Pug Husky Mix Dog Breed: Personality, Care, Diet, & More

Do you love Pugs but also love Huskies? If so, you’re in luck. The Pug Husky Mix, or Hug dog, is becoming increasingly popular for people who want a little bit of both the Husky and Pug personalities in one furry friend.

They’re adorable, smart, sweet, protective, playful, loyal, and gentle with kids. However, these dogs are prone to certain health issues, so it’s essential to know all their care requirements before bringing one into your loving home.

Pug Husky Mix Highlights

• Hug dogs are descended from two of the most popular dog breeds in the world: the Pug and the Siberian Husky.
• These dogs are amiable and affectionate and make great family pets. 
• The significant difference between parent breeds and the difficulties involved in the birth procedure causes a Pug to give birth unexpectedly, which is why the Husky is almost always the mother to a Hug puppy.
• The Husky blue eyes can appear in some Hug puppies.
• A healthy Pug Husky Mix can live for 12 to 15 years.
• Their coat can either be short or long, depending on which parent breed they take after.

History

We can’t know for sure when the first Pug Husky Mix was bred, but we can claim that this designer breed became popular in early 2000. Unfortunately, like most designer breeds, there’s limited information about how Pug Husky Mix dogs came to be. Nevertheless, we can examine each parent breed’s history to understand these adorable pups!

Appearance

Their physical appearance can vary greatly. It is a mixed breed, with either one of its parent breeds being dominant. Typically, it will have a stocky and muscular body, with a slightly or tightly curled tail.

The snout of these dogs could be elongated, squashed, or somewhere that falls in between. If the Hug dog inherits the flat face of the Pug parent, an underbite and characteristic wrinkles can be seen. 

As for eye color, most Hug dogs inherit the piercing blue eyes of the Siberian Husky. 

Read also: When Do Puppies’ Eyes Change Color?

Pug Husky Mix Size

Pugs are small dogs, while Huskies can be large, so the offspring is usually medium-sized. All in all, the size of a full-grown Hug dog is usually 20 -23 inches, and the weight is 40 – 45 pounds.

Pug Husky Mix Colors

As with other crossbreeds, the chances of the Hug puppies looking alike are low. Why? This is because they blend different traits from the Pug and Husky parents. So, if you plan to raise two Pug Husky puppies, be prepared to have two different-looking Hug puppies.

The coat color of a Hug puppy with dominant Husky traits can be:

• black and white
• black, white, and brown
• white
• brown and white
• grey
• red

Contrarily, if the Pug traits are more dominant, the coat color can be:

• black
• silver fawn
• fawn
• apricot
• brindle

Coat

Again, because we’re talking about mixed breeds, it’s tricky to predict the exact coat texture of the Pug Husky Mix puppies. The coat texture varies from litter to litter. Some puppies will inherit the long, coarse coat of the Husky; others will have the short, soft coat of the Pug parent.

This brings us to the big question: Are these dogs heavy shedding? 

If the Hug dog takes after the Husky, be ready to deal with the mess of dog hair in your clothes, sheets, sofa, and anywhere in the house. If you like wearing black clothes, this may be the best time to ditch them. And don’t forget to buy lint rollers as well!

Because these dogs shed frequently, they’re not allergy friendly. If you are prone to allergies, you may be better off with a Pug Husky Mix puppy that takes after its Pug parent. As pointed out, these puppies grow to be minimal shedding, making them perfect for allergy sufferers like you. 

On the bright side, Pug Husky Mix dogs with long coats enjoy several advantages. For one, they look adorable when their coats are in good shape. As long as the owner maintains an excellent grooming routine, these dogs are Instagram-worthy!

Besides, these long, thick coats will keep these dogs warm in the winter. The extra fur also protects from rain, snow, and sharp objects on the ground. When you take your Pug Husky Mix on long walks, their chances of getting cuts and injuries are minimal, thanks to their extra fur!

Personality

The Pug Husky Mix has its own unique set of quirks and personality traits.

Affectionate

These dogs are known for their gentle nature and willingness to please their owners. They are always happy to see their owners, constantly licking their faces and giving them hugs. But because these dogs enjoy the feeling of being close to their owners, they can become depressed and anxious when separated from them for more than a day.

How can you avoid this problem? If you’re like us, you probably travel a few times a year. To ensure our dogs will not feel alone, restless, nervous, and depressed while we’re away, we raised them with a lot of routine and predictability in their lives. You can also do this with your Pug Husky Mix. Set up specific routines that she can follow while you work for long hours or while you’re away.

Intelligent

Hug dogs are not just adorable; they are also quite intelligent. This means they are capable of learning new tricks or puzzles and even help you with your daily tasks. So if you’re considering getting a clever companion, be sure to choose the Pug Husky Mix – it will be worth your while!

Loyal

Loyalty is a key trait in Hug dogs, so it can be very comforting to know that they will always be there for you no matter what. This also means they’re good for your security, alerting you if someone is coming to your house or if there is a dangerous animal nearby.

Energetic

Another thing that many people love about the Pug Husky Mix is his energy. He is a dog that is always ready for a fun adventure and up for a game of chase. This energy can be great for people who want an always active dog, but it can also be a bit challenging for some people.

Laidback

While Pug Husky Mix dogs have a lot of personality and energy, they can also be laid back dogs. Some owners can attest that their Hug dogs are content just sitting around, taking in the sights and sounds around them. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as most Pugs aren’t high-energy dogs.  

Read also: Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Dog Breed: Personality, Care, Diet, & More

Health

Hug dogs are a breed that is prone to several health problems. Their genetics include the Pug parent, which is a breed that is known for its health issues. 

One of the most common inherited health problems is Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS). This is a health condition typically affecting pets with flat faces. Flat-faced dogs have a shorter skull length along with smaller airways than normal, which can make it difficult for them to breathe.

Other health problems associated with this breed are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts, Dermatitis and Obesity, and Skin Issues. 

Lifespan

Pug husky mix dogs come with a lifespan of around 12 -15 years, which is quite good compared to many other breeds of dogs. However, like all dogs, Hug dogs can also experience a wide range of health issues as they age. Be prepared for these problems and know what to do if they occur.

Care

Pug Husky Mix dogs need plenty of exercise. After all, they’re classified as working canines and need to expend much energy to do their jobs.

That means their owners must ensure they provide their dogs with enough exercise. But, of course, this doesn’t mean your dog must run outside all day. 

Instead, provide your pup with plenty of opportunities to play. Playing fetch, running around in circles, and playing “hide and seek” are good ways for your dog to expend energy and have some fun.

If you’re unsure where to start, try taking your Hug dog for a long walk. Not only will this provide him with plenty of physical exercises, but it’ll also give you and your dog quality time together.

What about training your Pug Husky Mix puppy?

Start when your dog is young and teach it to stay in one spot and come when called. Rewards should only be given when the dog obeys your commands. Many people wait till the dog is fully grown before training it; however, it is best to start when it is young.

Diet

What kind of food is best for your Pug Husky Mix?

A good rule of thumb is always to feed her high-quality canine food since this breed inherits a lot of health issues from its Pug parent.

Read also: 12 Worst Dog Food Brands To Avoid This Year

In particular, Pugs are prone to developing major health problems such as obesity and respiratory issues. So, it’s essential to keep their food schedules set according to their size and ensure they get the proper amount of nutrients.

Grooming

If you did not skip the “Coat” part of this article, you now understand that the texture of the coat plays a crucial role in shedding and grooming. A long, coarse coat like that of a Husky will frequently shed, thus requiring regular grooming. Comparatively, a Pug Husky Mix with a soft, short coat doesn’t shed much, so minimal grooming is needed.

How to Groom a Pug Husky Mix with a Long, Coarse Coat

Despite their striking appearance, Pug Husky Mix dogs with long-haired coats can be a lot to maintain. If you let their coat maintenance slip, you will have to deal with matted dog hair the next time you groom your dog. Moreover, their coats can grow long and trail on muddy walks. 

So how do you groom a long-haired Pug Husky Mix?

Begin with a conditioning shampoo. This doesn’t only keep the hair strong but, more importantly, makes your dog’s coat easier to brush and manage. If you also want to ensure that your dog is flea and tick-free, you can use a dog shampoo for that particular purpose.

After bathing your dog comes the next step: drying and brushing! We recommend you blow-dry your dog instead of letting him dry the old-fashioned way. If you’re not aware, air-drying can cause fungus growth under your dog’s armpit and between the paw pads. 

Likewise, use a brush designed for your dog’s long coat. Do not brush your dog’s coat in a hurry. Instead, do it gently and patiently so your dog doesn’t get hurt and stressed while you remove dead hairs and untangle the coat.

There are no definite rules when cutting and styling your long-haired Pug Husky Mix as it depends on certain factors — time of year, lifestyle, and personal taste. For example, if you’re thinking about bringing your long-haired Hug to dog shows, you can leave the hair long and brush it regularly. You can also use bands, clips, and bows to tie the hair up so that nothing is covering your dog’s eyes and face. But if you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible throughout the summer, cutting the hair out is the best thing to do. 

How to Groom a Pug Husky Mix with a Short, Soft Coat

While grooming a short-haired Pug Husky Mix is not as tricky as grooming a long-haired one, it still requires a little knowledge about the right tools. To keep your Hug dog looking and feeling his best, use the following: bristle brushes, slicker brushes, flea combs, and rakes or furminator tools. 

Use high-quality shampoo when bathing your dog. Some owners use human shampoo on their dogs without knowing that this can irritate the dog’s skin. You can substitute human shampoo for dog shampoo every once in a while but don’t make it a routine!

Since dogs with short coats tend to have dry skin, it helps to use a dog conditioner. Unlike the long-haired variety, it is safe to towel or air-dry a short-haired Pug Husky Mix. You can still use a blow dryer but set it at a low setting. 

And don’t forget to trim the nails and excess hair on the paws, legs, ears, eyes, and face!

Pug Husky Mix Puppies

Ideally, it’s not a great idea to breed your pets as it can cause some health complications, especially for the female dog. There’s also the fact that some dogs have difficult pregnancies and deliveries. As the Hug breed has a Pug parent, it is likely to have pregnancy-related issues. That said, most Hug puppies result from breeding a male Pug with a female Siberian husky. And in most cases, the Husky undergoes artificial insemination. 

The main point to consider is that this process has no set outcome. This means Hug puppies can look different from each other, depending on which predominant parent genes they inherit. 

Children and Other Pets

As mentioned, Pug Husky mixes are affectionate dogs. Having this personality trait, these dogs tend to be less reactive and more tolerant of other people and pets.

Rescue Groups

A Hug puppy costs around $1500 – $2000, and this price will go up if you’re specifically looking for a puppy with a long coat and rare color. If you have enough money for it, no problem! But if it’s the other way around, we recommend you adopt one from a reliable shelter or rescue organization.

As we always say, “Adopt, don’t shop!” Why?

Not only can you set back thousands of dollars, but you can also help another dog who can now take the empty place you’ve opened up. Of course, you still have to pay adoption fees, but that’s usually just a few hundred dollars.

And forget what you’ve heard that rescued dogs are aggressive, if not stubborn — most of these dogs are loving and affectionate; perhaps it’s their way of showing gratitude for being saved.

So if you’re up for rescuing a Hug dog, contact the following rescue groups:

DFW PUG Rescue Club

RSPCA Husky

Buffalo Pugs

Free Spirit Siberian Rescue

Pug Rescue Me!

S.H.A.R.E Husky Rescue

Pug Husky Mix FAQS

Pug Husky Mix Fun Facts

• Some Hug dogs can inherit the adorable face wrinkles of the dominant Pug parent.
• These dogs can have a variety of appearances, depending on the genes they inherit, but most of them look like Miniature Pug with a Husky coat.
• Neither of the parents is loud, so the Pug Husky Mix is a very mellow dog.

References

Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, May 17). Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachycephalic_airway_obstructive_syndrome.

Morgan, J. P., Wind, A., Davidson, A. P., & Audell, L. (2000). Hereditary bone and joint diseases in the dog: osteochondroses, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia. Schlütersche.