28 Pug Mixed Breeds: An Overview (With Pictures)

It’s no secret that pugs possess some of the most unique physical features of any dog breed. Between their wrinkly faces, short muzzles, curly tails, and stout little bodies, many a potential dog owner has fallen in love at first sight.

Unfortunately, the Pug’s trademark appearance is the result of extensive inbreeding that has also given the breed serious health problems. That’s just one reason it’s a prime candidate for breeding designer dogs. By mixing genetics with another purebred dog, the resulting offspring will be healthier and still benefit from the Pug’s silly good looks.

We love Pugs in all of their forms, so we decided to put together a list of our favorite Pug mixed breeds—complete with pictures, of course. Read on to discover more about this ancient Chinese dog breed, as well as all of its distinctive crossbreeds and the desirable qualities that make the Pug a natural choice to crossbreed with other famous breeds.

The 28 Best Pug Mixed Breeds

1. Chug (Chihuahua x Pug)

Our first Pug mixed breed is born of two small breeds. The Chug often acts as if it is a much larger dog trapped inside a tiny dog’s body. While they can be susceptible to anxiety and nervousness, their loving pug nature always comes through towards their owners.

2. Jug (Jack Russell Terrier x Pug)

Since the Jack Russell Terrier is an intensely energetic working breed of dog, you’ll find that the Jug possesses much of the Pug’s good-natured personality, but with boundless energy and greater intelligence.

3. Shug (German Shepherd x Pug)

Combining the German Shepherd’s high intelligence and easy trainability with the Pug’s small stature and friendly devotion, the Shug is an exceptionally bright and active designer dog.

4. Pugador (Labrador Retriever x Pug)

Double the loyalty, and double the affection is the name of the game for this crossbreed. Thanks to the mix of two breeds that feel intense devotion towards their owners, you might never be able to get your Pugador to leave your side.

5. Frug or Frenchie Pug (French Bulldog x Pug)

The little clowns of the designer dog world, Frugs (or Frenchie Pugs), will go to any extent to keep their owners entertained. Their playful antics make them a favorite of children and adults alike.

6. Pugalier (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Pug)

Sociable and affectionate, the Pugalier makes an excellent lap dog thanks to the calming influence of the Pug on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s usual fearlessness and playful attitude.

7. Bullpug (English Bulldog x Pug)

Exceptionally docile and more than happy to laze around on the couch with you all day, the Bullpug is a low-maintenance breed that is friendly towards strangers but may be somewhat hard to train due to its stubbornness.

8. Pugsky or Hug (Siberian Husky x Pug)

Mixing the intelligent alertness and extremely high energy levels of a Husky with the Pug makes for a curious breed. Depending on which parent your Hug takes after, its energy levels and exercise needs can be wildly different.

9. Bugg (Boston Terrier x Pug)

Friendly, lively, and easy to train, the Bugg is made doubly friendly through the combination of Pug and Boston Terrier. You’ll often see exaggerated features in this designer dog breed, including pronounced underbites.

10. Pug Tzu (Shih Tzu x Pug)

Adding the Shih Tzu’s clever, spunky, and independent personality to the Pug’s easygoing nature makes for a delightfully playful yet not overly pushy mixed breed in the Pug Tzu. They can have quite the tendency to bark at noises in the home, though.

11. Schnug (Schnauzer x Pug)

A particularly obedient and friendly mixed breed, the Schnug inherits its intelligent and easily trainable nature from the Schnauzer and laid-back friendliness from the Pug. Plus, they keep the Schnauzer’s adorable mustache and beard combo.

12. Pom-A-Pug (Pomeranian x Pug)

Extroverted and active yet still calm and friendly, the Pom-A-Pug manages to integrate the best features of the Pomeranian’s personality and naturally prevent many of the respiratory problems found in Pugs.

13. Puggle (Beagle x Pug)

These fiercely determined breeds are presented with an interesting conundrum: the Beagle is a scent hound, yet often the Pug can barely smell at all thanks to its smushed muzzle. Either way, the Puggle is an even-tempered and gentle, if somewhat easily excitable, crossbreed.

14. Daug (Dachshund x Pug)

The stubborn and rather clever Dachshund always seems to go its own way, and this is just as true in the Daug mixed breed. Thankfully, their imperious nature is smoothed out by the Pug’s eagerness to please.

15. Puginese (Pekingese x Pug)

One look at the Puginese’s gentle and curious face will tell you everything you need to know about this Pug mixed breed. Gone are the Pekingese’s tendencies towards stubbornness and aggression, handily replaced with the Pug’s kindness and friendliness.

16. Porgi (Corgi x Pug)

Intelligent but willful, the Porgi takes more after its Corgi side and can display a bold and tenacious temperament. Thanks to the Pug genes’ influence, however, their friendliness turns into a strong protective nature.

17. Pug Griffon (Brussels Griffon x Pug)

Descended from a watchdog, the Pug Griffon carries all the alertness and raised anxiety of its Brussels Griffon side, only tempered slightly by the Pug’s relaxed personality.

18. Poxer (Boxer x Pug)

Also known as the Box-A-Pug, this loving and affectionate crossbreed isn’t the most intelligent and trainable dog but makes up for it with an abundance of affection and devotion to its family.

19. Pugshire (Yorkshire Terrier x Pug)

Sweet and good-natured, the Pugshire combines the most desirable characteristics of both of its parent breeds. They’re a popular lap dog and make an excellent pet for anyone living in an apartment or small home.

20. Australian Shepug (Australian Shepherd x Pug)

Both highly intelligent and highly affectionate, the Australian Shepug abandons its herding heritage and replaces it with willful protectiveness. They love spending time with their families and go to any length to make sure they’re safe.

21. Pug-A-Mo (American Eskimo Dog x Pug)

Because the American Eskimo Dog is generally a very reserved breed, the Pug-A-Mo cross tends to tone down the Pug’s natural liveliness. They’re incredibly sensitive and intelligent, however, and make an ideal companion animal.

22. Bassugg (Basset Hound x Pug)

One of the dog world’s most notable cuddle bugs, this Basset Hound and Pug mix can get anxious and nervous if left alone for too long. Their friendly demeanors and cool temperaments make them a good choice for novice dog owners.

23. Pushon (Bichon Frise x Pug)

An ideal dog breed for anyone who owns other small animals, the Pushon is one of the kindest and gentlest designer dogs we’ve ever met. Their spunky temperaments incline them towards nosing into everybody’s business, but they never mean any harm to anyone.

24. Pugese (Chinese Crested x Pug)

Bred from one of the most famous nearly hairless dog breeds, the Pugese takes its Chinese Crested heritage to new, wrinkly heights when it crosses with a Pug. They’re extremely affectionate towards owners but often don’t take well to strangers, preferring to remain aloof or standoffish.

25. Pugillon (Papillon x Pug)

Social, alert, and playful, the Pugillon is easy to train with positive reinforcement. They’re one of only a few small, energetic dog breeds that will also gladly spend time on your lap, making them an excellent choice for novice dog owners.

26. Pugapoo (Poodle x Pug)

Mixing a pug with one of the world’s smartest breeds of dogs, the Poodle, gives the Pugapoo a lively and intelligent nature. They require plenty of training, however, to prevent this liveliness from crossing over into aggression.

27. Japug (Japanese Chin x Pug)

Well-mannered to an extreme, the Japug is one of the kindest and most even-tempered designer dogs you’re likely to find. They happily take direction from their owners, and prize calmness and docility over high-energy activities.

28. Ori Pei (Shar-Pei x Pug)

Despite both parent breeds originating in China, the first purposefully bred Ori Pei was developed in the United States. It improves greatly on the health and well-being of both of its parent breeds, all while retaining their even tempers and signature wrinkles.

Pug Breed History and Fun Facts

Pugs, or their similarly featured ancestors, were popular in China from the time of the Song Dynasty—nearly 1,000 years ago! Originally bred as companion animals for the royal family, these luxury dogs have been renowned for their affectionate and devoted natures for centuries.

Beginning in the late 1500s, a small number of Pugs began to make their way from China to Europe, where they were adopted with great zeal by the ruling class of the day in England, Spain, and the Netherlands. From there, the breed spread to every corner of Western Europe, where it is still held in high regard even today.

Prone to eye injuries, breathing problems, and obesity, the Pug must be cared for with an especially watchful eye throughout its life. Responsible owners and caretakers will be rewarded with a loving dog whose charming personality and lifelong devotion make every bit of special care worthwhile.

Eager to please and particularly sensitive to their owner’s moods, the Pug is a natural choice to introduce desirable qualities into any crossbreed. They’re sometimes called “shadows” because of their tendency to stay right next to their owners wherever they go and crave the attention and affection of anyone around them.

Final Thoughts

Owing to their incredible popularity as a friendly and outgoing dog breed, there is a tremendous variety of designer dog crossbreeds that feature Pugs. While each puts its own unique spin on the Pug’s temperament, you’ll always find their laid-back attitude in each crossbreed.

Featured Image Credit: Praisaeng, Shutterstock