Featured Image Credit: oakleythehuskypug / Instagram
The Husky Pug mix, also called Pugsky or Hug, is the unexpected result of combining two dissimilar dog breeds.
This designer breed combines the medium-sized, hardworking Siberian Husky and the small, mischievous Pug.
Some find this mix unusual because of the contrasting characteristics of the Pug parent and the Husky parent. Nonetheless, it’s a mixed breed that is gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts!
If you’re among those interested in the Pug Husky mix, get ready to learn all about them in this article! We’ll talk about their history, traits, maintenance, health conditions, where to find them, and more.
What Is a Husky Pug Mix?
Image credit: oakleythehuskypug / Instagram
The Husky Pug mix, also called Pugsky or Hug, is a designer dog that results from crossing a Siberian Husky and a Pug. While this is quite a surprising mix because of the size difference between its parents, the Hug dog is well-loved by many. They are known to be very affectionate, loyal, and alert.
Husky Pug mix dogs display a combination of traits from their Husky and Pug parents. However, it is difficult to predict just how many of the inherited traits from each purebred they will have since each dog is unique.
Generally, Husky Pugs tend to be very affectionate, friendly, and outgoing because both the Siberian Husky and Pug are known to be one of the most affectionate and company-loving breeds.
Because of the obvious difference in their size, it can be a health risk for a smaller female Pug to carry and give birth to large Hug puppies. Hence, it is safer to breed a male Pug with a female Siberian Husky.
As expected, this designer dog breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), just like other mixed breeds.
The registry for hybrid dogs, American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), surprisingly, also does not have the Pugsky on their list.
Husky Pug Mix Origin and History
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Sadly, the history of the Pug Husky mix is not well-documented. As with other mixed-breed dogs, there are no official records of their origin. It is likely that the Hug is a result of amateur or accidental crossbreeding.
Its parent breeds, however, are some of the oldest dog breeds with long and established histories.
Siberian Huskies were originally bred by tribes as sled dogs to pull light loads. They have thick coats made to withstand extremely cold climates. Born as pack dogs, they also make friendly canine companions.
A stark contrast to the working Husky is the Pug, which was once the dog of choice for Chinese royalty.
This toy breed is small but has a big personality. They are charming, with a lot of energy to play and make friends.
The individual histories of its parent breeds explain the energetic, friendly, and fun-loving disposition of the unique Husky Pug mix. Hopefully, in the future, more canine lovers will investigate the actual roots of this hybrid.
Husky Pug Mix Appearance
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Each Husky Pug mix is a unique blend of the Pug parent and the Husky parent. The resulting appearance of a Hug is unpredictable since it depends on the Husky genes and Pug genes it inherits.
A Hug dog can have a muscular, stocky body with a curly or straight tail, plus the long muzzle of a Husky. On the other hand, another Hug may look like a mini Husky with the trademark facial folds of the Pug breed.
The coats of the Pug and Husky parents are also different. The Husky’s coat is notable for being thick, long, and wolf-like.
Meanwhile, the Pug’s coat is short, fine, and usually of one solid color — either black or fawn — with facial markings. The Pug Husky mix, therefore, can have either a Husky’s long hair or a Pug’s short hair.
Its coat can come in various colors, as well. A Hug dog can have blue, brown, or green eyes if it inherits the dominant Husky gene for these eye colors.
Check out this video to see an adorable Husky Pug in action:
Meet Jack the Husky Pug mix<a href="https://youtu.be/hlE_gThKYvI" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FhlE_gThKYvI%2F0.jpg" alt="Meet Jack the Husky Pug mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Husky Pug Mix Size and Weight
Pug Husky mixes are generally small to medium dogs. A fully grown Hug can stand anywhere from 16 to 22 inches and weigh anywhere between 18 and 60 pounds once it reaches 15 months of age.
Just like with other breeds, male and female Husky Pug mixes also differ in size. Male dogs tend to grow bigger, taller, and bulkier as compared to female dogs.
Unfortunately, there is no formal guide for monitoring the growth of a Husky Pug puppy into an adult dog. Thus, it is essential to have regular vet consults to make sure your dog is at a healthy weight for its age.
Husky Pug Mix Temperament and Personality
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If you are looking for the perfect pet for your family, you are on the right path in considering a Hug dog. This breed makes for great companion dogs, especially for owners with children.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Husky Pug mix personality is easy-going and sociable since both the Husky and Pug are friendly breeds themselves.
The Pug passes on its need for attention from owners and even strangers to the Husky mix. On the other hand, the Husky passes on its innate love for companionship and being part of a pack.
This blending makes the Hug dog great with kids, thanks to their affectionate, outgoing, and goofy nature. They are also incredibly devoted companions who will follow you everywhere.
Owing to the Husky’s nature to chase prey, untrained Hugs might see cats and other pets as targets.
Thus, as with other dogs, a Husky Pug will need early socialization and training, especially if you have other small pets at home.
Husky Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pug Husky mix is a generally healthy breed that lives up to 12 to 15 years on average. Of course, this highly depends on the quality of care and health maintenance they receive.
One interesting concept associated with designer dog breeds is the so-called hybrid vigor. It basically suggests that hybrids tend to be healthier and outlive purebred dogs.
These are a few of the health problems that can be encountered in Hug dogs:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): BOAS is characterized by breathing difficulties and discomfort and displays as struggling during play or activities like running. It is more commonly observed among Hugs with short noses, which they inherit from the Pug parent.
Pug Dog Encephalitis: This autoimmune disease affects small dogs, especially Pugs and Pug mixes. Their brain gets inflamed and causes seizures, behavior changes, abnormal gait, and even death. Sadly, there is no cure for it, but it can be detected early with genetic tests.
Hip Dysplasia: The abnormality in the anatomy of the hip joint causes degeneration of the joint, causing weakness or pain in the hind legs. It is genetic, so affected Hug puppies can show signs as early as three to six months of age. Overweight dogs are more at risk because of the added weight their joints have to carry.
To prevent health emergencies or gradual worsening of an unwell pooch, your Hug dog should have regular vet visits and prompt check-ups whenever needed.
Moreover, if you find the need to spend for any emergency or health problem, having pet insurance will come in handy.
How to Take Care of Your Hug Dog
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Being an owner of a Pug Husky entails knowing the basic needs of this dog breed and being able to provide for these needs.
Husky Pugs have the same needs as any other pooch — food, shelter, exercise, grooming, and love. Below are a few tips to keep your Hug happy and healthy.
Food and Diet
Hugs should eat high-quality food that provides enough nutrients they need for optimal growth. You can opt to give commercially available dog food or homemade meals.
Aside from knowing what ingredients are good for your dog’s health, it is also necessary to know what is bad and toxic for them. Every dog owner should be familiar with the long list of what not to give their pets.
Hugs are prone to obesity, especially if they have the small body of a Pug dog. Giving them the right amount of food at properly spaced intervals will help prevent excessive weight gain.
Consulting an expert regarding your dog’s diet is best, but you can also use this Husky feeding guide to gauge how much your Husky Pug mix might need daily.
Cleaning and Grooming
Husky Pugs can have medium to long coats depending on their genetics. Because of this, they can be average to heavy shedders. A weekly brushing to remove dead hair and dirt is important.
Note, however, that this may not be enough if your Hug inherited a long double coat, which would need to be brushed at least four times a week to prevent matting.
As with any breed, nails should be trimmed regularly as part of their grooming routine. This helps to prevent pain and injuries. Their ears should also be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.
Since skin conditions are very likely for Hugs with skin folds, it is important to clean these areas with a damp washcloth or baby wipes daily.
Training and Exercise
Because of the energetic nature of Huskies, you can expect a Siberian Husky mixed with a Pug to have a lot of energy to spend on play and other activities. Daily walks are a must to keep these dogs healthy.
It is also important to let your Husky Pug expend energy so they don’t get bored and start chewing on things around the house. Agility training may be a great sport to hone their intelligence and athleticism.
Obedience and socialization training is essential for Husky Pug pups to grow into behaved adult dogs. The earlier you train your hybrid pup, the less likely they are to show aggressive behavior.
Another big part of training your Pug Husky mix is house training or potty training. A housetrained pooch will know when and where to poop and pee, rather than doing their business as they please.
How Much Does a Husky Pug Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The Pug Husky cost can range from $1,230 to $3,000. Individual prices for a pup can vary depending on their age, the breeder’s reputation, as well as your location.
As you can see, the price range for a Pug and Husky mix pup does not significantly differ from the prices of a purebred Pug and a Siberian Husky.
In the table below, you can find the estimated initial costs of owning a Husky Pug mix puppy:
These estimates cover essentials that are appropriate for a small to medium-sized dog since the Husky Pug mix can be small like a Pug or quite big like a Husky.
Expenses can always be reduced by finding cheaper alternatives. However, remember that pricier but good-quality products can be more cost-effective in the long run than low-quality products.
READ NEXT: How Much Does a Pug Cost? (2023 Price Guide)
Places to Find Husky Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Image credit: tasha_the_pughusky / Instagram
Keep in mind that since this designer breed is not as common as other dog breeds, it is difficult to find breeders specializing in it.
While you can try your luck with reputable Husky or Pug breeders, you can check out other sites too.
For you not to be scammed, please make sure that you read our guide to buying puppies online safely before you proceed.
Here is a list of some puppy advertising websites where you can find Hug puppies:
PuppySpot – This is a puppy advertising site that showcases all kinds of pups available from trusted breeders. Customers are guaranteed that they do not support puppy mills and backyard breeders. What’s great is that they have a list of mixed breed dogs you can browse through to see if there are Pug Husky mix puppies available.
Pawrade – This is another advertising site that features a variety of mixed breeds. They offer health guarantees for all the puppies for sale since they only work with prominent breeders who pass their screening and evaluations.
Petclassifieds.com – This site works more like a bulletin where breeders can feature their puppies for sale, and interested buyers can transact with the seller directly. Note that they do not provide guarantees for the puppies listed, so be sure to research thoroughly first before dealing with your breeder of choice.
Though they concentrate on breeding purebreds, it is worthwhile to ask if they Hug puppies available every now and then.
You can also opt to find your own Hug puppy through adoption from rescues instead of buying from a breeder. Not only does this help out dogs looking for homes, but it is also usually less expensive.
This is a list of a few rescues where you can potentially get a Husky Pug mix you can take home:
Adopt-a-Pet – In this online database, you can find dogs up for adoption from shelters, rescues, and other dog owners. It is one of the well-known and trusted websites when it comes to pet adoption. You can browse through the catalog to check if there are any Husky Pug dogs available.
Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue – This non-profit, volunteer-run organization is dedicated to rescuing Pugs in need of loving homes. They have Pugs and Pug mixes available for adoption through their website. Read their page on adoption information to learn more about the whole process.
Husky House – This organization is committed to the rescue, shelter, and care of stray Huskies, including Husky mixes. They have an adoption application and process that are detailed on their website. Check the list of their adoptable Huskies to find a Husky and Pug mix.
If you still can’t find your own Hug, you can check our guide on finding free puppies in your area.
Alternative options listed include exploring social media and inquiring from local shelters and rescues and also your local vet.
You may also read our guide on the top rescues for Pugs and Huskies. On rare occasions, rescues and shelters listed there may have Pugsky mixes under their care.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Hug Dog
Now that we’ve covered all the basic information you need to know about the Siberian Husky Pug mix, here are some of the pros and cons you can expect as an owner of this unique and wonderful breed.
Some of the advantages of a Siberian Husky Pug mix include:
Great with kids: This hybrid dog comes from Huskies who are born as pack dogs. These dogs love being in a group and know how to work with others. This shows up as them playing and being close to small children.
Loves activities: The high-energy nature of Hugs makes them suitable pets for owners with active lifestyles. They can be great running buddies and companions at the park.
Incredibly affectionate: This hybrid dog can be perfect for you if you enjoy cuddling with your pooch. The blend of these two friendly and affectionate dog breeds produces a very loving pet.
On the other hand, these are a few disadvantages associated with having a Pugsky:
Sheds a lot: This dog breed can be average to heavy shedders, depending on the dominant coat type they inherit. Dog lovers with allergies might want to stray away from Hugs.
Not for apartment living: Dog owners who live in apartments or tight homes should reconsider getting a Hug. This active dog needs to expend its energy by running around and playing.
Needs a lot of exercise: Similarly, Hugs may not be suitable pets for people with sedentary lifestyles. Daily walks and regular exercise are essential for the health and well-being of Husky Pugs.
With these pros and cons in mind, interested dog enthusiasts can be guided on whether or not a Husky Pug mix is a right pet for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Image credit: oakleythehuskypug / Instagram
How to Tell If Your Dog Is a Husky Mix?
Huskies have recognizable traits that they can pass on to Husky mixes. Some ways to tell if your dog is a Siberian Husky mix include looking at their eyes, body structure, and coat and assessing their temperament.
Husky eyes are almond-shaped, moderately spaced, and commonly blue, brown, or bicolor. Their tail is usually straight and hangs down. They can also have the energetic, sociable, and fun-loving personality of Huskies.
Do Husky Pug Mixes Shed a Lot?
Pug Husky mixes can fall anywhere on the scale of average to heavy shedders because of the difference between the coat types of its parents.
If your Hug got the short coat of its Pug parent, it could be an average shedder. If it got the long, dense coat of the Husky, expect heavy shedding and brushing at least four times a week to prevent tangles.
Are Husky Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Husky Pug dogs are not hypoallergenic because they tend to shed a lot, especially if they have the thick, double coat of a Siberian Husky.
If you are interested in getting a hypoallergenic dog, check out this list from the AKC.
Final Thoughts: Is a Husky Pug Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Pug Husky mix is an unexpected but charming and lovable hybrid of two widely loved dog breeds.
It is not surprising that many dog lovers are interested in learning about and possibly getting their own Hug.
Hopefully, this ultimate guide helped you become acquainted with the Hug dog.
By now, you already know a lot about its appearance, temperament, and care needs. This should help you decide if this pooch is the right choice for you.
If you are a proud owner of a Husky and Pug mix, let us know your favorite thing about your dog by leaving us a comment below!
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