buggs do best on high-quality dry foods with a nutrition profile formulated for small dogs. Make sure that the kibble you buy is age-appropriate, as different feeds are available for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

Buggs can be very enthusiastic when it comes to feeding time and will certainly eat more than they can handle if left to their own devices. It's important to carefully monitor their food intake as their small bodies are prone to obesity if they over-eat. This can lead to a number of issues, such as joint pain to diabetes.

For this reason, it's important that you stick to the recommended serving sizes and don't be too liberal with treats. Splitting their kibble into two portions a day is a good way to avoid bloating and to give them a second meal to look forward to.

What is the price of a Bugg in Australia?

These designer dogs don't come cheap, and you can expect to pay a minimum of $2500 up to $3500 if you're purchasing from a reputable breeder.