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Breeds / Small

Chug puppies

The Chug is a small, affectionate dog that wants their owner's full attention. They get on with people of all ages but are easily hurt by rough handling or larger dogs, and may bark when bored or lonely.

The facts

  • Size class Small
  • A cross of Chihuahua and Pug
  • Country of origin United States
  • Adult weight 4.5 to 9 kg
  • Adult weight in pounds 10 to 20 lb
  • Adult height 25 to 35 cm
  • Energy level High
  • Grooming Moderate
  • Coat type Short smooth
  • Typical lifespan 10 to 16 years
  • Good with children Reliably good
  • Good with other dogs Fine with supervision

Where these figures come from

About the Chug

The Chug crosses the Chihuahua with the Pug and originated in the United States in the early 2000s, possibly as an attempt to breed away from the Pug's very short muzzle. Purina UK gives adults as 4.5 to 9 kg and 25 to 35 cm. Lifespan estimates differ: Purina UK says 10 to 13 years and PetMD 13 to 16, so this page shows the span of both. Because the two parents look so different, one Chug may have the Chihuahua's erect ears and pointed muzzle and another the Pug's folded ears and blunt face.

Exercise needs are moderate, about half an hour of walking a day on a harness plus gentle games. The smooth coat needs a brush once or twice a week, although Chugs can shed a lot. Very young children and large dogs are the main risk to a dog this small, and they do best where someone is home most of the day. Never assume the cross has removed the Pug's breathing problems: ask about the muzzle length of both parents and listen for noisy breathing.

A cross, not a breed. The Chug is a cross rather than a standardised breed, so looks, size and temperament vary and can favour either parent, and puppies from one litter can differ a great deal. A Chug with a short Pug muzzle carries the same breathing risks as a Pug, so judge the individual dog rather than the label.

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Chug puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A small breed puppy at eight weeks is light enough to carry everywhere, which is exactly how you get them socialised before the vaccination course finishes. They will still need four meals a day. This is a high energy breed. At eight weeks that shows up as intensity rather than stamina, and they will need a job to do long before they need long walks. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything they meet calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of their life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

Your Chug puppy's first six months

Kit sizes: crate 24 inch (24 x 18 x 20 in, 61 x 46 x 51 cm) for an adult of up to 9 kg; chew toys made for small breeds. Worked out the same way as the crate size calculator. PetMD bases a crate on the dog's own measurements, not weight or breed alone, so measure once the puppy is home.

Buying guides for this

Other small breeds

Alaskan Klee Kai 2.7 to 11.3 kg American Eskimo Dog 2.7 to 15.9 kg American Hairless Terrier 5.4 to 12.7 kg Australian Terrier 6.8 to 9.1 kg Basenji 10 to 10.9 kg Beagle 9.1 to 13.6 kg

More on the Chug

On the list: families with childrenOn the list: small dogs for familiesOn the list: longest lived

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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.

Sources