Chug Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chug?

The Chug's story is relatively new, dating back to the early 2000s in America.

While there isn't one particular known breeder to have begun the Chug line, it's commonly believed that they were bred to order to eliminate some of the unhealthier features that a Pug has, such as the short snout, which commonly brings a host of breathing difficulties.

Who are Chug dogs best for?

Chugs are great for practically any type of household; whether they are living with couples, a big family or the elderly, a Chug really thrives in a wide variety of home environments.

They are as content in an apartment as in a big house and will usually happily embrace each member of the family. If you have young children, it's best to have a complete understanding of the Chug's behaviour before allowing them to be in close contact with kids, but as extremely good-natured little dogs, there should be no problem.

They don't require a lot of exercise, but that doesn't mean to say they should not be exercised at all! The breed will be perfectly content with a quick half-hour walk each day, provided there is lots of mental stimulation, owner interactions, and fun games to be played!

Because of their petite size, Chugs can easily get hurt, even by other larger dogs who, when playing, may be a bit over-enthusiastic and cause some damage because of the Chug's small size. So, if you do have additional dogs in the household who are a bit boisterous, this breed may not be a great addition to the family for this reason.

But, besides that, these friendly dogs can get on great with other animals - even cats!

How much grooming does a Chug need?

A Chug will shed dog hair, so they will require brushing, but this is a fairly easy task. A 5-minute brush once or twice a week is usually all it takes to keep their coat looking and feeling great. They have a very delicate little body, so make sure that any grooming tools you use are soft.

They will also need their nails and teeth well-maintained, like any other dog. Thankfully, these dogs do not require regular trips to the dog groomers as their coats will not grow to become overly long.

However, if you wish to take them to a dog salon for a pamper session or to have them looking especially nice for a holiday or outing, then that's absolutely fine too.

Do Chug bark much?

Some Chugs like the sound of their own voice a little bit too much, which can lead to them being overly vocal, whether they want more food or cuddles from their owners. And due to their little lungs, thankfully, it's not a deafening bark, but it can cause problems.

While many Chugs mercifully don't unnecessity utilise their vocal cords, if a Chug is being a bit too noisy, then it's time to seek out an animal behaviourist who, in many cases, will be able to successfully diagnose and treat the problem.

Do Chug bite?

Chugs tend to be docile and sweet dogs that generally get on well with other pets, but ultimately this depends on the individual dog and their socialisation, breeding, and temperament.

If a Chug attacks other dogs or other pets, then it can have serious implications for not just the animal in question but the owner too.

As a responsible dog parent, it is your responsibility to oversee that your dog does not attack or hurt another, whether this is an adult, child or animal. Any sign of aggressive behaviour should be followed by a prompt visit to your vet for advice.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chug?

As the Chug is a crossbreed, their personality is, at least in part, predetermined by their parents, the Chihuahua and the Pug, as well as how they have been bred and reared.

These dogs have no clue as to how small they are if their bright and brave personalities are anything to go by! They are fun and fearless little dogs for the most part, and they love nothing more than their owners spending time with them.

They can often suffer from separation anxiety if they spend too much time on their own, which can lead to some troublesome and worrying behaviour.

What is the weight & size of a Chug?

Chugs reach around 30 cm in height and weigh, on average, 9 kgs.

How much training does a Chug need?

Chugs are intelligent little dogs that really love to learn new things, like tricks and new games. Surprisingly for some, the breed also performs well at dog sports like agility and is very good at following commands, so they are straightforward to word train.

When out walking, they should be trained to be completely comfortable on a lead and also have a good recall.

As with many dogs, Chugs benefit from early socialisation, so puppy classes are beneficial, but also make sure they are slowly introduced to new people and animals - ideally new dogs - from as young as they are able.

This will allow their outgoing little personalities to shine through and carry them through life as much less stressed and territorial dogs.

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

Genetic health problems that can affect the mixed breed include:

• Eye conditions

• Luxating patella

• Breathing problems

To prevent health issues from being passed down to pups, all potential parent dogs should be tested before breeding.

Because they have sort snouts like the Pug and Chihuahua, the breed can be susceptible to sun and heat stroke, so always be mindful of the symptoms, which can potentially be life-threatening.

What is the lifespan of a Chug?

A healthy, happy Chug can be expected to live between 10 years and 13 years old.

How much should you feed a Chug?

Small dogs are known to have fast metabolisms, so they burn energy at a high rate. Yet, because of their small and sometimes delicate stomachs, the breed should be fed little and often. Look for small-breed food that has been designed for breeds such as the Chug.

What is the price of a Chug in Australia?

Chug puppies can cost $3000+. Always ensure you research a breeder who is reputable and has carried out health testing on the parent dogs so the pups won't carry any common diseases that both Pugs and Chihuahua s can often pass to their offspring.

Ensure your new Chug puppy comes with health certificates too, so you know they have been checked over by a veterinary professional. While you can never predict fully how your Chug's health will fare, having these health certificates is a good way of minimising vet bills later down the line.

If you want to adopt and not shop, then Chug rescues also make great pets! There is a huge variety of rescue groups online that will be able to help you to search for a rescue.