Chug Dog

While Pugs always have a short and smooth coat, Chihuahuas can have either short or long hair. If your Chug inherits this longer fur, you’ll need to spend more time on brushing to keep your dog free of tangles.

But in general, grooming a Chihuahua-Pug mix is fuss-free.

• Bathing: About every four to six weeks, bathe your pup with dog-friendly shampoo. After every bath, use a towel to dry your dog’s wrinkles and folds completely to prevent skin infections. 
• Brushing: Chugs are moderate shedders, no matter the length of their fur. If you want to keep loose hair to a minimum (and your Chug’s coat shiny and healthy), brush your dog at least a few times throughout the week. Using a tool like a Furminator brush will keep dog hair from collecting in your house.
• Dental care: Small breeds like the Chug are especially prone to dental disease, and if your Chug has an underbite or teeth crowding, there’s an even greater risk of problems. To keep your dog’s teeth healthy (and their breath fresh), schedule time to brush their teeth every day.
  • Pro Tip: It’s best to start when your Chug puppy is young, so they get used to the routine.
• Ear care: Chugs with floppy ears are especially at risk for ear infections, since moisture can become trapped in the ear canal. Whether your Chug has upright or folded ears, make sure you frequently check for signs of infection like discharge, redness, or odor. Call your veterinarian if something seems off. 
• Nail care: Treat your Chug to a paw pedicure by regularly trimming their nails. This grooming task will be easier if you start handling your Chug puppy’s paws at an early age.

Patient, consistent training is essential for the Chug dog breed. These dogs are likely to inherit traits from both parent breeds—including the Pug’s willful nature, says Limazati. But this doesn’t mean Chug dogs aren’t a good fit for first-time pet parents. It just means you’ll need a little extra patience (and training treats).

Keep training sessions short, fun, and filled with positive reinforcement. Limazati says to make sure you’re not unintentionally reinforcing mischievous behavior, like picking up your Chug when they’re acting out. This might make them bark or chew more often, because they’ll know you’ll pay attention when they do.

Instead, practice behavior modification and don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified dog trainer if you need extra help.

Pet parents also need to prioritize socialization. This early exposure to new people, animals, and environments will help your Chug dog be well-mannered and confident throughout their life.

Feed your Chug a high-quality, small-breed dog food. The food needs to be AAFCO-compliant and formulated for your dog’s lifespan: puppy, adult, or senior.

Ask your vet how much you should feed your dog and avoid free-feeding your Chug. This breed can quickly pack on the pounds.

“Chugs tend to have small-dog metabolisms,” says Erin Koballa, DVM, veterinarian at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. “[This] means they can put on weight quickly if overfed but also burn calories faster than some larger breeds.” 

The breed’s fast-burning metabolism is a risk factor for low blood sugar, especially in young dogs. Your vet may recommend feeding your Chug puppy three meals per day, and then reducing to twice-daily meals when they reach maturity.  

Keep up with regular wellness appointments so your vet can monitor your dog’s body condition score. Maintaining a balanced weight is good for your Chug’s health in the long-term, and helps avoid joint and breathing problems later on, Dr. Koballa says.

Chug dogs don’t live life in the fast lane, but you shouldn’t overlook their need for daily exercise, either. These dogs have moderate energy levels, and they’ll benefit from one or two short walks each day, plus some interactive playtime.

“Chugs enjoy games that challenge their minds, like nose work, puzzle toys, or gentle fetch, but high-impact or endurance activities such as long runs or strenuous agility are not recommended,” Limazati says.

For Chug puppies who take after the flat-faced Pug, be extra cautious about outdoor activities in warm weather.

“Because of the potential brachycephalic influence, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise in extreme heat or humidity, and watch for any signs of heavy breathing or fatigue,” Dr. Koballa says.

A Chug will feel right at home in an apartment or a house with a fenced yard, but because of the breed’s sensitivity to overheating, they should always have access to fresh, cold water, and air conditioning.

They need a family who will give them lots of attention—but leave them home on hiking trips.

“They love to be social and involved in family life, but they’re not marathon runners,” says Dr. Koballa. Instead, she says a Chug might be your perfect match if you’re looking for an easygoing companion for shorter walks or indoor games.

The Chug dog breed can also be a good match for families with kids, as long as your kids know how to appropriately interact with dogs and playtime is supervised.