Pugland

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Pug is a small, well-known breed that originated from ancient China and found popularity with European royalty as well. Today, it is a prized companion dog, its peculiar appearance notwithstanding. The flat, wrinkly face, shortened muzzle and bulging eyes will typically call attention first, but the dog's winning personality, "multum in parvo", or a "much in little," soon appears and impresses.

The typically white-coated West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is from a breed of Scottish terriers that are commonly wheaten. White coloration often being taken to be a sign of genetic defects, the first few Westies to appear were said to have been destroyed, before someone figured out that a separate Scottish Terrier line was trying to establish itself. Succeeding breeding turned out in today's Westy, a hardy breed that is valued as much for its hunting ability as for its loyalty to its master.

Color

The Westy is distinctly a white-coated breed, while the Pug is more commonly black, and will also appear in fawn, apricot, silver or brindle. The Pugland can therefore be a solid color, or a combination of any of its parent breed's colors.

Coat

Puglands typically take after the Westy parent in coat length. The top coat is long and coarse, typical of most terriers, while the undercoat, if present, is softer and fluffy. If the Pug's coat shows, it will be a single coat that is short and sleek.

Personality

The Pugland is an active little dog, both indoors and outdoors. It can attach itself to one or two owners, but will not be affectionately needy, or pine away if left alone at times. It can be a great playmate with kids, but will not tolerate rough handling. In cheerful moods, the Westland can seek constant human touch and company, and will exert effort to claim attention. However, moodiness may affect this breed, and their streak of independence can assert itself on days when they purposely shun human blandishments and take themselves off to a spot where they can find their own amusement. They make good guard dogs, in that they can be trained to raise an alarm at the approach of strangers. Puglands can live in peace with other dogs it has been socialized with. Small pets of the rodent type, however, may incite the prey drive, and should not be placed with the Pugland.

Care

Hand-stripping twice a year will beautifully maintain the hard, wiry overcoat and take care of any stray, shed hair. Otherwise, a weekly brushing with a soft brush will ensure that a short single coat is clean and shiny. Bathing is only as needed.

Training

Both the Pug and the Westy can be testy and stubborn in training, so do not be surprised if the Pugland turns out resistant at times. It will take patience, and sometimes, professional know-how, in getting the Pugland to acquire good behavior. Positive reinforcement is best, as rough handling or harsh punishments will leave an already occasionally standoffish dog alienated from its owner.

Activity

Small but energetic, the Pugland will be happy with a half-hour vigorous walk or jog daily (leashed, to preempt the hunting instinct and prey drive). If this is not possible, a boisterous play session indoors will suffice.