Pugapoo

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Pugapoo is a confident, dignified dog that carries himself well; nevertheless, he is an alert, loyal companion that thrives on affection and loves attention.

Bred from the Pug and the Poodle, the Pugapoo is an intelligent, highly trainable animal that also banks on instinctual behavior such as hunting and marking. The Pug was, for the longest time, a companion dog at royal courts and houses. A breed originating from China, the Pug was highly favored for its energetic playfulness and well-rounded personality. The Poodle is a German breed, and was originally a working dog, bred for retrieving and hunting, especially in and around water.

Color

The Pugapoo comes in solid colors, with a variation or darkening in shade towards the tips of the ears or the ruff. A more uncommon coat will be parti-colored. A black mask or black markings around the eyes and muzzle will be from the Pug parent.

Coat

The Pugapoo has a single layer of coat. The Poodle parent can contribute a wavy or curly coat, which is dense and moisture-resistant. The Pug parent will pass on a straight, short-haired fur. The coat will be low to average in shedding.

Personality

The Pugapoo will bask in attention, but will rarely become so attached to its owner that it suffers from separation anxiety. Independent-minded and easily bored, however, the Pugapoo can turn to destructive behavior if left alone often or under-exercised. It is a perfect playmate for children, as it will appreciate the stimulation and activity. Smaller Pugapoos, however, are prone to be injured by careless or rough play; this should be explained to children, and younger ones should never be left unsupervised with the dog. The Pugapoo, if properly brought up, is a sociable animal and will mix well with other pets and dogs it grows up with.

Care

A coarse, dense coat will have little shedding; this still needs to be brushed to prevent mats. A shorter coat will shed more, and twice weekly brushing will help. bathing can help remove shed hairs, but overdoing the frequent can dry out the coat and skin. A long coat can be clipped and groomed so it remains clean and presentable.

Training

The Pugapoo's intelligence, energy and natural agility will require proper training to be channeled into desired behavior. A number of the Poodle parent are popular for being outstanding performers in shows and circuses worldwide. Occasional stubbornness in training is natural, and can be dealt with gently but consistently.

Activity

An hour daily of varied exercise will generally be suitable for a highly energetic and sharp animal as the Pugapoo. Routine will easily bore them, and an under-exercised animal will be difficult to admonish at home. Open space will satisfy the primal need to run and explore, and will serve to exhaust the Pugapoo's energy store. These sessions of activity, however, should be scheduled well ahead or after mealtimes, to lessen the risk of bloat. Meals should be in small portions, instead one large one.