The Husky Pug Mix has been getting a lot of attention in recent times – for good reason.
This hybrid dog combines the best traits of both the Siberian Husky and the Pug. Intelligent, loving and loyal, this mixed breed dog is the perfect combination of his parent breeds.
However, as with any dog, it is important to learn as much as you can before getting this pup.
If you love both the Husky and the Pug, this guide will help you determine if the Husky Pug Mix is the right pet for you and your family.
So, here we go:
Some Quick Facts About The Husky Pug Mix
Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
Other Names: | Hug, Pugsky |
Size: | Small to Medium-sized dog |
Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
Average Weight: | 30 to 60 pounds |
Average Height: | 10 to 23 inches |
Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
Apartment Living: | No, best suited to living in a home with a spacious backyard |
Ideal for: | Individuals and Active families with children, Experienced dog owners, Spacious homes |
Coat: | Either Medium to long length double coat or Short and smooth double coat |
Coat colors: | White, Black, Red, Gray and Silver |
Suitable for first time owners: | No |
Trainability: | Difficult |
Hypoallergenic: | No |
Shedding: | Moderate to High |
Grooming Needs: | It depends – If they inherit the pug parent’s short coat, brush them twice a week. If the husky parent’s long thick coat is inherited, brush them at least four times a week |
Energy Levels: | Moderate |
Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of exercise every day is required |
Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, should not be left alone for more than 6 hours |
Feeding and Diet: | 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two or three meals |
Maintenance: | Moderate to High |
Possible Health Issues: | Obesity, Hip Dysplasia, Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction, Eye problems (Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy), Dermatitis, Hypothyroidism |
Temperament: | Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Friendly, Stubborn, Alert, Cheerful, Affectionate, Energetic |
Cat Friendly: | Yes, but early socialization is must |
Dog Friendly: | Yes, but proper socialization is recommended |
Kid Friendly: | Yes, but early socialization is must |
Barking Tendencies: | Minimal |
Price: | $1200 to $2000+ |
What Is a Husky Pug Mix?
As the name suggests, a Husky Pug Mix is a designer dog that is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pug. Supposedly, this mix gives you the best of both parent breeds in one well-balanced package.
As with all crossbreeds, a puppy can inherit his physical characteristics and personality traits from either or both parent breeds.
This implies that some puppies in a litter will be more like the Pug while others will be more like the Siberian Husky parent. However, most puppies will be anywhere in between and show aspects of both parent breeds.
If you’re still wondering what kind of dog a cross between the laidback Pug and the friendly Siberian Husky will make, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this mixed breed.
What Is a Pug Husky Mix Called?
This designer dog is also known as the “Hug” or the “Pugsky”. These fancy nicknames are a combination of both the parent breed names.
Both the Siberian Husky and the Pug make wonderful family pets. Nonetheless, as a potential pet parent, you should be aware of the temperament, exercise needs, nutritional requirements and health issues of each parent breed before buying this mixed breed dog.
We’ll take a closer look at each of these two breeds below to give you a good idea of what you can expect when you finally add a Husky Pug Mix to your household.
The History of the Husky Pug Mix
Little is known about the history of the Siberian Husky mixed with Pug, so it is important to study both parent breeds to better understand what you’re getting yourself into.
Husky
The Siberian Husky is classified as a working dog. Known for his stamina, speed and intelligence, the Siberian Husky was originally used for pulling sleds.
This dog was also used as a family dog, often helping to keep the children of the nomadic people of Chuckchi warm in the cold winter conditions of the northeastern part of Siberia.
During the hotter, summer months, Siberian Huskies were left to hunt alone and this high prey drive is evident in the breed today.
Pug
On the other hand, the Pug was commonly used as a companion dog. Highly cherished by Chinese Emperors, the Pug was mainly used to provide companionship and entertainment.
With a long history as a valued family dog, Pugs are friendly, affectionate and loyal to their masters.
The Pug is the largest toy dog and doesn’t require a lot of exercises. Considered the world’s greatest canine clowns, Pugs are well known for their goofy antics.
So what should you expect when you mix these two different breeds? Let’s find out below.
What Does a Husky Pug Mix Look Like?
Since there is a huge difference in the Siberian Husky and the Pug, the appearance of the Husky and Pug Mix may be quite unpredictable.
While you might expect this mixed breed dog to look like a combination of his parent dogs, genetics are a complex matter.
With any mixed breed dog, you can only guess the appearance of a puppy based on the parent dogs and previous litters.
The long face of the Husky counteracts the Pug’s squashed face to create a dog who has a square face just like the Boxer dog.
He can either have a thick coat like the Siberian Husky or the fine coat of a Pug.
If your puppy takes more after his Pug parent, he will have flat ears whereas a puppy that takes more after the Husky parent will have erect ears. However, there will also be exceptions, especially if your puppy is a perfect combination of both parent breeds.
Since both the Pug and the Husky have curly tails, you can expect your Hug dog to have a curly tail, as well. However, the curve in your Hug’s tail will most likely be less prominent than that of the Pug parent breed. The tail should also be hung more loosely over the dog’s back, like that of the Husky parent.
If you take a look at the Husky Pug Mix images here, you can clearly see that these dogs can look quite different depending on which parent breed they take after most.
The Husky Pug Mix Colors
The Husky Pug Mix is a very cute dog who comes in a wide range of colors, including white, black, red, gray and silver.
Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Husky’s overall appearance is their blue eyes. Some Husky and Pug Mix dogs will also inherit this feature from their Husky parent.
Husky Pug Mix Size, Height and Weight
So, how big does a Husky Pug Mix get?
Well, you can expect your new mixed breed dog to be small to medium in size.
Generally speaking, he should be smaller than a Siberian Husky but bigger than a Pug. A full grown Hug will grow to be anywhere between 10 and 22 inches tall, and weigh around 30 to 60 pounds.
Temperament and Personality Traits
When it comes to a mixed breed dog, it can be difficult to predict what kind of temperament and personality your new dog will have.
Some Husky Pug Mixes will get their personality from their Husky parent while others will inherit their traits from the Pug parent.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to know exactly which parent breed genes will be more dominant until you actually bring your puppy home.
The best thing to do is to study both parent dogs, the Siberian Husky and the Pug.
The Pug and the Husky have some traits in common, including the fact that they are both friendly and loving dogs who make excellent family pets.
Since they are smaller in size, Pugs do not require as much exercise as Siberian Huskies.
Huskies are energetic, working dogs who may not adapt well in an apartment or small living area. The Husky Pug Mix is, therefore, not the best choice for small living spaces. Your Hug dog will do much better in a large area that will allow him to run and expend excess energy.
If the dog doesn’t burn off the excess energy, he may easily get bored and start showing behavioral problems and destructive habits such as digging up your garden or chewing up your belongings.
Huskies are very intelligent and rank at number 45 among the world’s most intelligent breeds while the Pug ranks at number 57.
Since the Husky is an independent thinker, he will not always be willing to obey your commands, especially if there’s nothing to motivate him. Add this to the Pug’s tendency to be stubborn and you may have to think twice if you’re looking for a very obedient dog.
The Husky Pug Mix is also not a good choice for first-time dog owners. This is because these are strong-minded dogs. With the Husky being an independent thinker and the Pug being stubborn, their offspring can be a very challenging dog for first-time dog owners.
A Pug Husky mix will almost certainly exhibit a stubborn and willful behavior, making him a bad choice for new pet parents looking to carry out obedience training.
This designer dog will require professional or extensive obedience training along with a lot of exercises.
Behavior With Children and Other Pets
The Siberian Husky Pug Mix is a friendly and cheerful dog who gets along well with kids and other household pets.
Inheriting their intelligence from the Husky parent side and affection from their Pug parents, the Husky Pug Mix is a great choice if you have kids or other pets at home.
Training
When it comes to taking proper care of your Hug dog, he requires proper training to ensure he is obedient.
However, be ready for some challenges. For the best results, make sure to start training early since the Pug Husky Mix is a strong-minded dog. They have inherited their stubborn streak from the Pug side and their willfulness from the Husky parent breed.
When training your Hug puppy, you’ll want to use positive reinforcement. Be sure to use plenty of treats during each training session to encourage your pup, particularly if he shows more traits from the Pug parent side.
If your Husky Pug Mix inherits most of his traits from the Pug, he will tend to be a couch potato. Since this is a brachycephalic dog, you will also need to use a harness rather than a leash during training.
Anyone that struggles with the training of these dogs can turn to Doggy Dan the Online Dog trainer for accessible guides on all kinds of issues.
Socialization
Despite the fact that both Huskies and Pugs are generally friendly and sociable dogs, you still need to start socializing your Hug immediately you bring him home to prevent any aggressive or violent behavior.
Make sure your Pug Husky Mix meets other people, dogs, and animals on a regular basis. Moreover, your dog needs to be exposed to different environments and situations to help keep him out of trouble.
Exercise Needs
Since the Husky Pug Mix is intelligent and has tons of energy, he will also require plenty of exercises on a daily basis. Therefore, make sure to take your pup out for walks each day for around one hour.
You may also want to go jogging with your Hug dog to ensure you both get enough exercises.
However, you should avoid taking your Husky Pug Mix on walks during hot weather. Your dog will dog will do better if you exercise him early in the morning or later in the evening. This will prevent your dog from becoming overheated, which would lead to dehydration and/or breathing difficulties.
If you have a fenced-in yard, then allow your dog to run and play around it and also play games with him to help them burn off any excess energy. Playing games like Fetch and Frisbee with your dog is a good idea.
If these pups don’t get enough exercises, they are likely to get bored and start chewing on your carpet and furniture. You can keep your belongings safe by providing your Husky Pug Mix with plenty of chew toys to ensure mental stimulation if you happen to leave him alone for long periods of time.
Some Husky Pug Mix dogs tend to display more traits from their Pug parents by being couch potatoes. You can prevent this laziness by providing your dog with games, toys and treats to get him moving.
Last but not least, make sure you do not over-exercise your dog, especially if he inherits his Pug parent’s genes. A Hug that takes after the Pug will not be able to do strenuous or intense physical activities.
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Grooming
Both parent dogs have moderate to heavy shedding tendencies. This means that you’ll need to put in a lot of effort in order to keep your Pug cross Husky free of dander or loose hair.
If your dog has inherited the hair genes of the Pug, then he will have short and soft hair. This means that he will require less work to maintain him in good condition. You will need to brush him at least twice per week to help remove any loose hair and maintain his coat in good condition.
If your Hug has inherited the hair genes of the Siberian Husky, he will have longer hair, and therefore, you’ll need to put in more effort to keep him looking good. This pup needs to be brushed around four times per week to avoid matting and tangling.
No matter which parent breed your dog takes after most, you will need to invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner to help keep your house, floor, walls and furniture hair free.
These dogs also have flopped or dropped ears that need to be wiped clean every week. However, you should only bathe your dog when he gets dirty. If your pup has the wrinkles and skin folds of the Pug, he will need regular cleaning of those skin folds and wrinkles.
It is also important to trim your dog’s nails each month. Overgrown nails are likely to crack or split, leading to pain or discomfort.
Also, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Dogs with clean and healthy mouths live happier and longer lives.
Feeding Information
You also need to closely monitor your pup’s food intake. The Hug dog is prone to obesity, particularly if he has the small stature of a Pug.
Feed your Husky Pug Mix a maximum of 2.5 cups of high quality dog food per day.
Do not give him treats too often, as these can increase the risk of obesity. Treats should not exceed 10% of your pup’s daily diet.
Monitoring your Pug and Husky Mix dog’s diet is particularly important if inherits his Pug parent’s genes and can’t withstand intense physical activities.
It’s also advisable to give them probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil to help replenish and support your pet’s health.
Your active Hug will also need constant access to fresh water every day to ensure he doesn’t suffer from dehydration.
Husky Pug Mix Life Expectancy
How long does a Pug Husky Mix live?
Well, the average lifespan of a Husky Pug Mix is around 12 to 15 years. Their life expectancy will vary from one dog to another, depending on the nutrition, care and attention they receive.
Both parent breeds have different dietary and nutritional requirements, so make sure to consult with your vet to ensure you are giving him a proper diet.
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Husky Pug Mix Health issues
The Husky mixed with Pug is prone to a number of health problems that affect both parent breeds. If you are considering getting a Hug puppy, then you should be aware of these health concerns.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a very common condition among Huskies. This condition affects the hip socket, leading to pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, the signs of this condition do not appear until the dog is mature, which makes it hard to know if a puppy is at risk.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction
Being a brachycephalic breed, the Pug has a ‘shortened head’. With the cute fat face and shortened nose of the Pug parent, this hybrid dog can suffer from breathing problems and discomfort in hot conditions.
If your Husky Pug Mix inherits the Pug genes, he may have trouble breathing in extreme temperatures, or when he takes part in strenuous exercises.
Spinal Issues
Being a brachycephalic breed, the Pugs have the so-called screw tails. These are curly tails that are particularly coiled.
These coils will sometimes stretch from the tail into the vertebrae, thereby twisting it. This can cause paralysis in extreme cases.
Dermatitis
The Pug’s skinfolds can get dermatitis if they’re not properly taken care of. This condition can lead to irritation, infection and hair loss.
Eye Problems
Siberian Huskies are prone to different eye conditions, including cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Cataracts often start at a very young age, especially when a puppy is around 6 to 12 months old. If not cared for and treated early, it can cause blindness.
When the dog’s eyes begin deteriorating, the condition is known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Therefore, it’s also important to have your Husky Pug Mix dog’s eyes checked regularly by a professional vet.
Other Pug Husky Mix Health Issues
There are a number of other problems that could occur in a Pug Husky mix. These include:
Elbow dysplasia: affects around 40 percent of Pugs.
Patella Luxation: affects approximately 1 in 20 Pugs.
Skin infections: taking proper care of your dog’s skin is important to help prevent skin irritations and infections.
Separation anxiety: since these dogs are designed to offer companionship, they can suffer from boredom and separation anxiety if left alone for far too long.
Finding Pug and Husky Mix Puppies for Sale
Some Husky and Pug breeders will also offer the Husky Pug Mix puppies for sale.
Make sure to do your homework and find a reputable breeder for your puppy. If you feel you’re being coerced into buying a puppy, it’s best to look for a different source.
A good breeder knows the breed inside out and will ask you questions about your home and lifestyle to ensure you can take proper care of the puppy.
The right breeder will also be able to produce certification that their puppies and the parent dogs are free from any health problems that commonly affect this mixed breed dog.
How Much Does A Husky Pug Mix Cost?
The Pug Husky Mix price is around $1200 to $2000+, depending on the breeder’s reputation and location as well as the age of the puppy.
Before getting a puppy from a breeder, make sure to use your due diligence. You don’t want to get your new dog from a puppy mill, no matter the price.
Apart from the cost of buying a puppy, you want to factor in food costs, vet fees and pet products like the MidWest Folding Crate for Intermediate dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed from reputable retailers like Amazon.
Husky Pug Mix for Adoption
If you’re working on a tight budget, you should consider adopting a Pug Husky Mix dog.
Like most crossbreeds, the Hug is becoming more and more popular. If you’re considering adopting a full grown dog, you should be able to find reliable rescue centers or animal shelters near you.
If you opt to rescue an adult Hug dog, make sure to ask about their current and past health conditions and their personality. You’ll want to know as much as you can about the pup before you bring him home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pug Husky Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No. These dogs do not tolerate being left alone for long hours – 4 to 6 hours is the maximum. As with most breeds, these mixes can become bored if left alone for too long. They need to get plenty of attention from their owners and family.
Are Pug Husky mixes High Maintenance?
Yes. Their exercise and grooming needs are moderate to high. Also if left alone for too long they can become mischievous and destructive.
Another thing to keep in mind is that they are not easy to train. We don’t recommend this breed for first-time dog owners with no experience in dog training.
Are Hugs Good for Apartment Living?
No. Since the Hug is an active and playful canine, he is best suited to living in a home with a spacious backyard. These pups need a large space to play and run around.
They usually do well in comfortable, fenced-in spaces, so an apartment may be too small for these pups to play and have fun while you’re away from home.
If you want a dog that is ideal for apartment living, you should consider smaller mixes, such as the Yoranian, Yorkillon, Cock-A-Tzu, Affenpug, or Bossi-Poo.
Are Husky Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Hugs are not hypoallergenic, they have moderate to high shedding tendencies which are common with both parent breeds.
Are Husky Pug Mix Dogs Hard to Train?
Pug Husky mixes are known to be stubborn, independent, and strong-willed which makes them difficult to train and challenging breed for first-time dog owners with no experience in dog training.
Conclusion: Is the Pug Husky Mix Right For You?
If you’re looking for a friendly, loving and affectionate medium-sized dog who is charming and full of life, then the Husky Pug Mix might be the right dog for you.
The Husky Pug Mix is a cross between two very different dog breeds and produces a great companion dog that is both charming and intelligent.
Playful and loyal, they have the potential to be great family dogs. With the Pug being a valued companion dog, your Pugsky will be a loyal friend.
Moreover, the Husky’s high energy levels means your Hug dog will be up for any challenge you throw at them. Taking proper care of this pup guarantees you years of fun and unconditional love!
Other Pug Mixes
Love Pugs but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Pug mix breed dogs.
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