Puggle vs. Chug: Breed Differences & Similarities

Are thinking of adopting a Puggle or a Chug as your next canine companion?. Not everybody wants a purebred dog as their forever friend. For some people, the question comes down to the Puggle vs. the Chug dog. One is a cross between the Pug and the Beagle, while the other is a mix of the Pug and the Chihuahua.

While both mixed breeds share the Pug as a common ancestor, they vary in myriad ways. Both of these designer dogs have their own needs, and it’s essential to consider those factors (and how they factor into your life) before making your final decision.

Maybe you’ve been stuck on the Chug vs. Puggle debate for a while. Perhaps you clicked on this piece because the word “Puggle” is fun or the term “Chug” is new to you. In either case, we’ll go over the basics for you, and then we’ll break things down further to give you as much detail as possible. Let’s get to it!

Breed History

You might be wondering how these two dogs came into being. Or, instead, you might be asking yourself why they came into being. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn about each of these designer dog’s history and what could make them the perfect addition to your clan.

Puggle

The Puggle is a relatively new invention in terms of crossbreeds. Experts in the field believe this dog came into existence near the end of the 20th century. They became en vogue due to their sheer cuteness; this “designer dog” (as they are sometimes known) combines the general form of the Beagle with the wrinkly face of the Pug.

Some dog enthusiasts hope the Beagle-style muzzle will make it easier for them to breathe than it is for the Pug. However, that’s not guaranteed, as each dog will take on different traits from its parents. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, Puggles are not inherently hypoallergenic.

When you’re buying or adopting a Puggle, you’re probably not going to get a dog that comes from a long, storied genetic heritage. It’s more likely that you’re going to get the first fruits of a successful Beagle-Pug crossbreeding attempt.

Chug

The history of the Chug, on the other hand, is just a smidge more complicated. Dog experts theorize that Pugs and Chihuahuas may have crossbred without human intervention before their codification as a proper “hybrid breed.” However, the deliberate crossing of Pugs and Chihuahuas started around the beginning of the 21st century. That makes the Chug newer than the Puggle.

People are unsure as to why breeders intentionally began breeding Chugs. However, experts assume that, as with the Puggle, it was to combine the best aspects of a Pug and a Chihuahua.

Again, though, just because that might have been the intention, that doesn’t mean it’s the consistent result. (Indeed, they have the same flat muzzle as Pugs, which can make heat regulation problematic.)

This mix is not necessarily an allergy-friendly breed of dog based on being hybrids, it’s quite the opposite, actually. People with dog allergies should consider avoiding them altogether.

Unless you have reason to assume otherwise, you can also guess that any Chug you may adopt will be the first of its genetic line. That means some measure of unpredictability in terms of hypoallergenic features and other traits.

Appearance

Even though these two dogs are both descended from the Pug, these two doggies have distinct looks. For a start, while they’re both small dogs, Puggles tend to weigh more than Chugs. Any number of the physical factors could be deciding for a prospective dog parent, so take the time to find out more about each dog.

Puggles have short double coats. They can come in all kinds of colors: fawn, black, red, and lemon, to name a few. When they have white mixed in with those colors, that’s called “parti-color.”

Like their ancestors, Puggles can have black on their muzzles—though again, this trait is not uniform amongst the mix. However, something they are bound to inherit from their Beagle relatives is those floppy ears.

Chugs present more variety in their coats. Their fur can be coarse, or it can be soft, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Their coloration is typically cream, white, black, brown, or fawn. They can be a single color, or they can be multicolored. As with Pugs and Puggles, Chugs can have colored muzzles. Their ears may or may not be slack.

Temperament

When it comes to choosing a pooch, temperament is often a deciding factor for people. Here’s something that both dogs have in common: they’re very sociable. You’ll be happy to know that either dog can make lovely family dogs. That’s not surprising, given the gregarious nature of the Pug (and, in the case of the Puggle, the Beagle).

Now, who’s going to be living with the dog? Will it be just you, or do you have children? As we said, both pups get along well with families, but Puggles are more amenable to children than Chugs are.

That’s not to say Chugs won’t love kids, though. It means that introducing them to young children may have a steeper learning curve compared to introducing Puggles and young children. You should always teach kids how to behave appropriately around any dog you bring into the home.

What about pets? Do you have another dog in the house? If so, you might want to consider a Puggle. They get along with other dogs more quickly than the sometimes-solitary Chug. However, you can still bring home a Chug to live with your other dog(s), as long as you’re prepared to do the work of patiently introducing the dogs as soon as possible.

Now, do you have a cat? If you do, you might want to go with a Chug. Puggles may be inclined to quarrel with cats.

Apart from that, a trait that sets them apart is vigilance. Puggles may bark loudly, but they’re ready to be friends with whoever crosses their paths. Chugs, on the other hand, are natural guard dogs. They may be small, but they can be territorial.

Exercise

Just as with every other dog, both of these curious canines need exercise. For the Puggle, this need is quite intuitive, as they love to run around. You should give them at least half an hour of physical activity per day, which you can split into two smaller rounds of movement.

Chugs are energetic dogs, too, so they’ll be glad to get out and walk around. Also, because they are especially susceptible to obesity, take them out for half an hour to one hour daily. Make sure they get smaller physical activities (including more walks) regularly, too.

Training

Both dogs are lovable creatures, but training them is easier said than done. They’re both single-minded dogs who won’t want to do as you wish the moment you wish it. With lots of perseverance and love, though, you can succeed in training either of these pooches.

The main difference in training comes down to which reinforcements you should use. Puggles can be given food in exchange for good behavior, while you should provide Chugs with non-food-based reinforcements. Whatever you use for training, though, make sure it comes with lots of love!

Health

These two dogs have average levels of canine health. Naturally, they’re each susceptible to certain conditions.

Puggles are, for instance, given to hypothyroidism. Though the conditions associated with hypothyroidism are severe (including, but not limited to, obesity and infertility), dogs affected by it can live happy lives with proper medication.

For their part, Chugs are at risk of breathing issues and heat regulation problems due to their flat snouts. There’s also the risk of eye conditions, including cataracts. Keep a close eye on your dogs. If you notice anything that’s not quite right, talk to your vet immediately.

Nutrition

Here’s the deal with crossbred dogs: because no two dogs of the same mixed breed will be the same, recommending an exact amount of food the dogs should be eating can be challenging. You should always consult with your vet to determine what’s right for your dog if you have concerns.

With that in mind, Puggles typically do well with .5 to 1.5 cups of kibble per day, served as two meals. Monitor their food intake carefully, as Puggles are at an elevated risk of overeating and obesity. Try to leave their food dishes empty between meals.

As for Chugs, the amount of food they need really does come down to a particular dog’s needs. Again, speak with your vet to find out what’s right for your pup. You should, however, be feeding them kibble made for small, high-energy dogs. This is especially important during the puppy stage, where both dogs should be eating puppy food made for smaller dogs.

Like Puggles, Chugs are likely to overeat if left to their own devices, so follow meal plans carefully and watch what your dog is eating. Otherwise, you’ll end up needing to put your pup on a diet, which isn’t fun for them, or you.

Grooming

As with all dogs, both dogs have particular grooming needs.

Puggles shed a lot. Give them weekly brushings to make sure all of the sheddings are dealt with adequately. That said, they don’t need frequent bathing. You should only bathe them when it’s necessary—and even then, take great care to make sure no water or impurities get into the dog’s wrinkles and eyes.

Afterward, dry them down thoroughly, including in the wrinkles. This care reduces the risk of infection. Make sure you’re checking your Puggle’s eyes for signs of irritation or infection regularly.

Chugs are little shed hounds, too, and they also need brushing at least once per week. As for bathing, you can do that monthly. Between bathing sessions, you’re going to want to clean your Chug’s wrinkles with a baby wipe or a moist cloth, dry them intensively, and treat them with cornstarch or baby powder.

Depending on your Dog’s needs, this routine might need to be daily, weekly, or monthly. Their ears, however, need to be inspected each day for blights and dirt.

Both of these dogs need routine nail trimmings and teeth brushings. The Chugs’ teeth need more frequent cleanings (once a week) and Puggles need attention 2-3 times per week. If you have any questions or concerns about grooming your dog, be sure to consult your vet.

Price

Price is another major factor in choosing a dog, and it’s where Puggles and Chugs may diverge the most. At $800 and $1,000 starting prices, respectively, a Chug can cost more than a Puggle

Be sure to ask any breeder or adopter plenty of questions about the pup you want, and beware of anybody who’s lowballing the cost significantly. Any reputable breeder or adopter will thoroughly answer your questions and will have done all necessary genetic testing on each dog.

Final Thoughts

That wraps it up! Either dog may be a great addition to your life, just depending on your lifestyle. Though both dogs share the Pug as an ancestor, the two have marked differences. Most notably, Puggles are very outgoing, while Chugs are more defensive.

If you want to add another happy character to your young family, consider the Puggle. If it’s just you (and perhaps a cat), try the Chug. Whatever choice you end up making, you can rest assured that you’ve just gotten yourself a lifelong friend!