Pet Wiki

Chug

Also called Pughuahua, Pugwawa, Chugg, Chihuahua-Pug

CrossbreedShort profile

From United States, from intentional crosses made in the early 2000s.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight4.5 to 9.1 kg12
Height25 to 36 cm1
Lifespan10 to 16 years12
Sizetoy

Dogtime gives 10-20 lb; PetMD says usually about 18 lb or less. Varies with the parents.

affectionate and loyal
playful and spirited
happy in small homes
213

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth

A small dog with a short, smooth coat. Face and body shape land somewhere between its two very different-looking parents, the Chihuahua and the Pug.21

Coloursfawnblackbrowncreamwhitemixed12

Personality what they are like

A charming, spirited little companion that loves being the centre of attention. The Chihuahua side brings confidence and the Pug side brings an even, affectionate nature. Owners describe them as loving, eager to please and happiest close to their people.213

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. A daily walk of 30-60 minutes plus play, such as indoor or garden fetch, covers their needs.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance: weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning and nail trims, and daily tooth brushing. Chugs that take after the Pug may shed more.21

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and smaller homes; prefers a calm household and comfortable temperatures.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feeding should be tailored to the individual dog. Puppies usually eat three to four small meals a day, adults two to three.2

Company who they like around

Loves company and attention. Best with older children because of its small size, and can live with other pets when socialised early, though some prefer being the only pet.123

The story where it all began

The Chug is a young designer mix that appeared in the United States in the early 2000s, when breeders began deliberately pairing Chihuahuas with Pugs. There is no breed standard, and many breeders produce multi-generation crosses.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Chugs also go by the playful nicknames Pughuahua and Pugwawa.2

  2. 2

    Five designer-dog registries list the Chug.3

  3. 3

    Chugs are social-media favourites thanks to their wrinkly faces and goofy personalities.1

  4. 4

    The two parent breeds look very different, so Chug puppies can vary a lot in appearance.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Chug' is a portmanteau of 'Chihuahua' and 'Pug', reflecting its mixed breed heritage. It is also sometimes called a Pughuahua or Pugwawa.2

Name ideas for your new friend

PipGizmoBellaTacoPumpkinMochiRoccoDaisyPeanutLolaBuddyCoco

A day in the life told by a Chug

I am the center of the universe, obviously. This morning, I supervised my human's breakfast from my throne on the couch. Then we had a rousing game of fetch with my squeaky hedgehog. I let them win, of course. After lunch, I squeezed into my human's lap for a snuggle session, my tail wagging a tiny storm. When the mailman came, I announced it with a mighty bark, then hid behind my human's legs. It's a tough job being this adorable, but someone has to do it.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

American Kennel Club
Not AKC-recognised and has no official breed standard.2
Designer/hybrid registries
Listed by American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chug. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Chug tip

Chugs are prone to obesity, so keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and consider using play or toys as rewards instead [petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/chug). Because they often have dental overcrowding, choose a dry kibble that helps scrape away plaque [caninejournal.com](https://www.caninejournal.com/chug-dog/).

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Hearts

Soft, small and easy to lap up – ideal for flat-faced dogs who may struggle to pick up crunchy biscuits. The recipe comes from PDSA and uses just three safe ingredients.

You need

  • 30 g plain unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2–3 medium strawberries, finely chopped
  • ½ small apple, core and seeds removed, finely chopped

How

  1. Chop the strawberries and apple into very small pieces.
  2. Mix the fruit together and place up to five small pieces into each heart-shaped silicone mould or ice‑cube tray (moulds about 30 mm × 25 mm × 17 mm).
  3. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit to fill each mould.
  4. Place the tray in the freezer for 3–4 hours or overnight.
  5. Pop the frozen hearts out of the moulds and serve straight away.

How much: Small dogs: 1 treat per day. Medium/large dogs: 2 treats per day. Treats should make up no more than 10 % of daily food intake – reduce your dog’s main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chug, and at what times?

Puppies need three to four small meals a day, while adults do well with two to three. Exact times can vary with your schedule, but aim for consistent meal times. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests following the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.24 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Chug eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving human treats like these, and check with your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Chug?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, which is about once every two months. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, so you can adjust based on how dirty your Chug gets. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid overbathing to keep their coat healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chug need brushing?

Weekly brushing is perfect for their short, smooth coat. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every seven days to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. If your Chug takes after the Pug side, they may shed more, so a quick brush a couple of times a week helps.216 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chug's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chug need?

A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes plus some playtime, like fetch indoors or in the garden, is just right. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy. They have moderate energy and love being active with you.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chug's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, as Furry Diary suggests every two days is a good start. Check ears every two weeks for redness or smell, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.216 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chug live?

Chugs typically live between 10 and 16 years, which is a nice long lifespan for a small dog. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they can be your companion for many happy years.12

Is a Chug good with children and other pets?

They are best with older, gentle children because of their small size. With early socialisation, they can get along with other pets, though some Chugs prefer being the only pet. Their loving nature makes them wonderful family dogs in the right home.123

Can a Chug be left alone?

Chugs love being close to their people and may struggle with long periods alone. They are happiest when they have company, so if you are away a lot, consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare. Every dog is different, so ask your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your Chug.213

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Dogtime: Chug dogtime.comused for height, weight, lifespan, colours, origin, family fit, fun facts
  2. PetMD: Chug petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, coat, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, recognition
  3. Dog Breed Info: Chug dogbreedinfo.comused for other names, registries, temperament
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.