Pugalier (Pug & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

What do you get when you cross two adorably cute and uber-friendly dogs who only want to make you happy? The Pugalier, of course! This people-pleaser is a cross between the laid-back Pug and the endearing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Pugalier or Cavapug lives up to its UKC Classification as a companion dog. Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for just about any pet owner from families to empty-nesters. What’s not to love about a pup with a royal history and one of the world’s oldest breeds?

Affection is a two-way street with Pugaliers who need plenty of love but are easy to keep. They aren’t shy, either. A Pugalier brings the multum in parvo (a little in a lot) attitude of the Pug with the sweetness of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel together in an adorable package.

Pugalier Puppies

You only have to look at just a couple of pictures to know that it’s easy to fall in love with a Pugalier. It’s essential to understand that these hybrids are not necessarily a 50-50 mix of the two breeds. However, there are several traits that they share.

Both are incredibly social, although the Pug can have an attitude at times. Neither one tends to dig or wander off, but the Pug in your Pugalier can be vocal sometimes. He may also become sensitive to lots of changes or reprimands if he is naughty.

Neither the Pug or the Cavalier likes being alone for long periods. While weather and climate don’t affect the Cavalier side as much, it is a factor for the Pug because of their short snout. In the right home, the Pugalier will reward you with friendliness toward everyone in the family or neighborhood.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Pugalier

1. The Pug Was a Symbol of Trustworthiness

The Church forbade Roman Catholics from joining the Freemasons, so they formed their own society in 1740 called the Order of the Pugs. They chose this breed because of its loyalty and trustworthiness as a symbol of the free-thinking movement called the Enlightenment during England’s revolution.

2. Pugs Have Captured the Hearts of Many Famous People

How many dogs can say they are part of royalty? Queen Victoria, King George V, and Joséphine all had Pugs as pets. These cute canines continue to warm our hearts. Just ask Hugh Laurie and Jessica Alba. Who can blame them, either?

3. The Pugalier May Have an Older Spaniel Relative

The Pugalier may have an earlier history as a designer breed. Instead, there is some speculation that the Pug and King Charles Spaniel were bred in the late 17th century during the reign of William III and Mary II, starting in 1688. The resulting spaniels with the shorter muzzles became known as the Cavalier. The rest, as they say, is history.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Pugalier 🧠

The winning combination of the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brings playfulness with a touch of stubbornness. The Pugalier knows that he is adorable. After all, the Pug was bred to be a lapdog.

Both breeds are intelligent and easy to train. However, the Pug side of him may need some coaxing with treats now and then. They will enjoy a game of fetch happily and will probably want to play as often as you have time to toss around a ball.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Pugaliers love attention, which makes them great family pets. They’ll enjoy the kids and the other neighborhood pets, too. They have plenty of love to share. Pugaliers are also friendly when it comes to strangers. They’ll treat them as part of the family, too. On the downside, they don’t make the best watchdogs.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

A Pugalier is a good choice if you have—or want to get—other pets in the house. They don’t have a dominant tendency that some breeds have. They are typically easygoing as long as they get enough attention. Early socialization is essential for Pugaliers and any dog.

Things to Know When Owning a Pugalier

Dogs are like people. We are all different with our quirks. Pugaliers are no exception. A good owner-pet relationship depends on knowing what you can expect from specific breeds. Here are a few things you should know.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Monitoring your Pugalier’s diet is essential. Unfortunately, they have two things that make this task vital. The Pug side of your pet has a tendency toward obesity. Its tank-like body can take on extra pounds quickly if you’re not careful about his diet. The second thing is that they are so darn cute that it’s hard to resist giving them another treat or two.

We suggest sticking with the recommended serving size of the food you give your Pugalier. Pick up the food after they’ve eaten to discourage between-meal snacking. Remind the kids that treats are for training and rewards. If you follow these simple rules, you can keep your Pugalier at a healthy weight.

Exercise 🐕

The playfulness of Pugalier’s makes exercise less of a chore. Because of the Pug’s vulnerability to obesity, daily time outside is vital. Regular visits to a doggie park are an excellent way to ensure they stay active. Their gregarious nature will make them a welcome visitor, too. They sometimes get intense with their play and may need you to teach them good manners with the other pets and people.

Training 🦮

Pugaliers do well with making associations between a sign or command you give them and what you want them to do. The more challenging part of training is that stubborn streak that some Pugs have. You may need to remind your pet with the occasional treat that obeying is a good thing for him, too.

The Cavalier in him will want to please you. They aren’t aggressive or standoffish, by any means. They are devoted companions that don’t tend to bark or cause mischief.

Grooming ✂️

Both the Pug and Cavalier shed. You can, therefore, expect the same with the Pugalier. The degree and the amount of time you need to groom your pet depends on which breed had a greater influence on his coat.

Cavaliers have flat, medium-length fur that can tackle easily if not combed regularly. Pay particular attention to their ears to avoid mats and prevent infections. Pugs, on the other hand, have a smooth coat that will benefit from using a rubber grooming brush. His wrinkles will need some daily attention, too, with a gentle cleaning with a soft cloth.

• Related Read: Best Dog Grooming Gloves – Our Top Picks!

Health and Conditions ❤️

Both breeds have a greater tendency toward specific health conditions that you’ll need to know upfront if just to provide the proper care for your canine companion. Pugaliers are generally long-lived. As long as you feed them a healthy diet, they are low maintenance pets.

Male vs Female

Male and female Pugaliers aren’t much different when it comes to grooming and other routine care. Spaying a female is more invasive and expensive than neutering a male. Each sex has issues related to their endocrine and reproductive systems.

Males are often more outgoing than females. During their developing months, they often display the characteristics you’d expect from a teenage boy like being defiant. However, that’s a Pug trait, too. Females, on the other hand, may have an edge on training. They’re a bit quicker on the uptake than males.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to love about Pugaliers, the cute cavalier pug mix. They are affectionate with a playful nature that makes them an ideal companion or family pet. Their intelligence and willingness also give them an edge on the training front. Their small size is another point in their favor, too. One look at their adorable faces is sure to capture your heart.

Pugaliers, like all dogs, have their issues. However, with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you’ll have a devoted companion to keep you company on chilly winter nights. After all, they call them lapdogs for a reason.

Featured Image Credit: JAC07, Shutterstock