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Pugapoo
Thinking of buying or adopting a Pugapoo?
Introduction
The Pugapoo is a cross between the Pug and the Poodle. This mixed breed is also known as the Pugpoo, Pugoodle, Pugdoodle, and Pugadoodle. Pugapoos are small to medium size dogs.
The Pugapoo breed is a gregarious family pet that loves being around children and other pets. However, keep in mind that this dog breed is known to be mouthy and nippy.
When it comes to training, Pugapoos can be headstrong dogs, but they respond well to positive reinforcement. He has low daily exercise requirements since he is not highly active.
The grooming needs of this Pugapoo mixed breed depend on his coat type. The Pugapoo dog breed can live between 12 and 14 years.
History
The Pugapoo is considered a hybrid breed of dog as it is a Pug and Poodle mix. He is nicknamed Pugpoo, Pugoodle, Pugdoodle, and Pugadoodle.
The exact origins of Pugapoos remain obscure. What we do know is that they are relatively mixed breed dogs. We can understand more of the breed’s traits by examining the history of their parent breeds.
The Pug’s ancestry can be traced back to ancient China. The breed was raised as a royal dog and highly prized by Chinese emperors and nobles. Today, these small dogs are well-loved family pets with a comical and laid-back personality.
The Poodle is a skilled German water retrieving hunting dog. Both traits make him a popular choice of breed by dog fanciers until now.
He possesses incredible intelligence and a hypoallergenic coat. The breed has 3 size variations: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
The Pugapoo dog breed is a mix of qualities of these 2 purebred dogs. Although he is slowly gaining fame much like other Puglike breeds, he is not yet acknowledged by any major kennel clubs including the American Kennel Club and Kennel Club in the UK.
The reason behind this is that the Pugapoo is a fairly new dog breed. Moreover, he is also a hybrid dog that doesn’t have a consistent appearance. Few minor kennel clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club and Designer Dogs Kennel Club welcomed the Pugapoo breed into their registry.
Appearance and Grooming
How big does a Poodle Pug get?
This Pug cross Poodle breed is a small- to medium-sized dog. A Pugapoo full-grown male can be as heavy as 6–13 kilos (15–30 pounds) and grow 25–28 centimetres (10–15 inches).
The weight of a female Pugapoo can range from 5–11 kilos (10–25 pounds), whilst her height is approximately 20–30 centimetres (8–12 inches). Note that Pugapoo puppies of Miniature and Standard Poodles will be larger compared to those of Toy Poodles.
What does a Pugapoo look like?
As the Pugapoo breed is a cross between the Pug and the Poodle, this hybrid dog has a diverse appearance. Generally, the Pugapoo has a boxy physique and a round-shaped head.
The Pugapoo’s dark eyes are almond-shaped and his nose is black. He has a midsize muzzle and his tail can either be corkscrewed or not. Know that in reality, most Pugapoo puppies are a blend of their Pug and Poodle parents.
Are Pugapoos hypoallergenic?
Yes, Pugapoos can be hypoallergenic provided that they inherit the curly coat of the Poodle. Those that take after the Pug’s short coat are more likely non-hypoallergenic and may trigger allergies. The most common coat colours of the Pugapoo breed are black, brown, cream, grey, golden, and white.
Do Pugapoos shed?
Yes, Pugapoos do shed. The ones that possess the Poodle coat are low-shedding compared to those who inherited the Pug coat. Pugapoo puppies with curly coats require frequent grooming and occasional trimming to keep their fur tangle-free. Pugapoo puppies with short coats only need weekly brushing to control their shedding.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Pugapoo breed is a social and family loving dog. For this reason, he is not fit to live outdoors as he needs frequent interaction with his family. This mixed breed may inherit the barkiness of the Pug. He can be a good watchdog so long as he is trained properly to prevent nuisance barking.
Pugapoos are great family pets as they can mingle well with children. Keep in mind that children should know how to carefully handle small-sized Pugapoos to avoid injuries during playtime.
These friendly Pugapoo hybrid dogs love spending time with other pets too. However, some Pugapoos may inherit the nippiness of the Poodle. So care should be taken, especially if they are around smaller animals.
Training the Pugapoo dog breed can be fairly easy if you take the right approach. As his Poodle parent smart and clever, he is a quick learner. However, this hybrid dog’s Pug parent can be wilful and rebellious.
The Pug parent of the breed is highly food motivated. To keep the Pugapoo interested in learning, incorporate positive reinforcement and rewards-based training that involves using treats.
As this mixed breed can easily gain weight, give him treats in moderation. Use other rewards such as fun playtime, going on walks, or a relaxing grooming.
Nutrition and Feeding
Provide a dog food that is specially formulated according to the Pugapoo breed's size and energy levels. As this hybrid dog is small to medium in size, he needs at least 1–2 cups of high-quality dog food per day.
Prevent the Pugapoo breed from inhaling his food by dividing his meals into 2. This will prevent unhealthy weight gain, which the breed is susceptible to.
Pugapoos, especially the ones that inherited the smushed face of the Pug, should have constant access to fresh water. Keeping them well-hydrated especially during hot seasons is crucial to prevent heatstroke
Health and Exercise
The Pugapoo dog breed has an average lifespan of 12–14 years. Since this hybrid dog is relatively new, not much is known about the health problems he is predisposed to. However, Pugapoos can be vulnerable to the prevalent medical conditions of their parent breed such as:
This hip socket and the joint problem usually occur in large breeds. However, some small-size breeds including the Pug dogs are very likely to develop this condition. Mild cases can be treated through medications, whilst severe ones need surgery.
Patellar Luxation
It is caused by the slipped patella or kneecap. Pugapoos with this condition may suffer from lameness and extreme pain.
Medications are the usual treatments used in mild cases of this health condition. Severely affected dogs may be required to undergo corrective surgery.
It is characterised by the lack of natural steroid hormone in the dog's body. Poodles are predisposed to this disease.
Managing Addison's disease is important to keep it from becoming life-threatening. Pugapoos suffering from this condition will be medicated with steroid supplements.
The Pugapoo breed is not hyperactive, but he still requires daily exercise. Since this mixed-breed dog has low to moderate energy levels, provide him 45 minutes of physical and mental stimulation.
Pugapoo puppies will require more time for exercise as they are full of energy. They should have 1–1 ½ hour of activity time per day.
Two short walks a day will suffice for a full-grown Pugapoo. He is also skilled enough to participate in certain dog sports including agility, fly ball, obedience, and rally. If possible, avoid excessive exercise to keep a brachycephalic breed like the Pugapoo safe from breathing difficulties and overheating.
Cost of Ownership
Small to medium dog breeds like Pugapoos consume lower quantities of food. Thus, your dog’s food expenses will only amount to £210–£280 per year. Basic dog supplies including toys, bowls, and crate are crucial in helping him quickly adjust to his new home. You can spend anywhere from £100–£300.
Keeping your Pugapoo puppy happy and healthy involves vet care. So prepare £30–£60 as a fee for each check-up session, depending on your choice of clinic. Initial vaccinations to safeguard him from highly infectious canine diseases will cost you approximately £100–£150.
Do not forget to bring your Pugapoo to the vet for yearly boosters, which you will need to pay about £50–£60. The total cost for worm and tick and flea treatments is £15–£30. If you choose to spay or neuter your Pugapoo puppy, be prepared to spend £110–£390.
Pet insurance for a cross-breed dog such as the Pugapoo has a monthly cost of approximately £23. However, this may change according to the area you are living in and the age and health of the dog.
How much does a Pugapoo cost?
The price for Pugapoo puppies can range from £1,200–£2,500. Be aware that some breeders breed multigeneration crosses, which means puppies that are not purely 50% Pug and 50% Poodle. With that said, always look for reputable breeders that raise healthy and well-bred Pugapoo puppies.
You also have the choice to acquire your Pugapoo canine companion from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It is a great way to help provide a better home and a loving family for rehomed or neglected Pugapoos.
Pugapoo Breed Highlights
- The Pugapoo breed is a hybrid dog that is a Pug and Poodle mix.
- He is a great family pet for households with children and pets.
- A Pugapoo that has a curly Poodle coat is considered hypoallergenic.
- The amount of grooming for this mixed breed ranges from low to high depending on his coat type.
- The Pugapoo dog breed only requires minimal exercise as he has low energy levels.
Are you sure the Pugapoo is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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