Chug

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Need to Know

  • Suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Potential health issues
  • Enjoys brief but active walks
  • Minimal drool
  • Regular grooming required
  • Talkative
  • Gets along with other pets
  • Needs to be supervised around kids
  • Excellent for city-dwelling
Chug dog breed outside in the grass looking at camera.

Personality

A small dog with a huge personality, the Chug is a delightful bundle of energy and charm. These pint-sized powerhouses are naturally outgoing and sociable, making friends wherever they go with their endearing antics and expressive faces. Known for their boundless affection, Chugs form deep bonds with their owners, often acting as loyal shadows who are always ready for a cuddle or a play session. Their unique blend of Chihuahua sass crossed with a Pug's playfulness ensures life with a Chug is never dull—just full of love, laughter, and a dash of mischief.

The Chug is a relatively new breed that first appeared in the U.S. in the early 2000s, but there is no specific origin story. Chugs can be any percentage combination of Pugs and Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas may come from as far back as the Aztec period, or The Middle Ages. What’s not up for debate is the fact that they became popular in 19th-century Mexico and then brought back to America by tourists. The Pug is a widely known Chinese breed and is thought to date back as far as the Han Dynasty to 206 B.C. The breed first came to Europe in the 1500s when China began trading with Europe. Queen Victoria kept 36 of them!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to Chugs because looks can vary. A Chug makes an ideal companion for someone who works from home and enjoys short breaks for playtime. An ideal Chug owner will enjoy training and taking these little lovers for outings.

Walking for half an hour or less is all the exercise these little pups need, especially if they have interactive toys and owner attention. Reminder: Chugs are close to the ground, so they don’t move as swiftly as other pups. A slow, patient walk will do them well.

This small breed is perfect for apartment or tiny home living.

Keep a vacuum nearby as Chugs are known as shedders.

Watch the Chug’s confidence grow with ample positive reinforcement. They are smart making them good at tricks and games. Chug puppies should be trained and socialized as early as possible to create confident, well-mannered dogs.

Because these dogs are small and can get stepped on easily, they are best suited for singles or couples that can be home most of the day versus an active or growing family.

The cost of a Chug from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.

puppies and kittens

Learn more about feeding and caring for your Chug on Purina.

Did you know?

  • Due to their shorter snouts, Chugs can be prone to heat stroke. Keep a lot of water nearby, so they are extra hydrated, especially during warm seasons.
  • Chug is also known as the Pugwawa and the Pughuahua.