Chug Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

2-5 kg

Height

15-25 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the Chug

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Most people will know the Chug to be a small, friendly and loyal breed of dog. But, chances are you don’t know everything you need to know about this ever so special little breed of dog!

Our guide to the Chug has all the information you need to decide if a Chug should be whisking its way to a brand new forever home with you!

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.

What is a Chug Breed?

A first cross Chug is bred from both a Pug and a Chihuahua. Other variations can include two Chugs bred together, so this dog will often adopt many of the characteristics of its parents.

Whichever the case may be, Chugs are very tiny dogs! They are also friendly and loving and make great pets for those with allergies.

As a mixed-breed dog, Chugs can have a variety of combinations regarding their behaviour, temperament and overall appearance and tend to display all the very best traits of a Pug and Chihuahua.

Who is a Chug 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, maybe 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!

Chug Grooming & Shedding

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 Chugs bark a lot?

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.

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

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

Are Chugs easy to train?

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 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.

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

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.

Does the Chug have any common health issues?

Genetic health problems that can affect the mixed breed include:

Eye Conditions: Chugs may be prone to various eye issues, including cataracts and corneal ulcers, which can affect their vision.
Luxating Patella: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, leading to pain and difficulty walking. It’s common in small breeds and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
Breathing Problems: Due to their short snouts, Chugs can experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather. They may be prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can affect their ability to breathe comfortably.

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 does a Chug need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Chug FAQs

Is a Chug ideal for a first-time dog owner?

This breed is great for a first-time dog owner! Whether a pup or an older dog, this breed is easy to look after, doesn’t require a whole lot of physical exercise and can quite happily live in any size of home.

As long as owners have the time to spend with them, the love to give, and the understanding that a dog of this breed is a potential 13-year commitment, then a Chug will make a great fur baby!

Do Chugs suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, the breed, like almost any other breed of dog, can suffer from separation anxiety, but they are particularly vulnerable to this when they are young pups. The anxiety that a puppy faces when presented with being alone for extended periods is not to be underestimated.

The harsh truth is, if you don’t have the time to spend with your dog, then you should have a dog in your care.

Does this breed of dog get along well with other dogs?

As inquisitive small creatures, Chugs love to meet new people – and dogs! They get on great with dogs, but they can be easily hurt by other larger dogs during playtime due to their small stature and fragile bones. For this reason, any socialisation with a larger breed of dog should always be supervised.

Will a Chug need professional grooming?

No! One of the great things about this tiny breed is that you can do all the grooming yourself – and, better still, it’s minimal! A quick brush a few times a week will get rid of dead hair and keep their coat looking in peak condition.