Bugg Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

4.5-11 kg

Height

35-46 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Bugg

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

If you haven’t heard of the Bugg dog, you’ve certainly heard of its parent breeds. This designer dog is a Boston Terrier Pug mix. This breed takes the loveable flat face and upbeat, energetic personality of both parents and brings them together into one charming dog with a playful temperament.

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.

What is a Bugg breed?

The Bugg is typically a 50/50 cross of a Boston Terrier and Pug.

Some breeders will attempt to create a more standard Bugg look by crossing Buggs with non-related Boston Terriers or Pugs; however, this can exacerbate genetic health issues that are already prevalent in the parents. For this reason, it’s important to enquire about the parentage of Bugg puppies before you pick one up.

As they are crossbreed designer dogs, the Bugg is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are, however, recognised by the International Designer Canine Registry, Designer Breed Registry, American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

Who is a Bugg 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 in terms of exercise.

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.

Bugg Grooming & Shedding

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 Buggs bark a lot?

Neither of its parent breeds are compulsive barkers, 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.

What is the average weight & height of a Bugg dog?

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

Are Buggs easy to train?

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.

How do Buggs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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 themselves.

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

Does the Bugg have any common health issues?

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.

They may also suffer from problems with their teeth.

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 does a Bugg need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Bugg FAQs

Are Boston Terriers and Pugs related?

Despite sharing several similarities in temperament and appearance, the Pug and the Boston terrier are unrelated due to their differences in ancestry and breeding.

What is the difference between a Boston Terrier and a Pug?

While these two dogs look similar, they are wildly different in several ways.

The Boston is usually much bigger, stronger, and more well-muscled, having been bred for hunting vermin. They retain this boisterous energy and territorial instinct to this day which shows itself as a love for rough play.

Pugs, on the other hand, are classic lapdogs that don’t have an aggressive bone in their body and are much happier living a more sedentary lifestyle. The Pug also suffers from more breathing issues than the Boston, though both are Brachycephalic.

Are Buggs lap dogs?

Buggs are not classic lapdogs like Pugs as they’ve inherited more energy and attitude from their Boston Terrier parent. However, being 50% Pug means they retain that happiness to sit and cuddle on the couch, just with a dash of Boston Terrier crazy to go with it!