If you love the gracefulness of a Poodle and the irresistible cuteness of a Pug, a Pugapoo will be the perfect match for you.
A Pugapoo, also fondly known as a Pugpoo, Pugoodle, or Pugadoodle, combines the traits and personalities of a Pug and a Poodle.
A Pugapoo grows to about 12-15 inches and weighs no more than 30 pounds. Its hair will vary between short and smooth or long and curly depending on the dominant parent. This sociable and active doggie will dawn the color of fawn, tan, black, grey, white, or cream. It will also be short snouted if the Pug is the dominant parent.
In this guide, you will learn about the health problems of a Pugapoo, how to care for your dog, the temperament of a Pugapoo, and how to train it. But first, let us find out what you can expect your Pugapoo to look like.
What Does A Pugapoo Look Like?
A Poodle and Pug Mix is called a Pugapoo. This dog also goes by other names such as Pugadoodle, Pugpoo, and Pugoodle.
As a mixed hybrid dog, the Pugapoo inherits some physical traits of both the Pug and Poodle parents.
To understand how the Pugapoo looks, let’s first look at the traits of the Pug and the Poodle.
Pug
The pug is a small muscular dog with a short, curled tail, stumpy chubby legs, wide, round and stocky chest, and deep wrinkles on the face.
This dog breed is brachycephalic meaning it has a short skull and a wide, flat face.
Pugs have a short and smooth black or fawn coat. A fawn breed will have a distinctive black mask around its nose.
Poodle
The Poodle boasts a square, athletic body with a distinctive carriage on its moderately round head.
This dog is known for its thick, tight, and curly coat and floppy ears that droop to the sides.
A Standard poodle stands at over 15 inches while a miniature breed measures less than 10 inches.
Pugapoo
The appearance of Pugapoos varies drastically depending on the dominant parent.
Your dog will have a protruding snout like the Poodle parent or a short muzzle surrounded by a dark mask like the Pug.
The Pugoodle’s hair will be short and smooth or long and curly and will come in various colors such as fawn, tan, black, grey, white, or cream. Pugapoos can grow to 10-15 inches tall and will weigh between 15-30lb.
Are Pugapoos Healthier Than Pugs? Common Health Problems Of A Pugapoo
A Pugapoo lives for about 12-15 years
This is a long lifespan but this dog has its own health problems inherited from the parent breeds.
Common Pugapoo health problems include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition in which a dog’s hip ball and socket grind against each other making it difficult for your dog to move about properly.
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Pug encephalitis is an inflammatory brain disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy body cells. Researchers have found that 50% of Pugs are prone to this genetic disease.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
Gastric dilation volvulus is an abnormal expansion of the dog’s stomach. This can lead to inadequate flow of blood from the abdomen to the heart and back and cause breathing problems, which can be fatal for Fido. The disease is common in dogs with deep chests such as the Poodle.
Entropion
Entropion is an eye disorder in which the dog’s eyelids bend inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This leads to pain, irritation, pigmentation, and diminished vision.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is caused by a deficiency in a protein required to clot blood and prevent excessive bleeding. Your doggie may not show outward signs of this disorder until it is injured, has given birth, or undergone a surgical procedure.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, two life-sustaining hormones. Symptoms include sudden weight loss, occasional shaking, increased thirst and urination, and diarrhea.
How To Take Care Of A Pugapoo
Pugapoos do not require much in the way of grooming and basic care. That being said, there are some things you should do to give your dog the best life.
Healthy Diet
Feeding your Pugapoo a healthy, balanced diet will ensure a longer, healthier life.
Due to the Pug gene, Pugapoos are prone to obesity but you can prevent this by availing nutritious meals in moderate quantities.
One of the best providers of high-energy, nutrient-dense food is Pet Plate. Their pet foods are made using fresh USDA-approved meats, fruits, and veggies. The best part is that you can have the recipes personalized to your dog’s characteristics.
With Pet Plate pre-cooked meals, you will notice a tighter waistline for your pet, healthier weight, less itching, a glossier coat, and even better poops.
Grooming
The grooming routine you take on will depend on the kind of coat your Pugoodle has. Should your dog have curly hair, monthly clipping will be necessary.
Allowing the coat to grow too long can lead to itchiness and skin infections. If your Pugapoo inherits the Pug’s short hair, daily brushing is enough.
Body Hygiene
Another way to care for a Pugapoo is to clean your dog regularly. Bathe your pet at least once a month should the dog have curly hair and just occasionally if the coat is short.
In addition to this, use a veterinarian-approved solution to wipe those dog ears to keep infections away. Be sure to regularly brush your pet’s teeth for optimal dental health.
Temperament Of A Pugapoo
Pugapoos do not have the tiniest streak of aggressiveness. Aside from being very cuddly, you will find your pooch to be playful, affectionate, and hilarious.
Other temperament traits of a Pugapoo are:
Sociable
Pugappos get along well with kids and other pets and will thrive even in small apartment settings. In fact, Pugoodles prefer being indoors playing with toys and hanging out with the rest of the family.
One thing to keep in mind though is that young children can engage in rough play with tiny dogs. Ensure that your kids do not engage in such behavior, which might cause great distress for dear Fido.
Overly Excitable
Pugoodles tend to bark a lot, a trait inherited from the Poodle parent. It is important to train your dog early to stop nuisance barking.
On the upside, your canine buddy will not hesitate to let you know when a stranger comes around.
Easily Bored
Pugapoos are among the most intelligent dogs. Your pooch will require regular mental stimulation in the form of exciting and engaging games and toys to keep boredom at bay.
When bored, Pugoodles can be mischievous and so we do not recommend leaving your Pugapoo alone for extended periods of time.
Willful
A Pugapoo will have some hints of stubbornness if it takes after the Pug. This can make it slightly difficult to get your dog to obey commands at first.
But, since Pugapoos live to please their master, your pooch will soon respond to commands with little resistance. In turn, be sure to reward your pet with lots of praises and treats.
How To Train A Pugapoo
Pugapoos are fast-learners and are generally easy to train. Start training your pooch as early as 16 weeks of age.
Socialization
The Pug Poodle Mix is playful and friendly and will enjoy meeting new people. To train your Pugapoo into a sociable pup, introduce it to different environments to meet new people, play with other pets, and take in new sights and sounds.
Exercise
Pugoodles will resort to mischief if not mentally stimulated. Take your pooch out for daily walks and play games such as rally and flyball.
Agility
Pugapoos have moderate to high energy levels and will enjoy agility sports. You will need a backyard with few distractions to get your pooch on an agility training routine.
Do not overexert your dog though as this can lead to shortness of breath, a condition inherited from the Pug parent. Thirty minutes of sports and play should be enough.
Obedience Training
Here are some quick tips to help train your Pugapoo in obedience:
- Firmly establish yourself as the leader for your dog to listen to and obey you. Meet your needs first before Fido’s, for example, eat first before feeding your dog.
- Start with simple commands such as training your dog to learn its name, to sit, stay, and stop.
- Hold out treats at eye level to encourage your pooch to obey.
- Reward your pooch with plenty of verbal praise.
- Train for just a couple of minutes so the dog will not become bored.
Be patient with your Pugapoo. With consistency and firmness, your dog will soon learn new tricks.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Pugapoo Cost? A Pugapoo will cost between $100 to $800. However, it is also important to consider other related expenses involved in caring for your dog such as good quality food, grooming, vaccination, and blood tests, spaying and deworming, as well as premiums for pet insurance if you opt for a cover.
Is A Pugapoo Hypoallergenic? Pugapoos do not shed a lot and are not hypoallergenic. How much your pet sheds will depend on the type of coat inherited from the parents. Should your Pugoodle take after the Poodle’s long and curly hair, it will shed more than if it inherits the Pug’s short and smooth coat.
Do Pugapoos Stink? Pugapoos are not prone to stinking. However, like any other dog, regular grooming and maintenance will keep odors, bad breath, and tartar at bay. Should your pooch have some wrinkles like the Pug parent, regularly wiping in between these wrinkles will ensure that your dog is clean and smelling fresh.
