Pugalier (Pug & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts & Care
By Jordyn Alger
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If you are looking for an adorable mixed-breed dog, consider the Pugalier. The Pugalier is a mix of the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The result of this cross is a tiny, sweet, and loyal dog that possesses some of the best qualities of each of its parents.
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Weight: | 10–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Colors: | Fawn, red sable, gray, black & tan, apricot, tricolor, white, black |
| Suitable for: | Families living in apartments, first-time dog owners, families with children, multi-pet households |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, welcoming, mischievous, charming, gentle |
Pugaliers are excellent companions. They are full of joy and have gentle, welcoming personalities. They can fit into any family dynamic and thrive in a tiny apartment or a large, sprawling estate. As long as you shower your Pugalier with plenty of attention and affection, the dog will be a cheerful and charming companion.
Pugalier Breed Characteristics
Pugalier Breed Puppies
If you choose to get your Pugalier from a breeder, you need to do thorough research to ensure that you are supporting a reputable, responsible, and ethical breeder rather than contributing funds to careless and cruel breeders.
At a minimum, you can expect to spend $3,000 for a Pugalier. However, you will likely need to set aside upwards of $5,000 to purchase your Pugalier from a breeder. Since irresponsible Pugalier breeding is a prevalent issue, it is advised that you try to adopt your Pugalier at a shelter. You can pay around $150 at a shelter, but Pugaliers may be hard to find.
Before bringing a puppy home, there are some upfront expenses that you need to have covered. Food, feeding bowls, and drinking bowls are essential. You will also need a collar, a leash, and a crate, and toys and treats will also be helpful while you are training your puppy.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Pugalier
The Pugalier is bound to have an excellent temperament since the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known for their pleasant dispositions. The Pug is a mischievous and loving breed beloved for its human-like facial expressions, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is attentive, gentle, and graceful.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Pugaliers are likely to be incredibly affectionate with family members, and the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel love to smother their loved ones in affection. Due to their friendly temperaments, both parent breeds are remarkable with children of all ages. However, all interactions between young children and Pugaliers should be supervised; the Pugalier is a smaller dog and cannot handle roughhousing very well.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
If you have multiple pets in your home, the Pugalier will be happy to make new furry friends. This dog welcomes all sorts of animals as long as they are properly introduced and socialized. Again, just be sure to supervise interactions between the Pugalier and other animals, especially larger dogs. Since the Pugalier is on the tinier side, the little pup might accidentally get knocked around by a bigger dog.
Things to Know When Owning a Pugalier:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
When choosing a food for your Pugalier, you should remember that both of its parents are prone to obesity. So, finding high-quality dog food containing only necessary and healthy fats is best. Likewise, treats should be given not in excess but only when deserved.
You’ll also want to find food appropriate for your Pugalier’s age group. There are specialized recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors, so ensure you are providing the proper diet for your dog’s age.
Exercise 🐕
Neither the Pug nor the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires excessive exercise. Pugs are more than happy to spend most of the day on the couch, and while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are similarly relaxed, they are a bit more energetic and willing to participate in activities. Your Pugalier’s energy levels may vary depending on which parent they take after more. Regardless, your dog will need moderate daily exercise.
Training 🎾
Both parents are eager to please, and training the Pugalier is not typically a challenging endeavor. Early socialization and obedience training will be essential to train your Pugalier properly. Pugs are sensitive creatures and do not respond well to harsh training methods. Without positive reinforcement and rewards, your dog can get hurt feelings and lose the desire to train. When training your Pugalier, you should never use punishments or other negative reinforcement. Instead, focus on the positives by providing rewards, praise, and treats for desired behavior.
Grooming ✂️
The level of coat maintenance that your Pugalier requires will depend heavily on which coat your dog inherits from their parents. The Pug has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal care, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s long, lustrous coat demands more attention.
If your Pugalier’s coat is short like the Pug’s, weekly brushing will be adequate to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat healthy. If the coat is more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they will require multiple brushings per week as well as a bath every month or so.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Designer dogs like Pugaliers are vulnerable to the same health conditions that can affect their parents. However, you can minimize the chances of your pet suffering a chronic disease by maintaining regular veterinary appointments.
Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to eye conditions such as corneal ulcers and cataracts, so watch out for any signs of eye discomfort, irritation, or pain.
Your Pugalier will also be prone to patellar luxation, which is essentially a displaced kneecap. The severity of this condition varies, and it can predispose your pet to other conditions later in life.
Hip dysplasia is another condition to be aware of, which often appears as weakness or pain in the hind limbs. You may notice your dog limping, struggling to stand, or having difficulty climbing furniture or stairs.
A serious condition that your Pugalier is at high risk for is obesity. Excessive weight is concerning for dogs, as nearly 65% of dogs in the United States can be categorized as overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to other significant health issues in your dog, such as arthritis or kidney disease, so staying on top of your Pugalier’s weight is vital.
Mitral valve disease is another concerning condition that your dog may be prone to. The mitral valve is a structure that prevents blood from flowing backward through the heart. When Pugaliers develop mitral valve disease, the valve degenerates and becomes less effective. The cause of this condition is unknown, but genetics is suspected to play a significant role.
Male vs Female
When caring for a Pugalier, there isn’t much difference between males and females. However, spaying can be more expensive than neutering due to the invasive nature of the surgery, and a female Pugalier may cost a bit extra upfront.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pugalier
1. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Is Named After Royalty
King Charles I and King Charles II were dedicated to the breed that later became known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is said that Charles II was so enamored by his dogs that he brought them everywhere he went.
2. A Pug Saved the Life of a Member of Royalty
Pugs have connections to royalty, and one is even credited with saving the life of Prince William of Orange. An assassination attempt on Prince William was thwarted due to his Pug barking at the sight of the intruders. Due to his Pug’s heroic act, the Pug became the House of Orange’s official breed.
3. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Pug Are Lap Dogs
Pugs were bred to be lap dogs for Chinese emperors. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, were bred to aid in hunting efforts and still retain these keen instincts. However, they are also more than happy to snuggle up on the couch.
Final Thoughts
Pugaliers are remarkable companions with an endless supply of affection. They can thrive in nearly any family situation or housing and only require moderate exercise. They get along with other pets, making them an ideal companion for a multi-pet household.
Bringing a Pugalier home will require a lot of work, especially if you acquire one from a breeder. You must dedicate a significant amount of time to researching any breeders you approach, as the Pugalier is considered a designer breed and may be irresponsibly bred as a result.
If you think the Pugalier is the right fit for you, we recommend beginning your search at your local animal shelter. Wherever you find your Pugalier, they will undoubtedly become a cherished friend for life.
See also:
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts
- Bordoodle (Border Collie & Poodle Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits
Featured Image Credit: Michael de lange, Shutterstock
