Are you looking for a new small family companion, but you’re stuck choosing between a Chihuahua and Pug? We have a brilliant idea for you; why not choose both. Nope, I’m not talking about two dogs. I mean, why not pick the Chihuahua Pug mix or a Chug dog as they’re affectionately known?
You don’t know enough about the Chihuahua Pug mix to make that decision? We understand, which is why we’re inviting you to read the rest of this article because we’ll look at the Chug temperament, grooming & care, exercise needs (not a lot), health, parent breed histories, and more!
Chug Dog Information
Pugs and Chihuahuas are two of the most popular dogs worldwide; we’re pretty sure you already know this, but buying purebred breeds can get very expensive, especially if you choose a highly reputable and respected breeder.
Expense is one reason why families choose designer breeds or hybrids like the Chi Pug mix; there are other reasons which we’ll get to later in the article.

If you’re not into showing your pup, why pay the extra money when you can get the best of both parent breeds with the Pug mixed with a Chihuahua.
But we know it’s a tough choice; that’s why we’re here to help you decide if the Chihuahua Pug mix-the Chug dog will make the absolute best furry companion for your family.
Origins Of The Chihuahua & Pug Mix
It’s more than probable that the first Chihuahua Pug mix was a total accident; the female Pug got loose somehow and had a romance with the hot Chihuahua guy from down the road. The resulting litter turned out to be adorable Chug dogs. The only problem was that no one was thinking about designer breeds in those days and possibly even gave the puppies away for free.
Well, how things have changed, today those tiny baby Chugs would have sold for hundreds of dollars, and the proud parents of the Pug mom would have been deliriously happy.
The bottom line is no one knows the exact date and time crossbreeding Pugs with Chihuahuas began; it was probably in the United States and at least twenty to thirty years ago.
However, while it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact origins of the Chug dog, we can talk more about the two parent dogs; the Pug and the Chihuahua.
Pug History
Pug history dates back hundreds of years in China, and some dog historians claim Pugs are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. Much like today, Pugs lived in luxury and were prized possessions and lapdogs of the Chinese Emperors.
Pugs are one of several brachycephalic breeds (flat face dogs) the Chinese are famous for breeding, such as the Pekingese.
When Europeans began trading with China, some Pugs were given away as gifts and taken back to Europe, especially to Holland, as it was then known; the Dutch had a name for the Pug; they called them Mopshonds.

Pugs seem to get on well with royalty; for example, William of Orange, who later became King of England, took his Pugs everywhere with him.
Breeders created the breed standard in the early 1800s, and owners first showed Pugs in England in 1861. Pugs arrived in America after the Civil War, and the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized them in 1885.
Today Pugs are super popular in America, and worldwide they are number 28 out of 200 of the most popular breeds in the US.
Chihuahua History
Although their past is still somewhat shrouded in mystery, Chihuahuas have a history dating back hundreds of years.
Chihuahuas take their name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where Americans first discovered the breed in the mid-1800s, bringing them back into the States on their return.
Some dog historians think the Aztecs and Incas were instrumental in developing the Chihuahua from a dog called the Techichi. Yet others believe the dog was brought to the New World by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.

If the Aztecs and Incas did develop the Chihuahua, it could have been for either a food source or for religious reasons. Canine skeletal remains, resembling the Chihuahua, have been found in and near gravesites.
Once the Chihuahua arrived in America, the dog’s popularity saw a steady rise as a companion and lapdog. But that changed when Taco Bell made a very famous TV commercial featuring a tiny Chihuahua called Gidget. This commercial began a colossal rise in the dog’s popularity.
The AKC recognized the Chihuahua in 1904; today, they are number 33 out of 200 of the most popular dogs in America.
Chihuahua Pug Mix Characteristics At A Glance
- Personality: Adorable, lively, active, playful, affectionate, friendly, and faithful
- Height/Size: 6 to 12 inches
- Weight: 8 to 20 pounds
- Coat Color variations: Tan, Fawn, White, or Brown
- Alternate Names: Chihuahua Pug Mix, Pughuahua, Pugwawa, and Chug dog
- Child Friendly: Very Good
- Dog Friendly: Very Good
- Grooming: Average
- Exercise needs: Above average
Chihuahua Pug Mix Lifespan
Healthy Chihuahuas have one of the longest lifespans of any dog breed; some have lived over twenty years; they have an average life expectancy between fourteen to sixteen years. Pugs also have a reasonable life expectancy, although not as long as the Chihuahua, Pugs still live between thirteen and fifteen years.
A healthy Chihuahua Pug mix life expectancy would be between thirteen to sixteen years.
Chug Personality
Pugs and Chihuahuas both have unbelievable personalities; whoever created these dogs hundreds of years ago went for attitude over body size. So you can expect your Chug to be a character with some serious smarts and a happy, lively, and affectionate nature.
Pugs & Chihuahuas are companions and lapdogs, they love snuggling, and you can expect more of the same from your Chi Pug mix. Chug dogs demand your time and attention and will follow you wherever you go to be close. This heavy dependency can lead to separation anxiety if they feel they’ve been alone for too long.
Funnily enough, while a Chihuahua and a Pug are loving and affectionate characters, they both have a stubborn streak and can be wilful; your Chug will likely inherit that trait.
Chug Dogs Behavior
The behavior of your Chug is going to be more challenging to predict because a Pug and a Chihuahua are opposites when it comes down to their behavior.
When a Pug is appropriately socialized, they get on with everyone, including children and other animals and pets. They are happy to see strangers come calling and snuffle and fuss around them like they’ve known them all their life. Scratch a Pug’s head and tickle their ears, and they’ll likely follow you around for more of the same.
Chihuahuas, though, are a different kettle of fish. They are very wary of strangers and sound a warning when any stranger is in the vicinity. Chihuahuas will make a much better watchdog than a Pug.
If a Chihuahua has grown up with children and is handled respectfully, they are fine. But around unknown kids or younger kids that roughly handle them, Chihuahuas are snappy and anxious.
Chihuahuas also tend to gravitate towards one family member more than the others; Pugs love everyone.
The Pug and Chihuahua are opposites in these respects, so your Chug’s behavior could be a mystery until you see them develop from their puppy stage into mature dogs.
What Does A Chug Look Like?
The AKC classifies Chihuahuas and Pugs as Toy breeds, but wow, they look entirely different. In reality, there’s no mistaking either of these two breeds.
The Chihuahua is tiny and weighs between 3 and 6 pounds, whereas the Pug can weigh up to 18 pounds and grows up to 11 inches tall.
Chug dogs could take after either of the parents and be tiny or similar in size to a Pug parent. But, typically, you’ll find a Chug mid-way between the parents; we’re talking 8 to 10 inches tall and between 6 and 12 pounds.

A Chug’s coat is generally short and smooth but reasonably thick. However, if the pairing was a long-haired Chihuahua Pug mix, then your Chug may have longer hair and an undercoat. Long-haired Chihuahuas typically have a neck ruff, feathering around the ears, feet, and legs, and longer hair on the tail. In this case, your Chug will probably inherit a similar coat to the long-haired Chihuahua parent.
Chihuahua Pug Mix Grooming
Pugs and Chihuahuas are average shedders, with Pug hair being more noticeable. Both dogs need a brush once a week to remove any dead hairs because the hair will only fall on your furnishings unless you brush them out.
For the short-haired Chug, it will be the same routine, but if you have a long-haired Chug dog, you should brush them two to three times each week. A Chug will shed more heavily during fall and spring.
Because of the parent’s genes, Chug dogs will be treat motivated and prone to becoming obese; you should try to limit treats because they are typically more likely to put weight because of overfeeding treats and snacks.
Final Thoughts
Have you decided? Is it going to be a Chihuahua, a Pug, or the Chihuahua Pug Mix? Still a tough choice, I guess.
Seriously though, whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these three fantastic little dogs.