Are Hug Dogs Real? Meet the Pug Husky Mix
The Husky Pug is one of the cutest four-legged friends you will meet! Learn all about their personality, what they look like, and how much maintenance is required for this designer dog.
Many people wonder if Siberian huskies can mate with pugs. You can imagine the curiosity seeing how different they are in size. In all honesty, this hybrid breed actually makes a loving companion and a great family pet!
Why People Love Pug Huskies
Pugskies are an incredibly popular mixed breed dog. The following are some of the many reasons why people love pug huskies.
- Unique appearance: pug huskies have a unique appearance that combines two very different dogs, the pug and the husky.
- Intelligence: Pug husky dogs are intelligent and because of this, they can be trained very well by owners who can be patient with their sometimes stubborn husky-like personalities
- Loving temperament: They are known for having a loving, cuddly temperament which makes them ideal companion animals, as they love giving and receiving affection
- Smaller size: Pug huskies tend to be small to medium sized dogs, which means they can work for many owners who live in apartments or smaller homes
Is a hug dog real?
Hug dogs are very much real. Also known as a pug husky, and are a combination of a pug and a Siberian husky.
The pug dog breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world; it takes all the way back to 400 B.C. and is believed to have come from China. Over the past few centuries, pug dogs have been bred to become shorter, with flatter faces. Pugs were bred to be companion animals, which led to them being bred to develop affectionate, loyal, and loving personalities.
Huskies originated in eastern Siberia, where they were bred by the Chukchi people. Huskies were introduced to North America in 1908 when they were brought to Alaska, where they were (and still are) used as sled dogs. As huskies were primarily bred to be working dogs, they were bred with intelligence, loyalty, energy, and the ability to be trained.
Facts about Husky Pug Mixes
The following are the essential facts about husky pug mixed breed dogs.
- Size: Ranges from 10 inches to 23.5 inches
- Weight: Ranges from 14 to 36 lbs
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Unique Qualities: Noted for having low aggressiveness, friendly energetic nature, and a love for affection and cuddling.
- Do they shed: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Health Issues: Yes
- Classification: Crossbreed, Mixed, Hybrid, Designer Breed
What Does a Pug Husky Look Like?
Pug husky dogs can vary considerably in appearance. Like many mixed breed dogs, individual pug huskies may look significantly different depending on what sort of traits they inherited from each of the two breeds.
A husky pug may have a flatter, pug-like face; or a longer snout, and husky-like face. They may inherit a husky’s tall pointy ears or a pug’s floppy ears; though, notably, most pug huskies tend to inherit their ears from the husky side.
The breed is considered to be a small to medium-sized dog, though their size can vary from individual to individual. Generally, female pug huskies are smaller than male pug huskies.
In terms of the color, usually, they have markings from either a pug or husky, but not both.
Do they shed?
Yes, Pug huskies will shed. How much they shed will depend on what type of coat they inherit. Pups who inherit a longer, thicker husky coat will shed more than the ones who inherit the shorter coat of the pug dog.
Nutrition and Exercise for Hugs
A pugsky will need regular exercise, but their exercise needs are not too demanding. They should go for a 30-minute walk once a day. They will also require off-leash play indoors or outdoors at least once a day. Their energy levels are described as low to medium, so the exercise is to help them avoid becoming overweight.
As you get to know your hug dog, you’ll find out how much activity they really like. If they inherit more genes from the pug side, you will notice they are a little lazier, versus the high-energy husky.
Their diet should also be well-rounded. You should carefully monitor their food intake, as they have a predisposition to becoming obese if they are overfed. To keep from overfeeding, don’t leave feed in their bowl constantly, instead have scheduled feeding times.
Even though huskies are a bigger breed and can handle more food and certain diets, like the raw food diet, it’s best to stick with dog food that is meant for their weight. When feeding any breed, dry kibble is the best because it also helps to clean their teeth without having to brush them.
You always want to go with a high-quality food option to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients that aren’t overfilled with corn and grains.
How Do You Groom Them?
Grooming a pug husky will depend on their coat.
If they have more of a “pug” coat they need to be brushed at least twice a week in order to keep their coat soft and shiny.
When their coats are thicker like “husky” coats they need to be brushed more to prevent matting. Longer coats also trap more dead hair.
Along with normal nail trimming, you will also need to clean their creases. Bacteria and debris get trapped in there, causing them to smell and could lead to skin issues. All you need to do is wipe them with a clean washcloth.
As with any dog, you should take them for a dental visit once per year, and keep their teeth clean at home in-between visits. Canine dental care is often neglected which can lead to other health problems.
If your hug dog has droopy ears, you will also want to make sure you clean those often to prevent ear infections.
Common Health Problems in the Siberian Husky Mixed With A Pug
Because this dog is a mixed breed, they can inherit medical conditions from both sides of their parents. Below are a few common diseases that you should keep a lookout for.
- BAOS, or brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome; this makes it difficult for dogs to breath, particularly when exerting themselves physically or in hotter environments. This health issue is inherited from the pug breed.
- Dermatitis: especially in skin folds and around the tail
- Eye problems (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy)
- Obesity as previously mentioned
- Hip dysplasia: A condition prominent in the husky breed
It is very important to closely monitor these potential health problems, as they can all have serious consequences if left unchecked and untreated by a certified veterinarian.
How much do hug dogs cost and where can I find Puppies?
The average price for a hug dog is $1200 to $2000. While this cost is an estimate, it can vary depending on the breeder. Be sure that the breeder can provide lineage information about both parents before choosing a pup from the litter.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug Husky Mix Breed
Pros
- Affectionate personality makes them ideal for families
- Able to live in apartments or small homes with regular walks
- Beautiful and distinct appearance
- Intelligent
Cons
- Can demonstrate destructive behavior if not stimulated during the day
- Prone to health problems, especially those common in pugs
- Require frequent grooming if they inherit a husky coat
- A little stubborn when it comes to professional training.
- They have a hard time in extreme temperatures
Pug huskies are a popular mixed breed that is well known for their distinct appearances, their intelligence, and loyalty, as well as their affectionate and loving personality. They make excellent companions and family animals.
