Puginese Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Puginese?

As with most other mixed-breed dogs, the exact origins of the Puginese are not known. They may have existed in the wild for some time through accidental cross-breeding, but it wasn't until the 2000s that breeders intentionally began to breed Puginese puppies.

The best way to learn about the origins of a hybrid breed is to examine the history of its parent breeds, which in this case are two purebred dogs, the Pug and the Pekingese.

Pugs have a regal history and were the favourite pets of Chinese Emperors as far back as 200 B.C. They remained in China until Dutch traders started to bring them back home in the 16th century, and they soon became popular in Europe and the United States.

Pugs have been recognised by the American Kennel Club since 1885 and are one of the most popular breeds in the world.

The Pekingese also originated in China and is also known as a 'Lion Dog' as legend has it that the breed was created when Buddha shrank a lion down to the size of a dog.

Pekingese dogs were discovered by British soldiers in the 19th century whilst storming the Emperor's palaces and were then given as a gift to Queen Victoria.

In the 1890s, they made their way to America and, in 1906, were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Who are Puginese dogs best for?

Puginese are not very active dogs and require little exercise. This means they're well-suited to people who live a fairly sedentary lifestyle and are looking for a furry companion rather than a hiking buddy. A daily run around a backyard or dog park should be enough for your Puginese.

Due to their small size and low energy levels, they adapt well to living in apartments and other small environments.

The Puginese can also make a good family pet but prefers to be around adults or older children, as they can quickly grow tired when having to play with young kids. If you have other pets or other dogs at home, this breed will tend to get along with them, but they do prefer to be the only pet in the household.

How much grooming does a Puginese need?

As with their appearance, the type of coat a Puginese will have is hard to predict. They could inherit a long coat from their Pekinese parent or a shorter coat from their Pug parent. They could even have a mixture of the two!

Either way, their coat will shed, and they'll need to be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat from becoming tangled or matted. This will also reduce the amount of hair they leave around the home.

One trait they're guaranteed to have is facial folds, and you'll need to clean these out regularly to prevent them from developing any infections. You should avoid bathing them unless they're very dirty as their sensitive skin doesn't take well to frequent baths.

Do Puginese bark much?

The Puginese is not a very vocal breed and doesn't tend to bark much. However, they can be a little wary around strangers and may bark to alert the owners of their presence. Due to this, these little dogs can actually make quite good guard dogs, but persistent barking shouldn't be an issue.

Do Puginese bite?

This breed has a very low tendency to bite and is not known for being mouthy. Like with most other breeds, they will probably play-bite and nip when they're puppies, but with proper socialisation and training, this shouldn't last into adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Puginese?

Puginese are happy and playful dogs who love making their owners happy. They have a laid-back attitude and make excellent companion animals, and are most content when they're snuggled up on the couch with their owner.

They don't have a huge amount of energy, but they enjoy playing games and do require some mental stimulation. Despite being laid back, they do get easily frightened by loud noises, so they are best suited to calm and quiet environments.

What is the weight & size of a Puginese?

Puginese are small dogs, and they typically weigh between 3 kg to 8 kg, and their height is usually between 15 cm to 35 cm.

How much training does a Puginese need?

The Puginese breed can have a tendency to be wary of strangers and other dogs, so early socialisation is vital. You should start exposing them to new people, places, and other pets when they're still a puppy so that they feel comfortable in different situations and around other animals.

They may be cute, but the Puginese is not the most intelligent of dogs, and it can take a while for them to learn new things and adapt to obedience training. This means that you'll need to have lots of patience with them, but they will get there in the end!

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

Puginese are generally healthy, but like all other mixed-breed dogs, they are prone to certain genetic health problems that are common in their parent breeds, such as:

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the dog's hip joint doesn't form properly, meaning that it doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket. This can lead to pain and limping, and eventually arthritis.

• Intervertebral Disk Disease - the most common degenerative spinal disease in dogs that can cause a number of mobility issues and can be quite painful.

• Luxating Patella - this is where the dog's kneecap consistently moves out of its location. It can cause pain, limping and skipping.

• Breathing Problems - this is a common issue in this breed as their compact skulls make their soft palate or nostrils too small, which obstructs the airflow.

What is the lifespan of a Puginese?

The average life expectancy for a Puginese is 12 to 14 years which is quite long for such a small dog!

How much should you feed a Puginese?

As Puginese are so small and have low activity levels, they have a high risk of weight gain and obesity. You should feed them with high-quality dry food and avoid giving them too many treats.

It's best to consult your vet to formulate an ideal diet plan so that you can make sure your little pooch stays at a healthy weight.

What is the price of a Puginese in Australia?

As Puginese puppies vary so much depending on if they're more like a Pug or a Pekinese, the price range is also pretty wide, and you should expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a puppy.

You should always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder as they will perform health checks on the parents to reduce the risk of them developing serious health problems later in life.