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Chug

The Chug crosses a Chihuahua with a Pug.

It is a crossbreed rather than a breed, and it is sometimes marketed as a healthier alternative to a Pug — a claim that needs examining, because the Pug's central problem is a flattened face and the cross does not reliably fix it.

It stands 25 to 36 centimetres, weighs 4.5 to 9 kilograms and lives ten to thirteen years. Muzzle length varies considerably between individuals and even within a litter: some Chugs have a usable muzzle and breathe well, and others are as compromised as a Pug. The individual dog in front of you tells you far more than the label does.

Origin
A crossbreed, not a recognised breed
Size
25–36 cm; 4.5–9 kg
Lifespan
10–13 years
Coat
Short; sheds moderately to heavily
Temperament
Bold, affectionate and often stubborn
Health
Brachycephalic airway problems, eye injuries, dental disease

Related: Chihuahua

2 chug photos, newest first

Chug feed
  • Radish, a chug

    Radish

    Radish was promoted to camping guide assembling a tent much too small; unfortunately, dozens of ping-pong balls escape at once.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Radish, a chug

    Radish

    Radish supervising, which mostly means lying down nearby.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a chug

Look at the muzzle, not the label. If the dog snores, snorts, breathes noisily at rest or tires quickly, it has brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and crossing to a Chihuahua has not prevented it. Surgery helps substantially in affected dogs.

They overheat dangerously. No exercise in heat, never left in a car, harness rather than collar.

Both parent breeds have prominent eyes prone to injury and ulceration. Squinting or cloudiness is urgent.

Dental disease is near-universal in dogs this size. Brush daily.

They are bold and often bossy despite the size, and they need training and socialisation like any dog.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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