Pug-Zu (Pug & Shih-Tzu Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & More

Breed Overview

Pug Zus are adorable and tiny dogs that result from breeding purebred Pugs with purebred Shih Tzus. The result of breeding the ‘clown dog’ and the ‘little lion’ are cute little dogs with wonderful personalities and huge hearts. They are known for their friendly nature, so it makes them a great choice for families and households with other pets.

Are you thinking of bringing a Pug Zu home into your family? Then you’ll want to read on to find out everything you need to know about these loveable balls of fur.

Pug-Zu Puppies  

When you are looking for a Pug Zu puppy, make sure that you are looking for a good breeder and do some research. You also want to get references from possible breeders from people who’ve purchased their puppies. You also want to learn about the health conditions that the parents have. You want to avoid buying your pup from a puppy mill or puppy farm since the dogs there aren’t healthy and aren’t treated right.

Pug-Zus tend to be loving and friendly dogs, but they can have a stubborn side to their personality. Training and early socialization are essential for Pug-Zus so they get along with other pets and remain calm around people.

3 Little Known Facts About the Pug-Zu

1. They’re “people” dogs.

Pug Zus are people dogs. You should know that you are going to have a very dependent dog when you choose this mix. Your Pug Zu will do everything in their power to get attention and they will always be by your side.

2. They’re very good with pets and children.

They’re known for getting along with a lot of different species. So, you shouldn’t worry if you have other pets. Your Pug Zu will make friends with your other pets, even cats, and they are small, so they will be fine with children. You also should teach toddlers the safe way to handle your Pug Zu, so your little dog doesn’t get injured.

3. How much your puppy shed will depend on its genes.

It’s hard to tell how much your Pug Zu will shed since that’s dependent on the parents. Some of them don’t shed a lot and others will shed throughout the year.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Pug Zu 🧠

Both of the parents of a Pug Zu are very sweet, so it’s no surprise that the Pug Zu will also be sweet. They love getting attention, have playful, positive personalities, and make great companions. Sometimes the Pug part of the dog will come through and you’ll have a distinguished, dignified air. Usually, these dogs are curious, fun-loving and even-tempered.

One of the drawbacks to this dog is that they’re not good watchdogs. They love everyone so much that they might be happy to lead any intruder into your house.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Pug Zu puppies are great for families who have pets and children at home. Pug Zus are cheerful and bring the family the Pug’s friendliness and the Shih Tzu’s confidence. The result is a family companion with a sweet nature. The Pug Zu’s affectionate and warm disposition will make him a fun playmate for animals and children alike.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, the Pug Zu gets along with other dogs and cats.

Things to Know When Owning a Pug Zu:

Next, we’ll look at the care of your dog so that you know what to expect if you bring one of these little ones into your home.

Food & Diet Requirements

Since Pug Zus are tiny, they’ll be happy with just 1 cup per day of food, and you should give them one half of it at a time. You should make sure that you’re having a consistent routine for feeding since they often will bloat when they overeat.

These dogs love food, so you want to closely monitor and control your Pug Zu’s food. Buy high-quality food so that they get the nutrition that they need.

Exercise 🐕

Pug Zus are small, but they’re active. No matter if you allow it to exercise in your house or outside, make sure they’re getting a minimum of 30 minutes’ worth of exercise each day. You can do this as playtime or as a walk.

If you have a dog park nearby, this is a great way to meet your dog’s needs and let them have some fun romping with other dogs. If you live in an apartment, don’t worry since there will be a lot of opportunities to get the exercise that they need.

One thing to know is that your Pug Zu is heat sensitive, and they will get overexerted easily in a hot climate. So, you want to ensure that your dog doesn’t get overheated.

Training 🦮

Your Pug Zu will be fairly easy for you to train. They’re always enthusiastic and willing to learn some new tricks, but they’re sometimes stubborn. Because of this, you want to start training early. This will eliminate your dog’s stubborn behavior in the beginning. You also want to make sure you’re not too strict with your Pug Zu puppy. This may make them fear you. Be firm but gentle when you’re training.

It’s a good idea to train using food treats for motivating your Pug Zu. This hybrid loves food and is going to eagerly respond to treats. Once your dog’s seeing that they’ll be rewarded after they do something successfully, they are more likely to be very eager and obedient to you. This is going to help during your training.

You also want to socialize him early. Proper exposure and socialization to various environments should be a part of your dog’s training routine. Socializing them early will help with reducing fearfulness, anxiety and other possible behaviors.

You also want to add some activities that will stimulate them mentally during training. These can be things like puzzles or games. This will help keep your Pug Zu from becoming bored and to improve their social interaction.

Grooming ✂️

How much your Pug Zu sheds will depend on the parents of the puppy. If your Pug Zu has a long coat, you will need to brush them daily since the hair can tangle easily. It’s also a good idea to take your Pug Zu to the groomer to have their hair trimmed regularly to keep it out of their eyes, or even tie it back. If you have a Pug Zu with a shorter coat, the maintenance will be easier. However, no matter the coat’s length, it’s a good idea to brush them each day.

Bathing should only be done when needed, using a dog shampoo so that the natural oils aren’t impacted. When Your Pug-Zu should be bathed only when necessary and with dog shampoo so as not to impact their natural oils.

Like any other dog breed, it’s good to regularly brush their teeth, check their ears each week, and clip their nails when needed.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Since both Shih Tzus and Pugs have short faces, there’s a good chance that your Pug Zu is going to have problems with their eyes, sinuses, and respiratory system. The reason for this is because there have been many decades of breeding done to get the parents’ faces as short as possible.  You also may have allergies, different infections, joint problems, dental concerns, and problems with hot climates.

There’s a good chance your Pug Zu will need surgery, and there’s going to be vet costs over the dog’s lifetime.

Conclusion

Some of the information about the Pug Zu can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to the health of the dog. However, there are many great reasons to choose this dog as a pet.

If you are looking for a toy-sized, kid-friendly dog, they are a great choice. They are also well-balanced and have wonderful personalities. Even though they won’t make great watchdogs, they are loving and social and great to keep in your house. If you’re ready for a dog who always wants to be your side and you want a dog to shower with affection, time, and love, you are ready to invite a Pug Zu into your home.

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Featured Image: Gustavorf42, Shutterstock