Have you already heard about the Pugapoo? It’s a mix breed between the Pug and the Poodle, and they are just as interesting as they sound. This blend of genes gives the Pugapoo a unique appearance. They have a longer nose than a purebred Pug — which makes them also less prone to breathing problems. Both of their parent breeds are exceptional dogs. That means that the Pugapoo or Pug Poodle mix will be intelligent, loving, mischievous but also a wonderful companion to have around.
But just like with every other crossbreed — you can never be absolutely sure what you are getting with the Pugapoo. In most cases, they will take more after one of their parent breed. So they will either resemble more a Pug or a Poodle. And we are talking about both personality and physical appearance.
It’s unclear when the first Pugapoo was bred. But it is believed that it was somewhere in the nineties when most of the newer crossbreeds were introduced.
History and origins
The name Pugapoo was created by combining the names of its parents (Pug + Poodle = Pugapoo). This hybrid dog appears to have been around for a long time.
The Pugapoo’s exact origins, however, remain unknown. Many claim, however, that their roots run parallel to those of other hybrids.
The Pug is a dog that originated in China and has been around since ancient times.
The Chinese people traded with Europe in the 16th century, bringing the Pug with them. The dogs immediately gained a reputation for being linked with royalty, particularly in the Netherlands.
The Standard Poodle has been present since the 15th century, when it was designed as a “water dog” in Germany. However, the dog, along with other “water dogs,” was bred in France.
They were originally huge dogs, but as their popularity grew, toy and miniature dogs were developed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not accept these mixed breed dogs, despite the fact that they have most likely existed since the 16th or 17th century.
The problem with crossbreeds
The concept of hybrid breeds (hybrid dogs) or designer dogs sounds good in theory. Experts are combining two breeds, and the resulting breed will have the best characteristics of the parent breeds.
In reality that’s not at all how it works. We can’t be sure that the hybrid will have only the best characteristics of both parents. Of course, there are some things scientists can control.
Uncertain results of designer dogs
Let’s take the Labradoodle as an example. Labradoodles are a mix between the Poodle and the Labrador. The idea was to get a dog that is low-shedding like the Poodle. But also a dog that has all the amazing characteristics of the Labrador, such as their temperament and personality.
Firstly, the issue with this is that poodles come in three different sizes. So that’s the first characteristic you can’t control. You will not know how large the dog will be.
Secondly, you can’t know if your Labradoodle puppy will be more like one parent or the other. They might have more traits of the Poodle than the Labrador, and vice versa.
And lastly, a designer dog breed does not have the breed standard an already formed breed has. We want to stress one more time. Hybrid breed puppies can differ a lot based on the dominance of their parent breeds.
We are not saying that at some point all of these won’t be predictable. Breeders are working on perfecting the hybrid breeds. But in the end, it will likely take several years and decades until that happens.
The appearance of the Pugapoo
Like we already said, the Pugapoo inherits a mix of genes from either parent. One litter could be made up of dogs ranging from the long nose and curly coat of the Poodle to the flat-face and fawn coloration of the Pug. But in most cases, the Pugapoo will be a harmonic bled of both dog breeds.
The Pug Poodle mix has a slightly elongated nose and floppy dropped ears. Their coat can range from smooth and silky to curly. Additionally, it could either be super short or longer that require regular trimming. The color of their coat can range from fawn with a black mask, to black, apricot, or even white.
When it comes to their frame — this could be quite a surprise. The Poodle and the Pug are pretty much polar opposites when it comes to the way their bodies are built. However, in most cases the Pugapoo is likely to be of a small frame with reasonably long legs and a slim to stocky body. Their tail can be a classic Pug curly doughnut or the straight, whippy wag of the Poodle.
You never know what you will get
As previously stated, predicting the appearance of crossbreeding progeny is quite difficult. Their genetics may greatly favor one parent over the other, or they may inherit features from both parents in roughly equal amounts.
Because crossbred pups have such a wide range of characteristics, there’s no way of knowing what your Pugapoo will look like. They can be practically any hue, and are frequently a combination of several. Furthermore, they can vary greatly in terms of size, weight, and even disposition.
These variances, however, are not limited to individual litters. You can have a litter of Pugapoos with radically different looks. This is really extremely typical, as each puppy appears to take genetic cues from each parent at random. You may take two brothers from the same litter who are completely different dog breeds!
Personality
Like we already said, both the Pug and the Poodle have great personalities! Both dogs are loving, loyal, and people-oriented. Some would argue, however, that the Poodle is more intellectually gifted than the Pug. But if you ask us — both of these dogs are smart! That’s why the Pugapoo is a clever dog what is a joy to have around.
On the other side — if your dog isn’t trained and if he is feeling neglected, the Pugapoo may fall into his destructive behaviors. These include chewing furniture, digging, or long and loud barking. The Pugapoo needs a lot of exercise and attention, so it’s not a great choice for busy dog owners.
The Pugapoo is a kind, clever, and social dog with a whimsical personality. They’re a lot of fun to play with, but they’re also challenging to train.
They get along with other dogs, cats, and pets and are kind to strangers.
Pugapoos are gregarious, affectionate, and friendly dogs who dislike being left alone for lengthy periods of time. Because they prefer being near people and other animals, they suffer from minor separation anxiety.
They aren’t known for barking a lot, but they do bark at strangers. They’re relatively quiet otherwise.
They can be tough to train at first because of their fun and energetic nature. In order to achieve the best outcomes, the owner must use positive reinforcement during training. Potty training is also a breeze for them.
Are they good family dogs?
Pug-Poodle hybrids are one of the most popular household pets. This is a sweet puppy who enjoys being the focus of attention. Because it is eager to please, it requires regular attention and interaction with family members.
The Pug Poodle mix is a smart dog. The dog, like its Poodle parent dog, can be taught a variety of dog tricks and easily obey new orders. Children would like learning how to train the Pug Poodle puppy and would enjoy having one at home.
Because some Pug Poodle puppies are smaller than others, you should keep an eye on them near children and furniture to make sure they don’t hurt their delicate bodies.
This dog is also a great companion for people who live in dorms or apartments with limited space. Because the Pug Poodle mix thrives in an indoor environment, it should not be left alone for lengthy periods of time on a daily basis because it is prone to separation anxiety.
Because the dog need constant companionship, it is an excellent choice for senior folks or retirees who spend the most of their days at home. In addition, the Pug Poodle mix may be able to adapt to a variety of regions and temperatures.
Given that the dog spends the most of its time indoors, giving it some physical exercise at home should be simple. Expect it to be noisy when it plays with you because the Pug Poodle mix enjoys fooling around and playing in its own way with its owner.
Because of its social nature, the dog gets along well with other dogs and animals. A Pug Poodle hybrid has a caring personality that qualifies it as a valuable member of the family.
Health
When it comes to their health, crossbreeds tend to be more healthy than their purebred parents. That’s because they inherit the best genes from both breeds and the risk of diseases is lowered. However, there is still a small possibility that the Pugapoo could inherit a disease specific for any of his parent breeds.
The most common issues in the Pug Poodle Mix are diabetes mellitus, patellar luxation, and Addison’s diseases.
Most common health issues
Diabetes Mellitus
The Poodle carries a gene that puts him at risk for developing diabetes mellitus. This is exacerbated by being overweight and when females are not neutered. Make sure to keep your Pugapoo slim and healthy.
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Dogs are prone to this bone and joint disorder. The femur does not meet the pelvic bone appropriately, causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be excruciatingly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping, all of which are plainly seen in your beautiful pup. To preserve your dog’s quality of life, discuss care with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Patellar Luxation
This is a condition in which the kneecap isn’t properly anchored, which makes it slip out of position and mechanically lock the leg. After a few steps, the kneecap ‘unlocks’ allowing the dog to carry on. While mild cases can be managed with pain control, some dogs will require surgery.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen, mold, and dust cause people to sneeze. Instead of sneezing, allergies in dogs produce itching. Atopy is a name used to describe a common skin allergy in these puppies. The feet, tummy, skin wrinkles, and ears are the most commonly affected locations. Symptoms normally emerge between the ages of one and three, and they can get worse as time goes on. Licking the paws, stroking the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent allergy symptoms. The good news is that these diseases can be treated in a number of different ways.
Epilepsy
Unfortunately, dogs too can develop epilepsy and seizures. Recurrent seizures with no known cause or abnormal brain damage characterize epilepsy. To put it another way, the brain appears normal on the outside but functions strangely on the inside. Twitching, shaking, tremors, convulsions, and/or spasms are all symptoms of a seizure.
Cataracts
In older canines, cataracts are a common cause of blindness. The lenses of his eyes become more opaque—in other words, hazy rather than clear. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and live happily ever after. Surgical removal of cataracts and restoration of vision may also be a possibility.
Addison’s Disease
This is another health condition to which Poodles are especially prone to. Addison’s Disease means the body doesn’t produce enough natural steroid hormone and therefore struggles to cope with stress. This condition could get worse over time and even be life threatening. But it can be managed with steroid supplements.
Grooming a Pugapoo
The grooming of your Pugapoo will depend on the type of coat he inherits. The Pug and the Poodle are pretty much at opposite ends of the grooming spectrum. While the Pug Poodle mix with short coats won’t require much trimming, if your dog inherits the typical Poodle coat — regular schedules at the grooming salon will be a must.
Using a warm moist towel or cotton ball, clean your ears once a week. Your veterinarian can advise you on which ear cleaning solution is best for you.
Your dog’s nails should also be trimmed. Use a dog-specific nail clipper and take special care not to cut too deeply into the skin or blood vessels.
To make things easier, you can have it done by your veterinarian or a professional groomer. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week.
Training
The Pugapoo has the potential to be easy to train as his parents are intelligent. They learn quickly and easily in general, but they can be stubborn at times. You can train your Pugapoo’s stubbornness out of them if you start training them early and use a lot of positive reinforcement. They’ll make excellent training dogs. They’ll even do well with advanced training at this time.
Pugapoos are quite agile and do well with agility courses and other similar physical activities, which may surprise you. They rapidly pick up on it and have the physicality to pull it off.
Begin educating your puppies before they reach the age of 16 weeks, as this is when they are most accepting of new faces. Teach them tricks and socialization skills, but utilize positive reinforcement strategies such as food prizes and compliments.
Pugapoo puppies are sensible young ones who are always ready to impress you, and they would quickly learn to pick up training. Be a strong leader in its ‘pack,’ able to express his authority and train him in all doggy etiquettes and manners. All you need is a little patience, and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely companion.
Food & nutrition
The Pug Poodle combination necessitates dog food specifically designed for small breeds. A balanced diet of carbs, lipids, and proteins should be consumed by the dog once a day in the amount of a single cup or portion. Depending on the activities that your Pug Poodle mix participates in throughout the day, you may feed it additional food.
Small breeds, such as this hybrid, do not require a lot of food on a regular basis. Each day, the Poodle Pug mix should be fed 3/4 to 1 and a half cups of high-quality dry dog food, divided into two meals. If you overfeed them, they may gain weight and become obese, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
Pugapoos are typically little dogs. Pugapoos, like any little dogs, especially Pugs, are prone to overfeeding. For little dogs, even a small quantity of overeating can result in significant weight gain. Make sure your Pugapoo isn’t eating more than it needs by keeping an eye on its consumption. Because these dogs will continue to eat if the food is available, it is up to you to just offer what they require and then cut them off.
What is the price of Pugapoo puppies?
The Pugapoo’s inexpensive cost, when compared to either parent, is one of their biggest selling points. The Pug and the Poodle are both completely pedigreed breeds that are recognized by the major dog organizations. As a result, their puppies can be quite costly.
Pug and Poodle puppy prices often begin slightly below $1000 for puppies without breeding rights or who aren’t thought to be particularly attractive. You should anticipate to pay anything from $2000 to $6000 for a single puppy with verified bloodlines and desirable characteristics.
Pugapoos, on the other hand, are a designer dog breed. This may sound sophisticated, but it just means they’re a hybrid of two pure breeds. Pugapoos are neither pedigreed or acknowledged by any major canine institutions because they are not purebred. As a result, they’re far less expensive to buy.
Pugapoos are still popular as pets, thus they aren’t as inexpensive as other dogs. A Pugapoo can cost anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on where you get it.
You might also look into local animal shelters to see if any Pugapoo puppies are available for adoption. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be saving the life of one lucky pupper.
Is this the right dog for me?
As a first pet, the Pugapoo is a fantastic choice. They’re small canines who don’t require a lot of attention.
One of the benefits of owning a Pugapoo is that they get along well with children because they are playful and enjoy socialising. They don’t eat too much or bark too much.
The only disadvantages are that they require daily tooth brushing and are not effective guard dogs.
If you want to teach your children responsibility while also providing them with a companion, the Pugapoo is an excellent choice. Plus, you’ll get your own cuddly companion!
The Pugapoo is a playful lap dog that is affectionate and devoted. They are the ideal family pet, as they will always be by your side and provide constant companionship.
Although owning a Pugapoo requires some effort, the love and attention that this gorgeous dog provides is well worth it.
Where to buy it?
Before purchasing a Pug Poodle puppy, think about your budget and the costs associated with owning one. Purchasing the dog and supplying it with medicines and immunizations will cost more than a thousand dollars.
Checking for dog breeders who specialize in breeding Pug Poodle progeny is the best approach to finding this puppy. To ensure the quality of your puppy, look for reputed dog breeders because the puppy’s parents are almost certainly healthy, resulting in kids who are less likely to acquire “poor” or ill genes. Aside from ruling out any potential health issues from the parent canines, the price of the puppies is another factor to consider while looking for reputable breeders.
Looking for adoption centers or Pug Poodle mix breeders who are open to adoption is another cost-effective option. Because they need to assure their dog’s overall wellbeing once it’s released to you, you should expect to be interviewed by the staff. A good and responsible dog breeder will conduct as many background checks as feasible on the buyer.
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Final thoughts
The Pugapoo is an adorable dog that combines some of the qualities displayed by Poodles and Pugs. It comes in a variety of looks and personalities. They might weigh as little as ten pounds or as much as thirty pounds, and they come in a variety of tints and colors.
Poodles are recognized for being extremely bright dogs, and Pugs are no exception. Pugapoo puppies tend to follow suit, with IQ levels that are normally above average.
These dogs are also highly affectionate and playful. They desire to be near to their partner at all times, playing together or cuddling together. As a result, they’re not well-suited for individuals unless they’ll be at home for the majority of the time and can be a true companion to their dog, as seniors frequently are.
Pugapoos are wonderful family dogs. They get along well with youngsters, especially if they have been socialized with children from an early age. Because these dogs are so loving, they’ll get along with everyone in the family, unlike many dogs who only have a single family member with whom they bond.
This breed is extremely affectionate and friendly. They require a lot of attention and don’t like to be left alone for lengthy periods of time, especially outside! Pugapoos are equally at home in an apartment or a house, and they don’t require much space or exercise to be happy.
If you’ve ever pondered getting a Poodle or a Pug but were put off by the high prices, a Pugapoo could be the perfect replacement.