The Pug Lab mix is one of the most peculiar crossbreeds in the canine world. This hybrid dog merges the best qualities of two fan-favorite dog breeds. But what else makes the Pug Lab mix so special?
The gentle Pug and the loyal Labrador are two of the most iconic breeds. Although both are popular as family pets and are known for their loyalties to their humans, the two have almost nothing in common.
As far as the designer dog community goes, the Pugador is one of the most uncommon mixed breeds due to the stark differences among its parent breeds. Continue reading to find out more about this rare dog.
What Is a Pug Lab Mix? Can a Lab Mate With a Pug?
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The Pug Lab mix called Pugador is an adorable cross between a Pug and a Labrador. This hybrid dog, albeit rare, is the perfect pet for people looking for the best of the Labrador and the Pug. This mix also goes by the names Lug Dogs, Pug Labs, or Lab Pugs.
While the Pug and Labrador Retriever are different in many ways, they can be bred to produce a healthy litter. In fact, due to hybrid vigor, their mix is often robust and healthy.
Since the Labrador Retriever is recognized as loyal, affectionate, and even-tempered, and the Pug is known for being quiet and stubborn, you can expect the Pug Lab mix to be a mix of both.
However, unlike the two purebreds, the Pug Lab mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is to be expected as these dogs are crossbreds.
Check this clip to get a peek at a Pugador mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0SWguOrnc
Pug Lab Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Pugador Come From?
The Lab Pug mix is a new designer breed introduced as an addition to the list of crossbreeds that have an unclear and undocumented history.
There is no recorded data as to when and where the Pug Lab mix originated. Some breeders speculate that the Pug Lab mix might have resulted from an accidental breeding.
While Pug Lab mix is a relatively new breed, both the Pug and the Lab have lengthy histories. Pugs have been around for thousands of years, while Labradors have only been formally documented since the 1700s.
Labradors were intended to be hunting and working dogs with incredible endurance. Because of their tremendous energy levels, these pups can work nonstop. They are also strong swimmers.
On the other hand, Pugs have a history that dates back over 2,000 years. These small dogs, which originated in China, were prized by nobility and members of high society.
Pugs were so popular that they were buried with their Chinese owners in ancient times.
The Pugador’s parents are complete opposites even in their history and origins. There’s no wonder that the gentle Pug and the athletic Labrador are tagged as an unlikely pair.
Pug Lab Mix Appearance: What Does a Pugador Look Like?
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Because the Pug is a small dog and the Labrador Retriever is a medium to large dog, the size of the resulting hybrid might vary greatly. You can predict the size of your pup based on its parent’s size.
The Pug parent can pass on its tiny, strong body, while the Labrador Retriever parent can pass on its athletic build. This may depend greatly on the dominantly inherited gene.
Your Pug Lab mix will have a thick low-shedding coat that comes in white, black, brown, and tan. Although its Labrador parent comes in rare colors such as chocolate and red fox, it’s rare to see a Pug Lab mix inherit these shades.
The hybrid offspring often inherits the Labrador’s face, but the Pug’s influence is clear, with its protruding eyes and muzzle that has the Pug’s flat face. It also inherits the Pug and Lab’s floppy ears.
Your Pug Lab mix, like other dogs, will inherit the physical traits of the parent breed with a more dominant gene, giving him his own distinct physical look.
Pug Lab Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Pugadors Get When Fully Grown?
A fully grown Pug Lab mix dog could grow up to 15 to 19 inches in height and gain 24 to 50 pounds in weight. This estimate has a wide range due to the contrast in the parent breed’s sizes.
As expected, there are slight size differences between male and female Pug Lab mixes. However, regardless of gender, these dogs reach their full size at around 9 to 18 months old.
In fact, their growth spurt is comparable to their parent breeds. For reference, Pugs reach their full-grown size at nine months, while Labrador Retrievers reach theirs before two years old.
Pug Lab Mix Temperament: Are Pugadors Good Family Dogs?
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The Pug Lab mix is a perfect family dog for many families! The combination of Pug and Labrador temperament is a great mix as it combines the Pug’s amusing personality with the Lab’s kindness.
While there is little information regarding the Pugador’s temperament, it usually inherits traits from its parents. You can look into the temperament of the Pug and Lab to see what you might observe in your pet.
A Pug will always want to be near you, and the Labrador Retriever is known for being loving and devoted, so the hybrid is likely to be affectionate and eager to spend time with its humans.
The hybrid will be bright and friendly, as both breeds are, and will get along with other dogs and people. It’s easily attached and could have separation anxiety when owners are gone for long periods of time.
Overall, the Pug Lab mix is a pleasant dog. It has, however, a tendency to adopt bad behaviors if not appropriately trained.
The key to forming a deep bond with your Pugador is positive reinforcement. Early socialization training is also good for your pup’s early years.
Pug Lab Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pugadors Healthy Dogs?
The Pug and Labrador mix is a healthy dog that lives for several years. This mixed breed has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, similar to other medium-sized dogs.
For comparison, a Pug’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, while a Lab’s lifespan is 10 to 15 years. Usually, Pugs live longer as they are smaller dogs.
Despite their long lifespans, Pug Lab mixes are susceptible to a variety of health concerns. Some of their health problems are inherited from their parents, while others are the result of environmental factors.
Here are some of the Pugador’s most common health issues:
Gastric Torsion: Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. It is most common in deep-chested breeds and mixes, such as the Pugador. Vets believe that this is most likely triggered by a change in diet or anxiety in dogs.
Dog Seizures: Seizures are induced by abnormal, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your dog’s brain, which affect their appearance and behavior. Seizures might seem like a twitch or uncontrollable shaking and last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. This could be caused by eating poison, a head injury, low or high blood sugar, etc.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is a condition caused by a misalignment in the ball-and-socket joint. Elbow dysplasia affects the forelimbs, whereas hip dysplasia affects the pelvis. Both of these ailments are more common in senior dogs.
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE): Pug dog encephalitis is a severe and disabling disease that causes inflammation of the brain in tiny breed dogs. This ailment is inherited in Pugs, although it can also affect dogs of other breeds. While there is no cure for this disease, early detection and management can enable your dog to live as long as possible with a good quality of life.
If you wish to buy or adopt a Pug Lab mix, you must first understand how to spot the early signs of these health problems.
It’s vital to remember that your dog’s health depends on the early detection of issues. Regular examinations are also necessary to keep your pet healthy.
How to Take Care of Your Lab Pug Mix
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Pug and Lab mixed breeds don’t need much to be happy and contented dogs. These pets are simple to care for and keep. They do, however, have some unique food and exercise requirements.
This designer dog demands a particular diet due to its high level of physical activity. When it comes to their dietary demands, as well as other areas like grooming and training, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Food and Diet
Pug Lab mixes are known for their weight issues, and they have the tendency to overeat. Treats should be monitored, and only small, bite-sized pieces should be given.
To meet their nutritional demands, they only require about three cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, similar to most other breeds of their size.
A Pugador’s normal daily meal would consist of high-quality dry dog food, one cup of cooked meat, and some fruits and vegetables.
Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as supplements and probiotics, are beneficial to their skin, coats, and joints, and plenty of water should always be accessible.
Cleaning and Grooming
Pug Lab mixes are low-maintenance dogs who only require regular brushing and occasional bathing to maintain their appearance. However, they require regular cleaning of their facial wrinkles, which can grow filthy.
Since they shed on a regular basis, you need to brush them once a day or more if they’re shedding significantly.
A bath once every two weeks is good for your Pug Lab mix. Ensure to properly dry your pup after baths, especially facial wrinkles, to avoid moisture from gathering under it.
A trip to the groomers for ear cleaning and nail cutting every once in a while is also recommended.
Training and Exercise
The Pug Lab mix is a clever dog with a strong desire to please its owners. If you devote time and effort to training this hybrid pooch, you’ll surely have a well-behaved family companion.
That said, it is recommended to train your Pug Lab mix as early as possible. You can do this by implementing positive reinforcement training during your pup’s puppy years.
Aside from training, exercise is another area that is important to the Pugador. As these dogs are highly lively and playful, they require regular exercise to use their pent-up energy.
They enjoy having their daily activity consist of short bursts of energy. It is recommended to exercise your Pug Lab mix twice or thrice a day for at least 20 minutes per session.
How Much Does a Pug Lab Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
A good breeder will charge you between $750 and $2,500 for a Pug Lab mix puppy. Expect to pay towards the top of this pricing range if you want one from a champion bloodline.
The Pugador is a designer breed that is fairly priced. In fact, several Pug and Labrador mixes are available for under $900.
In comparison and for more references, check out our article on how much a Pug costs on average.
There are a few more costs to consider in addition to the cost of the Pugador mix. Items like a dog cage, collar, and leash, as well as immunization fees, are included.
The following is a summary of all the initial costs associated with having a Pug Lab mix:
Your budget should include dog food, vitamins, treats, vet bills, and grooming fees. It is also recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Pug Lab mix.
Although the initial cost of essentials may be overwhelming, you can always consult other dog owners for money-saving tips. Local pet retailers may also provide coupons, vouchers, and discounts.
READ NEXT: How Much Does a Pug Cost? (2023 Price Guide)
Places to Find Pug Lab Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Labrador Pug mixes are amazing and unique puppies, and it’s natural if you want one. Unfortunately, there aren’t many breeders specializing in raising and selling this cross.
It may be difficult to find a Labrador Pug hybrid because the breed is still very new and has only lately gained popularity. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top areas to start your search.
Here are a few places to look for Lab Pug mix puppies for sale:
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a popular online advertising platform for a number of respected breeders. Puppies are not housed, purchased, raised, or accepted by Keystone Puppies, but they do connect possible owners to reputable breeders. The site offers puppies of all breeds, including Pug and Labrador mixes.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online puppy marketplace that sells crossbreeds and other puppy breeds from reputable breeders. Pug and Labrador crossbreed puppies are available along with other mixes and purebreds. We recommend using the search filters “Labrador mix” and “Pug mix” when looking for a Pugador.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that sells puppies from reputable breeders all around the country. On this page, you’ll find a variety of purebreds and designer dogs from reputable and well-reviewed breeders. Make it a practice to check the website for updates on a frequent basis.
For a wider range of choices, you can also read our articles on the best Pug and Labrador breeders and find one that may recommend a Pug Lab mix breeder.
Also, read our guide on buying puppies online to help you on your journey to getting a puppy.
The list below includes sites for Pugador mix puppies for adoption:
Pacific Pug Rescue – Pacific Pug Rescue is a Portland-based non-profit that has rapidly expanded since its beginnings in 2006. Its volunteers are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming all breeds of Pugs, including Pug mixes. Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Idaho are among the states they focus on.
Labs4Rescue – Labs4Rescue’s main purpose is to save displaced Labradors and their mixes, such as the Pug Lab mix. They are mostly run by volunteers, and the adoption fees they receive do not generate any revenue because they are used to fund the needs of their canines. After rescuing, their dogs go through vet screening and treatment.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is a website that features a large number of pets in need of a forever home. Adopt-a-Pet has the companion you’re seeking, from cats and dogs to birds, chinchillas, and other creatures! This platform is one of the best sources for Pugadors, as it works with thousands of rescues and shelters.
If none of these options for adoption work out for you, take a look at our list of the best Pug rescues and best Labrador rescues. Reading our adoption guide will also assist you in finding the ideal puppy for you.
You can also join Pug Lab mix owner-specific social media groups. There will undoubtedly be a large number of pet lovers prepared to help you.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Labrador Pug Mix
Having a mixed-breed dog has both advantages and disadvantages. Some individuals are hesitant to purchase a Pugador mix since crossbreeding is still a controversial procedure as it increases the danger of unpredictable behavior.
While some view mixed breeds as a genetic anomaly, others perceive advantages in terms of appearance, health, and temperament.
The combined DNA of crossbreed dogs decides the benefits and drawbacks of owning one.
Here are some advantages of owning a Pug Lab mix:
Highly sociable: Pug Lab mixes are extremely friendly with other humans and animals, thanks to the Pug’s cuddly temperament and the Lab parent’s friendliness. This is a great option for households with children and other pets. Sadly, this means that this breed is not a good guard dog because it prefers to play rather than protect.
Intelligent dog: This mixed breed shows a lot of signs of dependability, especially when properly taught. Labradors who have been crossed with Pugs are intelligent dogs who can be trained to do practically anything.
High work drive: Pugadors can be sporty, as they share qualities with active Labradors. This hybrid is ideal for active families who enjoy traveling on vacations and working out. The Labrador and Pug mix is great for active households because it may require frequent exercise.
Here are some disadvantages of having a Labrador Pug mix:
Unpredictability in size: Despite the fact that the Pug Lab mix is expected to grow to be between small and medium in size, the wide genetic size difference between the parent breeds makes it difficult for owners to forecast which gene the pup will inherit in terms of size.
Unpredictable behavior: Hybrids, unlike purebreds, have temperaments that are often unpredictable. This is especially true for mixes at a young age. Predicting the Pugador’s mood, on the other hand, is a bit of a gamble. When not properly trained, they can exhibit aggressive and stubborn characteristics.
Prone to several health issues: Labrador Pug mixes are susceptible to diseases that affect their parent breeds. Buying a Pug Lab mix puppy from a reputable breeder, going to the doctor on a regular basis, and sticking to a healthy daily routine can all help prevent health issues.
It is critical to understand the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Pug Lab mix before purchasing one. This will help you determine if the dog is right for you and if you can care for it in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @avathepugador (IG)
Are Pug Lab Mixes Aggressive?
Pug Lab mixes are not aggressive but are too playful and rowdy at worst. Labrador Retrievers are devoted companions, while Pugs have gentle personalities. Your Pugador’s personality traits may be a mix of both.
Although Pug Lab mixes may have a streak of stubbornness inherited from their Pug parent, this behavior may be corrected through proper training at an early age.
Do Pug Lab Mixes Shed a Lot?
A Pug Lab mix may shed moderately like a Pug or heavily similar to a Lab. The size of the Pug Lab mix can influence how much fur they shed — larger pups may shed more.
Both Labradors and Pugs shed a lot of loose fur. The Labrador Retriever, in particular, sheds its thick double coat throughout the year. Take note that your hybrid may inherit this trait.
Are Pug Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Pug Lab mixes are not hypoallergenic. As moderate to heavy shedders, these dogs produce as many allergens as any moderate to heavy shedding dogs.
Just like most dogs, Pug Lab mixes produce allergens through dander that spreads through shedding and its saliva from drool. These allergens trigger reactions from people with allergic tendencies.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pug Labrador Mix the Right Dog for You?
Pugs and Labrador Retrievers are two excellent breeds for individuals searching for a family dog that gets along with kids. Pugadors will have traits in common with these two breeds and blend in seamlessly.
They should get along with other animals if the breeder takes the time to socialize them while they are still puppies.
A Pugador could be a great pet for you if you’re looking for a dog who will accompany you on your travels while also being content to snuggle on the couch at the end of the day.
Do you have experience with a Pug Lab mix? Do you think this hybrid is the perfect pet for you? Tell us in the comments section below!
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