The Chug is a hybrid breed that was created by crossing a pug and a chihuahua. Chugs are extremely popular dogs as they not only look cute, but they also have loyal and affectionate natures. The Chug may be small in size but they are always alert and are pretty fearless too, making them good watchdogs. The Chug can inherit traits from both parent breeds so some look more like Pugs while others look more like Chihuahuas. Different Chugs can have completely different personalities with some taking after the sweet and comical Pug and others taking after the feisty Chihuahua.
As the Chug is a relatively new dog breed there is not a breed standard and they can inherit different traits from both parent breeds. This means some Chugs clearly resemble the Chihuahua while some look more like Pugs. However, Chugs do tend to have fine, straight hair, a well domed heat and a furrowed brow. This breed has large eyes, short muzzles and ears that are set high and far apart.
Although small, Chugs are sturdy and well muscled with broad chests and a level back. Their tails curve over the Chug’s back and their feet are compact with firm paw pads and strong nails. Chugs can come in many colours including black and brown, black and tan, brown, cream, fawn, merle, speckled and spotted.
How big do Chugs get?
Height - Males: 33 - 40cm, Females: 33 - 40cm
Weight - Males: 5 - 10kg, Females: 5 - 10kg
Chugs are smart dogs that are people-orientated and love to please their family. The mischievous nature of the Chug makes them very playful and entertaining to be around. Although the Chug is alert, loyal and can be aggressive at times, they aren’t good guard dogs but are excellent watchdogs and will alert you to anything they aren’t sure about. Chugs are easy to train but the training needs to be consistent and positive. Chugs are pretty chilled out and are happy with a couple of short walks each day. This is a friendly little dog that wants to be with their family all the time.
Are Chugs intelligent? Yes
Are Chugs affectionate? Yes
Do Chugs have high or low energy levels? Low - medium energy levels
Are Chugs loyal? Yes
Are Chugs playful? Yes
Are Chugs aggressive? Yes, they can be
Are Chugs easy to train? Yes
Are Chugs good guard dogs? They are good watchdogs but not good guard dogs
Chugs are social dogs and they usually get on well with other dogs. It is best to avoid contact with smaller animals because a Chug will chase smaller animals for fun. If you have older children then a Chug will be good around them but this isn’t a good breed for younger children as the Chug can be injured or hurt easily due to their small size. Chugs will often stand their ground and bark at strangers which is one of the traits that makes them a good watchdog.
Do Chugs get along with other pets? No, Chugs are best kept away from other pets
Do Chugs get along with other dogs? Yes
Are Chugs good with kids? They are good with older children
Are Chugs good with strangers? No, they will usually bark at strangers
Chugs are an ideal dog breed for first-time owners as they are people-orientated, easy to train and are highly adaptable. Chugs can happily live in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation each day. As Chugs bond strongly with their family they are never happy when they are left alone. This breed is best suited to homes where someone is going to be with them otherwise they may suffer from separation anxiety. It’s important to point out that Chugs do not handle hot weather well, their short muzzles mean they can overheat quickly so care must be taken during summer.
Are Chugs good for first-time owners? Yes
Are Chugs hypoallergenic? No
Are Chugs prone to drooling? No
Are Chugs a good breed for apartment living? Yes
Do Chugs shed a lot? They shed moderately
Do Chugs bark a lot? Yes
Can Chugs be left alone at home? No
Can Chugs handle the heat? No
Can Chugs handle cold temperatures? No
Are Chugs sensitive to loud noises? Yes
Chugs have an average life span of 10 - 12 years. While the Chug is an overall healthy breed, the genetic diversity of mixing two breeds may lower their chances of certain diseases. However, these designer dogs are prone to a number of health issues that are seen in both the Chihuahua and Pug parent breeds. These health problems include:
Eye problems - Chugs are prone to eye problems including cataracts, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers. The treatment will depend on the condition but medication, eye drops and surgery are all possible treatment options for eye problems.
Patellar luxation - This is when the kneecap dislocates and it is a common problem for toy breeds and small breeds. If mild, the condition may not need treatment but more serious cases of Patellar Luxation may require physiotherapy and possibly surgery.
Ear problems - Symptoms of ear problems can include itchy, swollen, red, hot, painful or smelly ears. If you notice your Chug is experiencing discomfort around their ear, take them to the vet for a check up.
Respiratory problems - Due to the structure of the Chug’s face, they can struggle to breathe. Symptoms include noisy breathing, panting, snoring, struggling to exercise, inability to cope with hot weather, excessive sneezing, blue gums and collapse. Treatment options include weight control and surgery.
Hypoglycemia - Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar levels which can cause lethargy, shaking, loss of appetite, disorientation, loss of balance and other symptoms. Treatment for hypoglycemia usually involves a rapid trip to the vet for treatment.
How long do Chugs live? 10 - 12 years
Chugs are low - medium energy dogs that need around 30 minutes of exercise per day combined with lots of interactive play and training sessions. Chugs enjoy interesting walks where they can meet other dogs and be social. This breed also enjoys having access to a secure back garden where they can spend time off lead running around and letting off steam. Chugs can be let off lead in secure areas but take care when there are other animals around as these dogs often enjoy chasing smaller animals such as squirrels. Don’t exercise your Chug during hot weather as they can easily overheat due to their flat faces.
How much exercise does a Chug dog need? 30 minutes per day
Do Chugs like water play? Yes, they often like water but take care as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult
Chugs are not known for being fussy eaters and tend to do well on good quality dry food. As a rough estimate, a Chug puppy needs between 90 - 190g of dry food per day split into 3 - 4 portions. The actual amount is going to depend on the age, size and build of the individual dog. As every dog is different it is important to have a personal dietary plan made.
Are Chugs prone to weight gain? No
How much should I feed a Chug puppy? Between 90 - 190g of good quality dry food per day depending on the age, size and build of the puppy
How much should I feed an adult Chug dog? Between 70 - 160g of good quality dry food per day depending on the weight and activity level of the dog
Grooming: The short coat of the Chug is relatively long maintenance. However, regular brushing will help to keep on top of the Chug’s moderate year-round shedding. If your Chug has facial wrinkles/ folds then these need to be kept clean and dry to prevent skin infections from developing. Every few weeks Chugs need to have their nails checked and trimmed. It is also worth brushing their teeth regularly to help prevent dental issues from occurring. Finally, the Chug’s ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections from developing.
Emotional Care: Chugs are sensitive dogs that want to be with their owners all of the time. These little dogs don’t like to be left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. Chugs love to play interactive games and this is a great way to prevent them from becoming bored. If you have a garden for your Chug to play in off the lead then this will help keep them happy during the day. A bored Chug may bark incessantly or exhibit destructive behaviours as a way of entertaining themselves and relieving stress.
History of the Chug
Chugs have been around for around 15 years and were created by crossing Chihuahuas and Pugs. It didn’t take long for the Chug to become a popular dog in the UK and in other parts of the world. These small dogs are known for being cute, sweet and mischievous.
The origin of the Chug is not actually known as no one knows who first started crossing Chihuahuas and Pugs. As the first Chugs were not documented it isn;t known exactly how many years Chugs have been around. Based on other designer breeds, it can be assumed the Chug was developed in the United States but there is now way to really know.
Chugs are a cross between Chihuahuas and Pugs
Chugs can look different to each other with some looking for more Chihuahuas and others more like Pugs
It is not known who first started breeding the Chug
Chugs are wonderful dogs and there are often many Chug puppies available in the UK. Before buying your new dog, take a look at our buying guide for advice on finding your new dog and avoiding scams. All breeders on Puppies have been vetted to ensure they are responsible. Find puppies in your area on our Chug puppy page.
How much does a Chug cost to buy? £500 - £1000
How much does a Chug cost to feed? £20 per month
How much does insurance for a Chug cost? £30 per month
Another option is to adopt a Chug. Speak to your local dog shelter or contact the associations below:
