When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Ever wondered what happens when you mix a Pug with just about anything? You get dogs that range from impossibly cute to mildly unhinged, sometimes both at once.
Table of Contents
This guide rounds up 33 Pug mixes, organized by size, personality, and lifestyle fit. Whether you’re here for a quick scroll or trying to figure out which squishy-faced sidekick might actually work in your home, you’ll find quick picks, clear categories, and plenty of chaos along the way.
Meet The Pug: The Icon & The Blueprint
Before we introduce these bizarre nixes, let’s talk about the original fan-favorite: the Pug. Small, round, and absurdly cute, the Pug is a dog that loves their people and snacks more than anything.
Weight14-18 pounds
Height10-13 inches
Lifespan13-15 years
TemperamentCharming & Mischievous
Pugs aren’t working dogs, hunting dogs, or herders. They’re charmers. With their clownish nature, deep loyalty, and expressive faces, Pugs bring a lot of love (and a lot of snoring) into the home.
Intentional Pug Mixes: The 8 Most Popular Designer Crossbreeds
Pugs are one of the most commonly used breeds in intentional mixed-breed pairings. Their affectionate nature, compact size, and strong bond with people make them an appealing foundation for designer dogs.
These mixes are not created by chance. They’ve been bred deliberately for years and are widely recognized by name, which means they tend to be more predictable than rarer or accidental Pug crosses.
If you’re researching Pug mixes for the first time, start here.
1. Puggle (Beagle × Pug)
The Puggle is one of the earliest and most recognizable Pug mixes. It combines the Beagle’s curiosity and friendly nature with the Pug’s affection and love of home life.
Puggles tend to enjoy daily walks and interactive play, but they’re also content relaxing with their families. Their Beagle side often brings a strong nose and food motivation, which can influence training and leash habits.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality / temperament: friendly, curious, social
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: families, active households
- Watch-outs: scent-driven behavior, food motivation
2. Frug (French Bulldog × Pug)
The Frug blends two compact, flat-faced companion breeds into one sturdy, people-focused dog. They’re expressive, affectionate, and usually happiest when close to their humans.
This mix typically prefers short play sessions followed by long rest periods. Because both parent breeds share similar facial structures, heat awareness and breathing sensitivity are important considerations.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: friendly, playful, adaptable
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: apartments, first-time owners
- Watch-outs: snoring, moderate shedding
3. Bugg / Bug (Boston Terrier × Pug)
Compact, expressive, and endlessly charming, the Bugg combines the Boston Terrier’s friendly nature with the Pug’s clownish personality. They’re social dogs that enjoy being part of everyday life without constant demands.
Buggs adapt well to apartments and tend to do well with consistent routines. Their balanced temperament makes them one of the more approachable Pug mixes for newer owners.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: friendly, playful, easygoing
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: apartments, first-time owners
- Watch-outs: moderate shedding, snoring
4. Pugapoo / Pugoodle (Poodle × Pug)
The Pugapoo, also known as the Pugoodle, is intentionally bred for intelligence and engagement. This mix often brings more mental sharpness and trainability than a typical Pug.
They thrive with structure and mental stimulation, such as training sessions or puzzle toys. Coat type can vary, but grooming is usually part of ownership.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality / temperament: intelligent, playful, attentive
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: engaged owners, training-friendly homes
- Watch-outs: grooming needs, boredom if under-stimulated
5. Pug-Zu / Pug Tzu (Shih Tzu × Pug)
The Pug Zu is a long-standing companion mix that leans heavily into lap-dog territory. They’re calm, affectionate, and thrive in homes where someone is around most of the day.
This mix generally prefers comfort over chaos and adapts well to smaller living spaces with predictable routines.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: affectionate, calm, people-focused
- Energy level: low
- Best for: homebodies, apartment living
- Watch-outs: grooming needs, heat sensitivity
6. Malti-Pug (Maltese × Pug)
Soft-coated and people-oriented, the Malti-Pug is a classic companion dog who thrives on closeness. They’re affectionate, gentle, and happiest when they’re near their favorite person.
In daily life, Malti-Pugs prefer calm routines and plenty of reassurance. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day and may struggle if left alone for long stretches.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: sweet, gentle, affectionate
- Energy level: low to moderate
- Best for: apartment dwellers, homebodies
- Watch-outs: separation anxiety, grooming needs
7. Pugalier (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Pug)
The Pugalier blends two classic lapdog breeds into one calm, affectionate companion. They’re known for their gentle demeanor and strong attachment to family life.
This mix adapts well to quieter households and typically enjoys relaxed routines and steady companionship.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality / temperament: gentle, loyal, calm
- Energy level: low to moderate
- Best for: families, quieter households
- Watch-outs: clinginess, moderate grooming
8. Cocker Pug (Cocker Spaniel × Pug)
The Cocker Pug is affectionate and emotionally tuned-in, often inheriting the Cocker Spaniel’’s soulful expression and longer coat. They tend to be gentle, people-focused dogs that enjoy close family bonds.
They thrive on companionship and routine and do best in homes where they’re included in daily activities rather than left alone frequently.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: sweet, affectionate, sensitive
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: families, companionship-focused homes
- Watch-outs: grooming needs, separation anxiety
5 Purpose-Driven Pug Mixes: When Traits Are The Goal
Some Pug mixes are created with specific traits in mind, such as increased energy, trainability, coat type, or better health. These pairings are often intentional, though not always bred at scale or with consistent outcomes.
While these mixes do not guarantee reduced health risks or predictable structure, they’re typically chosen to shift certain characteristics away from the classic Pug profile, resulting in dogs that may feel more active, independent, or versatile in daily life.
1. Jug (Jack Russell Terrier × Pug)
The Jug is what happens when you mix a high-octane terrier with a dog that believes naps are a personality trait. The result is a small dog with a surprising amount of energy, curiosity, and confidence packed into a compact frame.
Jugs are alert, athletic, and often far more driven than people expect from a Pug mix. They tend to enjoy games, walks, and interactive play, but they still crave closeness with their humans once they’ve burned off steam.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: bold, curious, energetic
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: active owners, engaged households
- Watch-outs: high prey drive, needs regular mental and physical stimulation
2. Chug (Chihuahua × Pug)
The Chug combines the Chihuahua’s bold confidence with the Pug’s stubborn charm, resulting in a tiny dog that takes its role very seriously. They’re loyal, expressive, and often convinced they’re much larger than their actual size.
Living with a Chug usually means strong attachment to their person and a dog that stays alert to everything happening around them. Early socialization helps soften suspicion around strangers and other pets, especially in busy environments.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: bold, loyal, alert
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: experienced small-dog owners, singles or couples
- Watch-outs: vocal tendencies, can be wary of strangers
3. Porgi (Welsh Corgi × Pug)
With the Corgi’s herding instinct and the Pug’s love of lounging, the Corgi Pug is either zooming or zonked; there’s usually no in-between. They’re expressive, opinionated, and rarely subtle.
In daily life, this mix benefits from structure and routine. Expect daily butt wiggles, spontaneous barking, and a dog that treats furniture like an obstacle course. Mental stimulation and consistent boundaries help keep their bold personality from tipping into stubborn behavior.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality / temperament: bold, social, opinionated
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: engaged owners, homes with routine
- Watch-outs: herding tendencies, barking potential
4. Pug-A-Mo (American Eskimo Dog × Pug)
Alert and expressive, the Pug-A-Mo often inherits the Eskie’s watchfulness paired with the Pug’s attachment to family. They’re engaged dogs who like knowing what’s happening around them.
Thanks to their Eskimo Dog lineage, the Pug-A-Mo is likely to be an active and energetic dog. While this will differ from dog to dog, you will still need to bring them out for moderately intense exercise every day.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: alert, friendly, energetic
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: interactive households
- Watch-outs: grooming needs, vocal tendencies
5. Golden Pug (Golden Retriever × Pug)
The Golden Pug is friendly, affectionate, and deeply people-focused. They tend to inherit the Golden Retriever’s warmth paired with the Pug’s attachment to family life.
They adapt well to many households and usually enjoy moderate daily activity followed by plenty of downtime. Their eagerness to please makes them approachable for newer owners.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: warm, social, eager to please
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: families, first-time owners
- Watch-outs: shedding, food motivation
8 Happy Accidents: Pug Mixes You’ll See At Shelters
Not every Pug mix is intentionally planned. Many appear as unexpected but lovable combinations in shelters and rescues, often the result of unplanned pairings or multi-generation mixes.
If you adopted a dog and suspect there’s Pug in the mix, this section is especially helpful. These combinations are common enough to show up regularly, even if they weren’t bred with a specific goal in mind.
1. Pomapug (Pomeranian × Pug)
Pomapugs are fluffy, opinionated, and fully committed to being the center of attention. They often inherit the Pomeranian‘s alertness and confidence, paired with the Pug’s affection and food motivation.
Day to day, Pomapugs enjoy interaction and structure. They like knowing what’s happening and where they fit in, and they tend to do best with predictable routines and regular playtime.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: confident, vocal, affectionate
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: owners who enjoy interaction and routine
- Watch-outs: barking, grooming needs
2. Pugshire (Yorkshire Terrier × Pug)
The Pugshire may be tiny, but they often act like they’re in charge. This mix blends the Yorkie’s confidence and vocal tendencies with the Pug’s attachment to their people.
They tend to bond closely with their household and enjoy being involved in daily life. While affectionate, they’re not shy about voicing opinions, especially when bored or under-stimulated.
- Size: toy to small
- Personality / temperament: bossy, affectionate, confident
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: owners who enjoy a “big personality” dog
- Watch-outs: barking, grooming requirements
3. Hug (Siberian Husky × Pug)
The Hug is a true wildcard. You may get Siberian Husky energy with Pug stubbornness, or something much more mellow.
Regardless of which traits dominate, this mix tends to be expressive and opinionated. They benefit from consistent exercise and owners who are comfortable managing strong personalities.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: vocal, playful, dramatic
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: experienced owners, active lifestyles
- Watch-outs: exercise needs, heat sensitivity
4. Pug Shiba (Shiba Inu × Pug)
You will find yourself with a unique blend in the Pug Shiba a mix of the Shiba Inu and Pug. Independent, opinionated, and occasionally unimpressed by human authority, the Pug Shiba is not a pushover. They’re clever, expressive, and march to their own internal rulebook.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality: independent, alert, confident
- Best for: experienced dog owners
- Watch-outs: stubbornness, training challenges
5. Pugador (Labrador Retriever × Pug)
The Pugador blends the Labrador Retriever’s friendliness with the Pug’s food-first mindset, resulting in a social, people-oriented dog that usually wants to be involved in everything. They tend to be affectionate and upbeat, with a softer edge than a pure Lab and more stamina than a typical Pug.
Energy levels vary, but most Pugadors enjoy regular walks, playtime, and family activity without needing constant intensity. They often do best in homes that can balance structure with affection.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: friendly, eager, affectionate
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: families, active households
- Watch-outs: weight management, separation anxiety
6. Shug (German Shepherd x Pug)
The German Shepherd Pug is an uncommon but striking mix that combines the Shepherd’s alertness with the Pug’s attachment to people. Most Shugs end up smaller and less intense than a pure German Shepherd, but more driven and protective than many Pug mixes.
This mix can be loyal and observant, often forming strong bonds with their family. They benefit from structure and early training, especially if they inherit the German Shepherd’s guarding instincts alongside the Pug’s stubborn streak.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: loyal, alert, devoted
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: experienced owners, structured homes
- Watch-outs: training consistency, potential reactivity, heat sensitivity
7. Box-A-Pug (Boxer × Pug)
Box-A-Pugs are big, bouncy, and extremely people-oriented. They often inherit the Boxer’s athleticism paired with the Pug’s affectionate, goofy nature, which makes them enthusiastic companions who thrive on interaction.
Living with a Box-A-Pug usually means daily movement and engagement. Without regular outlets, boredom can turn into restlessness, so they do best in homes that enjoy walks, play, and shared activity.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: playful, loyal, people-focused
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: active households, families
- Watch-outs: needs regular exercise to avoid boredom
8. Pug Pit (American Pitbull Terrier × Pug)
Muscular and affectionate, the Pug Pit often surprises people with how gentle and people-oriented they can be. They form strong bonds and tend to thrive on close human connection.
A huge number of dogs sent to the pound are usually some form of Pitbull or Pitbull mix. The Pug Pit is one such mix, but getting to know one of these darling dogs will show you that the world at large knows nothing about how lovely Pitbulls and their mixes can be.
- Size: medium
- Personality / temperament: loyal, affectionate, confident
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: committed owners, structured homes
- Watch-outs: strength, socialization is essential
12 More Rare & Unusual Pug Mixes
These Pug mixes exist, but they’re far less common and usually show up as one-off combinations rather than repeatable pairings. If you encounter one, it’s usually through adoption rather than intentional breeding.
Think of these as outliers, not expectations.
1. Pugairn (Cairn Terrier × Pug)
Scruffy, fearless, and endlessly curious, the Pugairn brings classic Cairn Terrier energy into the mix. They’re playful and social, but they like to stay busy.
- Size: small
- Personality: energetic, bold, curious
- Best for: active households
- Watch-outs: digging, prey drive
2. Puggat (Rat Terrier × Pug)
Fast-thinking and highly alert, the Puggat brings Rat Terrier energy into the Pug mix. These dogs are curious, observant, and always ready to investigate their surroundings.
In the home, Puggats benefit from mental stimulation as much as physical activity. Puzzle toys, short training sessions, and interactive play help channel their energy productively.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: energetic, sharp, curious
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: active owners, interactive households
- Watch-outs: prey drive, needs mental stimulation
3. Toy Poxer (Toy Fox Terrier × Pug)
The Toy Poxer is quick, athletic, and always ready for action. With strong Toy Fox Terrier instincts and a playful nature, this mix thrives in homes that can keep up with their energy and curiosity.
They tend to enjoy learning and doing best when their energy has an outlet. Short walks, games, and basic training go a long way toward keeping this mix happy and manageable.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: lively, clever, bold
- Energy level: moderate to high
- Best for: engaged owners, older kids
- Watch-outs: high energy, benefits from early training
4. Pug-Coton (Coton de Tulear × Pug)
Friendly and emotionally tuned-in, the Pug-Coton often seems unusually aware of their people’s moods. They combine the Coton de Tulear’s soft coat with the Pug’s expressive nature.
They enjoy social time and family interaction but aren’t typically demanding. Mental engagement and gentle play help keep them content and prevent boredom-driven behaviors.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: cheerful, intuitive, social
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: families, multi-pet homes
- Watch-outs: boredom if under-stimulated
5. Pugese (Chinese Crested × Pug)
This is the “cool art kid” of Pug mixes. The Pugese often inherits the Chinese Crested’s hairless or partially coated look, which turns heads and starts conversations at dog parks.
Personality-wise, they’re independent, quirky, and may act like they’re doing you a favor just by existing. They bond deeply but may not seek constant attention, making them a better match for experienced owners.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: quirky, loyal, reserved
- Energy level: low to moderate
- Best for: quieter homes, experienced owners
- Watch-outs: skin care (if hairless), sensitivity to cold
Fun Fact: A Chinese Crested-Pug mix named Peggy stole the spotlight in the Deadpool & Wolverine as “Dogpool.” With her quirky looks and scene-stealing charm, Peggy proved that rare Pug mixes aren’t just shelter surprises, they’re Hollywood material too.
6. Puginese (Pekingese × Pug)
Calm, dignified, and fond of comfort, the Puginese is made from two beloved Chinese breeds: the Pug and the Pekingese. This is another natural lapdog who loves receiving tons and tons of attention from everyone.
While loving, they can be strong-willed and prefer doing things on their own schedule. Gentle, patient training works best with this mix.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: calm, loyal, dignified
- Energy level: low
- Best for: relaxed households, seniors
- Watch-outs: stubborn streak, heat sensitivity
7. Tibetan Pug (Tibetan Spaniel × Pug)
Not all Pug mixes are clingy; the Tibetan Pug marches to the beat of their own paw pads. This mix is smart, a bit aloof, and sometimes acts more like a cat than a dog. But once they trust you, they’ll be your loyal (and slightly judgy) shadow.
Both the Tibetan Pug’s parents, the Tibetan Spaniel and Pug, are fairly petite, making this mix a good choice for a lapdog.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: thoughtful, calm, observant
- Energy level: low to moderate
- Best for: quieter homes, routine-oriented owners
- Watch-outs: aloofness with strangers
8. Puggit (Italian Greyhound × Pug)
Sleek and graceful like an Italian Greyhound but still prone to dramatic Pug wheezing and clingy behavior. The Puggit is affectionate but not overwhelming.
Because of their build and sensitivity, they do best in calm environments where they’re handled carefully and protected from extreme temperatures.
- Size: small
- Personality / temperament: gentle, affectionate, sensitive
- Energy level: moderate
- Best for: calm households, attentive owners
- Watch-outs: fragility, temperature sensitivity
9. Pughasa (Lhasa Apso × Pug)
Stubborn but devoted, the Pughasa blends independence with affection. They enjoy comfort, routine, and being close, but they’re not always eager to please.
- Size: small
- Personality: confident, loyal, independent
- Best for: patient owners, relaxed homes
- Watch-outs: grooming commitment, stubborn streak
10. Bassugg (Basset Hound × Pug)
In yet another unlikely match, the Bassugg is the result of the union of the ever-curious Basset Hound and the sleepy, relaxed Pug.
Unusual looks, strong opinions, and personalities that can’t be ignored define this group. They’re not for everyone, but for the right owner, these gloriously strange dogs are unforgettable.
- Size: small to medium
- Personality: stubborn, laid-back, soulful
- Best for: patient owners, relaxed households
- Watch-outs: selective listening, drool
11. Japug (Japanese Chin × Pug)
The Japug comes out to be a very well-behaved lapdog, with the discipline of the Japanese Chin, the affection of the Pug, and the loyalty of both.
They are very agreeable with lots of flexibility. They are patient enough to work well in many family settings, with their mild personalities and exceptional patience.
- Size: small
- Personality: calm, observant, gentle
- Best for: quiet homes, apartment living
- Watch-outs: delicate build, sensitivity
12. Ori Pei (Shar-Pei × Pug)
The Ori Pei comes from Shar-Pei and Pug parents. Extra wrinkles and a serious expression give this mix a permanently grumpy look. Beneath that exterior is a loyal dog that forms strong bonds with their people.
- Size: medium
- Personality: loyal, reserved, stubborn
- Best for: experienced owners
- Watch-outs: skin care, early socialization
How To Choose The Right Pug Mix For Your Life
Pug mixes can look wildly different from one another, but most people’s happiness with a dog comes down to lifestyle fit, not appearance. Before falling in love with a specific mix name, it helps to think about how you actually live day to day.
This quick guide maps everyday lifestyles to the Pug mix categories you just explored, so you can narrow things down without overthinking it.
If You Love the Pug Personality But Want More Energy
Look first at Purpose-Driven Pug Mixes.
These mixes are often chosen to add movement, engagement, or trainability to the classic Pug temperament. They tend to enjoy longer walks, interactive play, and mental stimulation while remaining people-focused.
Good fit if you want:
- A dog that’s playful but still cuddly
- More stamina than a typical Pug
- A companion for an active routine
If You Want A Predictable, Companion-Style Dog
Start with Designer Pug Mixes.
These are the most recognizable and consistently bred Pug crosses. While no mix is guaranteed, they’re generally easier to anticipate in terms of size, temperament, and daily needs.
Good fit if you want:
- A family-friendly companion
- A dog that adapts well to routines
- A more familiar “small companion dog” experience
If You Adopted & Are Trying To Identify Your Dog
Head straight to Happy Accidents.
Many shelter dogs don’t fit neatly into one breed label. This section reflects what people actually see in rescues and adoptions, especially when Pugs mix with terriers, herding breeds, or larger dogs.
Good fit if:
- Your dog has “Pug vibes” but doesn’t match a designer name
- You adopted rather than shopped
- You’re curious about likely traits rather than exact lineage
If You’re Here For Curiosity (Or Chaos)
Save Rare & Unusual Pug Mixes for last.
These mixes are less predictable, harder to find, and often the result of one-off pairings. They’re fun to learn about, but not always realistic to seek out intentionally.
Good fit if:
- You enjoy unusual dogs
- You’re browsing for fun
- You like seeing just how weird genetics can get
Flat-Face Reality Check (Quick But Important)
No matter the mix, most Pug crosses still inherit some degree of flat-faced structure. While certain pairings may shift proportions or activity levels, brachycephalic traits don’t disappear just because another breed is added.
That means things like heat sensitivity, snoring, and airway considerations can still apply, even in mixes that look less “Puggy” at first glance.
Choosing the right Pug mix isn’t about finding a perfect dog. It’s about finding one whose needs, quirks, and energy level actually match your life.
Want To Keep Your Pug Mix Happy, Healthy & Slightly Less Chaotic?
No matter which Pug mix stole your heart, keeping them thriving starts with the right gear. Feed that squishy face the nutrition they deserve with the best dog food for Pugs, made for sensitive stomachs and small breed needs.
Burn off zoomies and prevent couch destruction with toys built for flat-faced dogs, especially those that don’t just squeak, they survive. Protect their necks (and those chonky chests) with a Pug-friendly harness that won’t put pressure on their delicate airways.
