Pugapoo dog: Pug and Poodle mix

Pugapoo dog: Pug and Poodle mix

Height: 8–15 inches
Weight: 10–30 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Colors: White, cream, fawn, gray, black
Suitable for: Active families looking for a playful dog that will make you laugh
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, friendly, mischievous

It seems natural that someone would get the idea to breed a Pug and a Poodle together. Both are delightful dogs with personalities that will endear them to you the moment you meet them. The parent breeds are also ancient ones, each with a past that goes back hundreds of years, albeit shrouded in some mystery along the way.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Pug and Poodle early on its days in 1885 and 1887, respectively. They are also popular breeds, coming in at number 29 and number 6 in the organization’s rankings. These dogs belong to the Toy Group, which isn’t surprising given their roles as lapdogs and companion animals. They are also adaptable, making them an ideal choice for the city dweller.

Pugapoo (Pug & Poodle) Mixed Breed Info, Pictures
Pugapoo (Pug & Poodle) Mixed Breed Info, Pictures

Surprisingly, each breed had a purpose that belies their present one. The Pug has a reputation as a watchdog, having saved the life of Prince of Orange in the 16th century. The Poodle started life as a hunting dog, specializing in waterfowl. Its coat is well-suited to the task, along with its keen intelligence and trainability.

What is a Pugapoo?

If you love the personality and temperament of the Poodle but prefer the small size of the Pug, you may not have to choose between the two – you can choose a Pugapoo which is a cross of both breeds. The Pugapoo varies in size, appearance, and temperament depending on breeding but it will exhibit a combination of the features you love from both breeds. For the most part, Pugapoos are friendly and fun-loving – they also tend to respond well to training and they get along well with children. If you are looking for a small, friendly family pet, you may want to consider the Pugapoo.

Pugapoos are friendly and fun-loving – they also tend to respond well to training and they get along well with children.

Pugapoo Dog Breed Complete Guide
Pugapoo Dog Breed Complete Guide

Origin

Hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years, so the first crossing of a Pug and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. The exact origins of the Pugapoo are unknown and no one breeder or kennel is credited with the development of this breed. The Poodle was originally developed in Germany as a water dog and its origins can be traced back to the 15th century or earlier. The Pug is a Chinese breed that was brought over to Europe during the 16th century and bred as a companion pet.

Pedigree

The Pugapoo is a hybrid breed, a cross between the Pug and the Poodle. It is possible for a Pugapoo to have more or less than 50 percent of either parent breed depending on breeding.

Diet and Nutrition

The Pugapoo is a small-breed dog and, as such, should be offered a dog food that is specially formulated for small breeds. This type of dog food is designed to meet the energy needs of small breed dogs.

This breed responds well to training and generally does well with positive reinforcement.

Weight

The size of the Pugapoo may vary depending on breeding but, for the most part, this breed stands between 8 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 30 pounds.

How easy are Pugapoo to train?

The Pugapoo is a cross between and Pug and a Poodle, one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so it is a fairly smart dog. These dogs tend to be highly receptive to new people and places during the first few months of life so expose them to as many new things as you can. This breed responds well to training and generally does well with positive reinforcement. As is true with all dogs, it is recommended that you start your Pugapoo puppy with training and socialization as early as possible to prevent the development of problem behaviors.

Pugapoo Dog Breed Information
Pugapoo Dog Breed Information

How healthy are Pugapoo?

The primary health concerns rest with the fact that the Pug is a brachycephalic breed, referring to its short snout and the characteristic shape of its head. Similar pups have a higher propensity for several serious health conditions, including heatstroke, obstructed labor, and spinal disease. The Pug in your Pugapoo is less likely to be able to swim, unlike the water-loving Poodle.

Therefore, it’s imperative to buy only from sellers who conduct the recommended pre-breeding health screenings. Unfortunately, both parent breeds have a litany of concerns that warrant these precautions. You should also stick with sellers who include a health guarantee with your purchase. Some conditions don’t show up right away, making it necessary protection for both of you.

Minor Conditions
  • Cataracts
  • Eye disorders
  • Respiratory issues
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Pug dog encephalitis

How would you describe the temperament of Pugapoo?

The Pugapoo is not an overly excitable dog but it does have a good bit of energy, especially a puppy. These dogs are playful and fun-loving and they genuinely love to spend time around people. Pugapoos learn quickly and they are eager to meet new people. One thing to be wary of with this breed is that they do tend to bark, so you should plan to teach your dog to stop barking on command. Socialize your Pugapoo from an early age and make sure he gets plenty of daily exercise and playtime to prevent the development of problem behaviors

How long will Pugapoo live?

The average lifespan for the Pugapoo is 12 to 14 years.

 

AKC

The Pugapoo is not recognized by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. This breed is, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.

How active are Pugapoo?

The Pugapoo is not an overly active breed but it does have a good bit of energy and loves to play with children and family. This dog requires a daily walk but it doesn’t require vigorous exercise.

These dogs are playful and fun-loving and they genuinely love to spend time around people.

Coat

The Pugapoo exhibits two different coat types – straight or curly. These dogs do not shed a great deal but they do require regular grooming and trimming to keep their fur under control, especially with the curly coat. Pugapoos exhibit a variety of different colors including black, cream, brown, gold, gray, white, and every combination in between. Because this hybrid is mixed with a Poodle, there is a chance that your Pugapoo will be hypoallergenic.

Puppies

Pugapoo puppies vary in appearance depending on breeding. Some puppies are born with short, straight coats while others develop longer, wavy coats. As is true with all dogs, it is recommended that you start your Pugapoo puppy with training and socialization as early as possible to prevent the development of problem behaviors.

Related Questions

Are pugapoos hypoallergenic?

No, the pugapoo is not completely hypoallergenic, but it is also a rather light shedder.

How much should you feed a pugapoo?

You should feed a full-grown adult pugapoo about a cup of food per day. This amount may vary slightly with the dog’s size, age, and activity level.

What does a pugapoo look like?

Because there are no established pugapoo standards, this dog comes with a wide variety of different physical characteristics. The most common traits are a medium-sized snout, droopy ear, a slim physique, and either a curly or straight coat with some combination of black, white, and brown fur. The tail may be straight or curled back against the body. This dog is either small- or medium-sized, standing no more than 15 inches at the shoulders.

Final Thoughts

Spanning a wide range of looks and personalities, the Pugapoo is an adorable dog that combines some of the qualities displayed by Poodles and Pugs. They can be as small as 10 pounds or as heavy as 30 and they come in all shades and colors.

This breed is incredibly friendly and affectionate. They need a lot of love and don’t want to be left alone for long, especially outside! Equally adapted for apartment living or a house, Pugapoos don’t require much space or exercise to be happy.

If you’ve considered a Poodle or a Pug before but the outrageous prices sent you reeling, then a Pugapoo might be the adorable pup to replace them.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.