The Pugapoo Dog Breed is friendly, affectionate, and fun. These are Mixed-Breed Dogs or Designer Breed Dogs, developed from crossing the Pug with the Poodle. They bring happiness and joy wherever they go.
The best thing about mixed or designer dog breeds is their differences. A designer dog is supposed to have the best of two or more species, but the genes have their way of manifesting.
So it’s hard to tell how your Pugapoo Puppy will be as an adult dog. Will it be more like a Poodle or a Pug? Only time will tell.
But that’s part of the fun!
Please take a look at your puppy closely. Does that look like a Purebred Pug or one of those Pug Puppies you’ve seen at the breeder’s place? Or does it look more like a Poodle puppy? The Pugapoo is similar to the Lhasa Apso, a famous Tibetan breed.
You can compare your Pug Cross, as it is also called, to other mixed-breed dogs such as the Puggle or Pug Beagle Mix, Pocket Puggles, Pomeranian Poodle Mix, and Pitbull Beagle Mix.
What Pugapoo Owners Should Know
Pugapoos are family pets or companion dogs. They have been bred to be friendly, to love their human family. They have a solid need to live in the house with their family. They are not the sort of dogs you can leave outside on the lawn or backyard alone. These dogs crave human company. Pugapoo Puppies and Dogs want you to pay attention and involve them in every activity.
Here’s More…
- These mixed-breed dogs don’t require much exercise. They are happy to stay indoors all day if they get some playtime. They enjoy going on walks as well.
- Pugapoos may or may not shed much depending on which side dominates. If the Pug side dominates, then they will shed. If the Poodle side dominates, then don’t expect much shedding.
- Pugapoos are better suited to homes with kids aged five or above. If you have a toddler at home, you should wait a few years before bringing a Pugapoo puppy home.
- Pugapoos are high-maintenance dogs and require High-Quality Dog Food. You cannot compromise on that.
But remember…
Dog Breeders’ reputation greatly counts when bringing a hybrid puppy home. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, not someone who runs a puppy mill.
So that you know, there are many Cockapoo Dog Breeders that supply Pugapoo pups as well.
Or you can choose to adopt an abandoned Pugapoo dog from an animal shelter run by a local Rescue Group. Many Animal Rescue Organizations specialize in Pug Rescue in the United States.
Pugapoo Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Unclear, but probably the United States
Original Purpose: Companion animal
Height: 8 to 15 inches
Weight: 10 to 30 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: “Hybrid” or “Designer” dogs are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Origin of the Pugapoo Dog Breed
The Pugapoo was developed by crossing Purebred Dog Breeds such as the Pug and the Poodle. Now, the question is when were the two purebred breeds first crossed.
We don’t know the answer to that.
The Poodle was first developed in Germany in the 15th century. The Pug is originally from China and has been around for thousands of years. It was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Portuguese traders. The Pugapoo may also have been first developed in the 17th century, but we can’t be sure.
What we do know…
Is the American Kennel Club not recognizing the Pugapoo as a hybrid dog, not a purebred dog breed? However, the Pugapoo is recognized by other Kennel Clubs, such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Physical Characteristics
The thing about this mixed breed is that Pugapoo puppies are all different. They can look the same as their parents – Pugs and Poodles – or completely different. Generally, the Pugapoo is a Medium-Sized Dog. But its size, coat type, color, and activity level will depend on which traits are dominant, that of a Pug or that of a Poodle.
That said, however…
You’re best off by not “expecting” any consistency in their looks. But many Pugapoo puppies have a black mask and the same body structure as a Pug. They are also hairy, like the Poodle. They may have the same short and wrinkled face as a Pug or a Poodle’s longish snouts and lips. Pugapoos are lightweight, easy to carry around, and excellent at swimming.
They may also…
Have the same short and corked tail as a Pug puppy. Their coat may be of the colors white, black, or gray. But regardless of which parent breed they most closely resemble, one should know that Pugapoos, in “general,” is a high-energy breed. They like to run around the house all day and are always in the mood for playtime.
Personality and Temperament
Pugapoos are good with kids, much like Pugs and Poodles. They are friendly by nature and great with strangers. They are just a loving, affectionate breed bred to spread happiness and joy worldwide. They are good with other dogs and cats too.
But be warned…
These dogs tend to bark a lot. The constant barking can be a nuisance at times. With early training and socialization, you can put an end to that. Additionally, they are quick learners and do well at most dog sports, such as obedience, flyball, and agility. But they can be stubborn at times. You have to be firm but gentle with them.
Potential Health Concerns
The Pugapoo is a healthy breed for the most part. It’s a hybrid dog and less likely to develop the same hereditary conditions as purebred dogs. It has a reasonably healthy life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. But even a healthy dog breed such as the Pugapoo is prone to specific health problems such as…
- Eye Problems,
- Breathing Issues,
- Hip Dysplasia,
- Allergies.
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.