The Pug and Pitbull are two of the most highly regarded breeds today but did you know about the Pug Pit? The Pug Pit is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of the Pitbull and the Pug!
As with any mixed breeds, I understand if you fear that a Pug mixed with a Pitbull can result in a chaotic combination.
Fortunately, I’ve prepared a complete guide to help you understand that this designer breed is nothing but a gentle and loyal companion.
This article contains important facts about the Pug Pitbull mix, including its background, major health concerns, temperament, appearance, and cost. You’ll have a lot of notes to take, so let’s get started!
What Is a Pitbull Pug Mix?
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The Pitbull Pug mix, also known as Pug Pit, is the result of crossing a Pug with any Pitbull-type dog. Thanks to the Pug’s calm demeanor and the Pitbull’s sense of adventure, the Pug Pit is a lovable hybrid with lots of energy. Pug Pits are robust, easy to train, and extremely loyal.
This mix is born from a Pug crossed with any of the following Pitbull-type dogs: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog.
In addition to this, the Pug Pitbull mix is one of the sweetest designer dogs among all Pitbull mixes.
However, this designer breed can only be registered with the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and not with purebred kennel organizations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Furthermore, the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) only recognizes the mix between the Pug and one of the Pitbull-type dogs — the American Bulldog.
Other Names of the Pitbull Pug Mix
When it comes to hybrid dogs, their names are as unique as their appearances and characteristics. The clever breeders who developed the Pug Pitbull mix have also come up with many distinctive names for it.
Unlike the generic designation of a purebred dog, here is a list of other witty names that suit the Pug Pit mix:
Pug Pitbull mix
Pitbull Pug mix
Pug-a-Bull
Pit-a-Pug
Pugbull Terrier
Pit Pug mix
Pug and Pitbull mix
Pugbull
Aside from learning the names of this half Pug and half Pitbull pup, you can also use all of these as keywords when searching for related information online.
If you want to see other dog breeds that were crossed with Pugs, take a look at the Retro Pug, Cocker Pug, and Bull Pug.
Pitbull Pug Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Pug Pit Come From?
Designer hybrid dogs have only been around for a short time, so it can be tricky to trace the history and determine where the Pit Pug mix originated.
Nonetheless, we can still learn much about this mix by considering the histories of its parent breeds.
Starting with the Pug parents, they originated in China thousands of years ago as companion animals and lapdogs.
Consequently, they were brought to Europe in the sixteenth century for the same purpose. The Western people also wholeheartedly welcomed the Pug breed as it is known for being friendly and affectionate towards people.
In 1885, the American Kennel Club (AKC) eventually recognized this breed and began to promote its popularity among pet enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Pitbull dogs were developed in England in the late 1800s. It was used for bull-baiting and fighting bears for entertainment purposes.
Although the British Bull and Terrier had been popular pets with the Brits, it wasn’t until the 1870s that Americans began importing them to the United States.
All in all, you can expect the Pug and Pitbull mix to be fiercely loyal and intelligent combined into one adorable package.
Pitbull Pug Mix Appearance: What Does a Pug Pit Look Like?
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Hybrid dogs like the Pug Pit get the best of both worlds. Yet, their appearance can be a toss-up depending on their gene pool, so be prepared for anything.
Usually, this fur baby will have the short nose and wrinkled face of its Pug parent, but with the strength and muscular body of the Pits.
In general, it’s a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat that may come in many colors. It includes shades such as white, brindle, grey, merle, champagne, and other colors that their Pitbull parent may exhibit.
On the Pug side, this mixed breed can also be a black, silver, apricot, or fawn-colored pooch. Additionally, it may inherit the large dark eyes of this parent breed wherein the white parts are not visible.
Overall, Pit and Pug lovers will adore this designer dog that combines the best qualities of both breeds.
If you want to see what a Pitbull Pug mix looks like in action, watch this video:
FRIDAY NOON PUPPY: Sweet Pea The Pug/Pitbull Mix<a href="https://youtu.be/ZYL6Yizg5fI" 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%2FZYL6Yizg5fI%2F0.jpg" alt="FRIDAY NOON PUPPY: Sweet Pea The Pug/Pitbull Mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Pitbull Pug Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Pitbull Pug Mixes Get?
More often than not, you can expect your Pit Pug mix to weigh from 23 to 34 pounds and stand between 14 and 18 inches tall.
For comparison, let’s look at how these numbers stack up against the averages of their parent breeds.
The Pug parent can weigh as much as 18 pounds and grow up to 13 inches tall. Meanwhile, a Pitbull is generally taller at 18 to 21 inches tall and can weigh from 40 to 70 pounds.
However, keep in mind that the measurements I’ve stated above are only estimates of how big a Pug Pit can get. It will always vary depending on the gender or the dominant genes your dog inherited from its parents.
Pitbull Pug Mix Temperament: Are Pug Pits Good Family Dogs?
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It will be up to you whether or not your Pug Pit mix becomes a great family dog or a destructive one. The fact is that any designer dog or purebred’s behavior will depend on how their fur parents choose to train them.
However, it’s no secret that both parent breeds have contrasting histories. The Pitbull parent has been bred for fighting and is known for its tendency to be aggressive, while the Pug is known to be a clownish, stubborn little guy.
It may seem that Pugs mixed with Pits can result in a clashing of personalities, but these canines are more than just the sum of their lineages. This hybrid pooch will have traits that will make them unique.
In addition, to ensure that the Pug Pitbull mix puppies grow up well-socialized and well-behaved around children and other pets, owners should consider early socialization combined with positive reinforcement.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pug: Which Is Better?
Pitbull Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pug Pits Healthy Dogs?
Through legal breeding practices and proper maintenance, Pug Pitbull mixes can be considered healthy canines with a lifespan that can range between 10 and 15 years.
Just like with any mixed breed, we can look at the longevity of each parent to find the average lifespan of their offspring.
For reference, their Pit Bull lineage can live up to 16 years, while on the flip side, Pugs can live from around 12 to 15 years.
If you own a Pug Pitbull mix or planning to bring one home, watch out for these common health conditions listed below:
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV): Commonly called bloat, GDV happens when your pet’s blood flow to the stomach gets cut off. The Pitbull and Pug are both prone to developing this condition resulting in urgent medical attention. The warning signs of bloat are an enlarged abdomen, vomiting, and restlessness.
Canine Distemper: Distemper is a contagious respiratory disease that can be fatal for a Pug Pitbull mix. Moreover, this virus affects the dog’s respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, which can cause pneumonia, fever, and diarrhea. The symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE): PDE is a neurological disorder that affects Pugs, Boston Terriers, and other dogs of similar appearance. It’s a condition that causes the brain to swell, leading to weakness, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Symptoms include severe lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and weight loss.
If you note the dog’s health concerns I’ve listed above, it’ll help you monitor your Pug Pitbull mix for early signs of major health problems.
Being a fur parent is a lifetime commitment that requires substantial financial resources. Your Pug Pit may need emergency medical care in the future, so it’s wise to invest in pet insurance to reduce possible costs.
How to Take Care of Your Pug Pitbull Mix
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While crossbreeds are viewed as more high-maintenance than purebreds, this is not necessarily true.
The truth is that all dogs need the same essential care: healthy food, safe shelter, regular exercise, and training. Fortunately, your Pit-a-Pug only requires a few extra steps in its grooming routine.
Food and Diet
Generally, this perfect gentle dog needs a high-quality meal that’s rich in protein and healthy fats. Although, the amount of food depends on your Pit Pug’s age and daily activities.
Your pup needs to be fed at least two servings a day to suffice for the energy they use in running around your house, playing outside, and regularly exercising.
On a related note, they would also want nothing more than to have the best-tasting treats for their taste buds. However, if you wish to save money, you can always prepare homemade ones instead.
You might also want to read our thorough feeding guide about its Pitbull parent for an additional source of information.
Cleaning and Grooming
With the help of their natural oils, you should brush your Pitbull Pug’s coat two or three times a week to keep it healthy and looking clean. I’d recommend you bathe your pet at least twice a month to avoid drying out its skin.
Furthermore, it’s essential to trim your dog’s nails once every two months or as soon as you notice that they need it. Always make sure to disinfect the clippers after each use.
Also, regularly check your fur baby’s ear canal to guarantee that it’s free from dirt or ear mites that can lead to infections.
Similarly, you may have heard about the controversy surrounding ear cropping procedures for dogs. If your Pugbull Terrier inherited the Pit’s erect ears, it might be tempting to get them cropped as well.
Training and Exercise
Due to their playful nature, Pitbull Pug mixes will need an outlet to release their pent-up energy to prevent a disastrous behavior.
Luckily, this designer breed is trainable and eager to please its fur parent. You’ll just need to dedicate your time to training them to become reliable lifelong companions.
You can use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, which can help your pet learn to obey commands and do tricks easily.
Training your Pit-a-Pug to socialize is also needed at an early age so that it’s safe for children and other pets to interact and play with them.
In terms of exercising, this hybrid breed needs to be given at least one to two hours of physical activity to burn off their energy levels throughout the day.
How Much Does a Pitbull Pug Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
There are a lot of variables that influence the price of a Pug Pit, such as its bloodline, age, and gender, as well as the breeder’s reputation and location. Usually, Pug Pit puppies can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500.
Aside from the puppy price, you’ll also need to buy their basic needs, such as a durable bed, dog crate, high-quality toys, vitamins, and grooming supplies.
The following is a list of the initial costs of a Pitbull Pug mix puppy:
Plan your finances ahead of time to ensure that you can provide a loving home for this fur baby. They may also need medical emergency care in the future, so it’s best to plan your budget early.
To see how much is the difference between the Pugbull puppy and its parent breeds, read our articles about pricing and expenses for Pugs and Pitbulls.
READ NEXT: How Much Does a Pug Cost? (2023 Price Guide)
Places to Find Pitbull Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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For first-time dog owners or experienced fur parents alike, finding a reputable breeder who can help you with your search for designer dogs is a common problem.
With all the puppy listings that you can find online, it will be challenging to identify a credible Pitbull Pug mix breeder from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Lucky for you, I’ve compiled some places where you can start.
Here’s a list of sites and breeders where you can find Pug Pitbull mix puppies:
AKC Marketplace – On the AKC Marketplace website, you’ll find a complete list of Pug breeders legally producing well-rounded pups. You can contact any of them and ask if they can recommend a breeder that offers a Pug Pit.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is another online advertising source that offers a great selection of canines. They can help you connect with trustworthy Pitbull Pug breeders in the United States.
Greenfield Puppies – Launched in 2000, Greenfield Puppies is another credible website that strictly monitors breeders listing pups on their platform. With their convenient search options, you can filter dogs according to their size, location, and price.
If you’re unable to find Pitbull Pug puppies on the sources I’ve prepared above, check out our list of best Pug and Pitbull breeders in the country.
Unfortunately, not all breeders that you can find online are trustworthy. To protect yourself from getting scammed when buying online, be sure to read our ultimate puppy buying guide.
Meanwhile, if you want to save money and a dog’s life, here are some places where you can find Pitbull Pug puppies for adoption:
Adopt-a-Pet – With its extensive selection of pooches available for adoption, this website is a great place to start your search. They offer a wide variety of dogs, and you may be able to find a Pug Pit here.
Pug Planet – A New Jersey-based organization, Pug Planet aims to rescue purebred and mixed Pugs that are abandoned or maltreated. Visit their website to see if they have an available Pugbull that you can adopt.
Peace for Pits (P4P) – Founded in 2017, P4P is another rescue organization where you can look for a Pug Pitbull mix. They host meet-and-greet events from time to time as an opportunity to show that their canines are ready to be adopted.
For additional places to look for a Pit Pug, visit our lists of reliable Pug rescues and Pitbull shelters that are on the mission to find homes for these superb dogs.
Adopting a canine can be a fulfilling experience, but first, you need to go through a strict and tedious process. To help you ace your application, read our ultimate guide to dog adoption.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug Pitbull Mix
Before you start calling breeders and rescue organizations to purchase or adopt a Pug Pitbull mix, let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks that come with owning one.
The Pug Pitbull mix offers the following advantages:
Unique appearance: If you choose to go for a mixed breed, you will have a rare, unique-looking pup. Typically, the Pug’s short nose and curly tail, combined with the chunky build of the Pit, can be inherited by your Pugbull.
Low-maintenance pets: Pug Pitbull mixes aren’t nearly as much work as other pooches when it comes to grooming. This hybrid has a low to moderate shedding rate and requires regular brushing and occasional bathing.
Reliable companions: When properly exercised, cared for, and trained, Pitbull Pug mixes make excellent family dogs for households with kids and even with other pets. Usually, having a fur baby can be like a little furry prescription for improved health and well-being for owners.
There are plenty of reasons to love Pug Pits, but there are some downsides as well.
The disadvantages of mixing Pugs and Pitbulls are the following:
May develop genetic health issues: Both Pugs and Pits are prone to major health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, heart diseases, skin-related issues, and cataracts. Sadly, Pitbull Pug puppies are likely to inherit these concerning problems.
Prone to separation anxiety: If you’re wondering if Pug Pits experience separation anxiety, there’s a chance that they will. Their Pit parents hate to be left alone for long periods, so their mixed offspring might feel the same.
Can develop destructive behavior: A Pug Pitbull mix will only be disastrous if they don’t receive proper exercise and mental stimulation. Once they get bored, you might be shocked to find out that your favorite shoes, furniture, or other valuable things could get chewed up.
Ultimately, your decision will also vary depending on your lifestyle. It can become a heavy responsibility, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before bringing a Pug-a-Pit mix into your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Pugs a Bully Breed?
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) has determined that Pugs are not a bully breed. The ABKC is a non-profit organization that registers and maintains records for Pitbull-type dogs.
However, some historians believe that Pugs descended from Tibetan Mastiffs.
Do Pitbulls Get Along With Pugs?
Yes, Pitbulls get along with Pugs just like they get along with all other animals. However, they need consistent training and socialization to achieve a well-behaved and friendly demeanor.
Are Pitbull Pug Mixes Aggressive?
It may look like a Pug Pitbull mix is not a canine to mess with, but it is not an aggressive dog. In fact, they’re an energetic, sweet-natured, and clownish crossbreed.
Also, this adorable companion tends to do best in homes with older children or families that have time for daily walks or playtime outside.
Do Pitbull Pug Mixes Shed a Lot?
If you’re looking for a fur baby that sheds very little, this crossbreed might not be the perfect dog for you. Compared to their parents, the Pug sheds moderately, and the Pitbull sheds less but still sheds all year round.
As a result, the Pugbull Terrier may shed low to medium amounts of fur.
Are Pitbull Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the Pug Pitbull mix is not hypoallergenic. While this will not pose a problem for most dog lovers, those with allergies or sensitivities to fur may have to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pug Pit the Right Dog for You?
Despite the intimidating appearance of the Pug Pitbull mix, it is an affectionate and gentle-natured pup that would happily accompany you everywhere you go.
They’re the right mix of playful and mellow with a hint of stubbornness. Furthermore, this designer dog enjoys a good game of keep-away or tug-of-war, but they also love cuddling with you on the couch.
If you can keep up with the moderate exercise, frequent grooming, and attention that a Pug-a-Bull needs, they might be a great addition to your family.
What do you think about welcoming this hybrid into your home? Make sure to leave your thoughts about the Pug Pit mix in the comments below!
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