The German Shepherd and the Pug need no introduction. But are you aware that a cross between the two exists? In fact, the German Shepherd Pug mix has been gaining attention as a sought-after modern designer breed!
But does this cross live up to its parents’ reputation? Does it possess the best traits from both sides? As a result of two popular dog breeds, it’s not unusual that there are expectations for this mixed breed.
In this article, we will cover these and everything you need to know about the German Shepherd Pug mix. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or you’re just simply curious, get ready to be captivated by this unique and adorable canine!
What Is a German Shepherd Pug Mix?
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The German Shepherd Pug mix, which also goes by the name Shug dog, is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Pug. This medium-sized dog is known for being sociable, loyal, cheerful, and intelligent.
The most interesting thing about the Shug dogs is their unique appearance. As the result of two breeds with opposite looks and different natures, the Shugs exhibit a wide range of physical and behavioral characteristics.
On top of this, they have an impressive temperament that makes them a desirable designer breed. Shugs are also naturally smart and easy to train compared to other breeds.
However, the German Shepherd Pug mix is yet to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC). As a designer dog, it cannot join dog shows organized by the American Kennel Club.
Alternatively, other dog registries accept the Pug and German Shepherd mix. These include the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Can a German Shepherd Breed With a Pug?
Yes, breeding a German Shepherd with a Pug dog is possible; hence the Shug is born. The idea of crossbreeding German Shepherds and Pugs came about to mix the great qualities of the two breeds.
The intent was to offer potential owners the small size and friendliness of Pugs and the loyalty and intelligence of German Shepherds. Fair enough, this goal was achieved through the Shug dogs.
When breeding Shugs, the mother should be the female German Shepherd while the father is a male pug. A female pug would be too small to bear larger Shug puppies and birth them without risking critical health complications.
Currently, there aren’t any breeding standards for the Pug German Shepherd mix dog. To make sure that you’ll get a healthy pooch that matches what you look for in a Shug, it’s best if you work closely with a reputable breeder.
Later on, we will provide you with a list of where you can find these reputable breeders, so keep reading!
German Shepherd Pug Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Shug Dog Come From?
Mixed breeds usually lack historical records, and the same goes for the Shug dogs. Though it is believed that crossbreeding Shugs has started relatively recently, the exact emergence of these dogs is yet to be discovered.
To understand the Pug German Shepherd mix more, it’s best to look at the history of its parent breeds. The German Shepherd was first bred in Germany in the late 1800s to create the perfect guard dog.
They then became the go-to choice for pets or companions due to their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.
Since then, these working dogs have become one of the most common dog breeds to function as service dogs and police or guide dogs.
Meanwhile, Pugs were originally bred as lapdogs for Chinese royalty. They’re an old breed with documentation tracing back to 551 BC by Confucius. These small dogs then became companion dogs to European royalty.
Knowing the rich history of these two dogs enables us to understand more why the demand for this crossbreed has been prevalent.
The German Shepherd Pug mix’s ancestry is just one of the factors that makes it a fascinating mixed breed.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Appearance: What Does a Shug Look Like?
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A German Shepherd Pug mix is a medium-sized dog with a heavily-built, compact body and a deep, broad chest.
Often described as a mix of brawn and cuteness, a typical Shug dog resembles a larger Pug. However, this isn’t always the case.
This is because Shug dogs may display certain characteristics from either of their parent breeds or a combination of traits from them. Depending on genetics, just like other mixed-breed dogs, the appearance of Shugs may vary.
They may have a longer snout from the German Shepherd parent or a short-muzzled snout from the Pug parent. They can have pointed and erect ears like that of a German Shepherd or floppy ears from their Pug’s genes.
Generally, Shugs have black noses and round eyes in hazel or brown colors. They also tend to inherit the Pug’s curly tail. Their paw sizes and coat colors may vary as well.
The coat of a German Shepherd Pug mix is usually short and can be either wiry or straight. Their coat colors include fawn, brown, cream, black, sable, and brindle. These designer dogs can also have white markings on their stomach and chest.
Since their Pug and German Shepherd parents have coats that may change in colors, you can expect the same to happen in Shug dogs. This color change typically happens from puppyhood to adulthood.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Shugs Get?
On average, a full-grown German Shepherd Pug mix weighs around 35 to 50 pounds. An adult male Shug can grow to a height of 11 to 15 inches tall, while a female adult Shug can measure approximately 10 to 14 inches tall.
Gender is also a factor affecting the Shug’s size and weight. Adult male Shugs usually have a difference in their medium build. They can sport a broader chest and carry their mass in a stocky chunky way.
A German Shepherd Pug mix won’t grow as big as full-grown purebred German Shepherds unless it is bred from a miniature or a dwarf German Shepherd.
This is why their physical features are often regarded as closer to Pugs than German Shepherds.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Temperament: Do Shugs Make Good Family Dogs?
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German Shepherd Pug mixes came from two dog breeds that are known for being amazing and loyal companion dogs.
These German Shepherd Pug mixes have a gentle temperament and a playful spirit, making them family-friendly canines.
Thanks to their German Shepherd parents, Shugs have superb loyalty to their owners. They are also obedient and intelligent. They like to please their owners and spend time with them in both active playtime and idle moments.
Shugs are also energetic and athletic. They can go running, jogging, or playing with you. On top of this, they love to play along with children and are patient with them. They enjoy the company of humans, even strangers!
The inquisitive and sociable nature of Shugs also makes them not so ideal as guard dogs. These pups are more likely to wag their tails to intruders than bark at them to signal danger.
Though German Shepherd Pug mixes are not aggressive, they can inherit the Pug’s stubbornness. They can develop mischievous behavior and be challenging to train at times. Early socialization will help a lot to manage this.
As they love human attention so much, these designer dogs can also suffer from separation anxiety. They might get quite destructive when they crave attention. To prevent this, find ways to spend enough time with your pooch.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pug: Which Is Better?
German Shepherd Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Shugs Healthy Dogs?
The Pug German Shepherd mix has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, similar to the Pug breed. A healthy Shug can live longer than 15 years if given the proper care and nutrition it deserves.
Moreover, the longevity and quality of a dog’s life also depend on whether it develops any health issues along its journey.
Though this is something that no paw parent ever wants to face; thus, it’s of vital importance to be ready and informed.
Below are some of the most common health issues of the German Shepherd Pug mix:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia that Shugs can inherit. This condition can contribute to developing osteoarthritis, lameness, and reduced mobility. Treatment of hip and elbow dysplasia may vary from exercise with anti-inflammatories to total joint replacements depending on the severity of the condition.
Gastric Torsion: Also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloat, gastric torsion happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted, causing pain and organ failure. This condition frequently occurs in deep-chested dogs like the Shug dog.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): A complex condition common to Pugs, BOAS refers to a group of primary malformations and secondary abnormalities resulting from the body conformation of short-nosed dogs. The brachycephalic syndrome can result in upper airway obstruction associated with breathing difficulties. Shugs that inherit more Pug traits than German Shepherd traits may suffer from BAOS.
Dermatitis: German Shepherd Pug mixes can take after their Pug parents’ wrinkles or skin folds. This makes them susceptible to developing skin-related issues such as allergies, rashes, and bumps. Some more severe cases require antifungal medication, while milder dermatitis can be treated at home.
These health concerns, especially medical emergencies, may catch you off guard. But with prevention and learning, you’ll be equipped with the necessary armor to shield your pooch from getting sick.
As for the hereditary conditions, it’s best to make sure that your German Shepherd Pug mix comes from a healthy bloodline. Regular vet visits and checkups are also crucial to monitor your pup’s wellbeing.
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Pug Mix
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Taking care of a dog is a constant duty. For your Shug to live its best and happiest life, love and care go hand in hand. Your love for your pet is manifested through the acts of service and things you provide for its welfare.
Here, we provided a guide to help you take care of your pooch. Like other dog breeds, the German Shepherd Pug mix has certain requirements in terms of nutrition, grooming, training, and how much exercise your pup needs.
Food and Diet
As active medium-sized dogs, Shugs need meat to be the top ingredient in their food. Sourced from meat, protein should be at least 18% of the total diet. Dry dog food is best preferred, supplemented with fiber such as vegetables.
About two cups of high-quality dry dog food divided into two servings daily will be enough. Make a habit of checking the dog food ingredients before feeding your pet. Choose a dog food that’s organic with real ingredients.
You also need to be mindful of the amount of food your dog consumes. Like its Pug parent, a Shug dog tends to overeat when the food is left out. This pooch is also prone to obesity, so keep track of its diet and exercise.
Cleaning and Grooming
Having short coats, German Shepherd Pug mixes don’t require a lot of grooming. You can brush your Shug’s coat once a week to keep matting away.
Along with the weekly brushing, wipe your Shug’s eyes and ears using a damp cotton swab. This can help prevent infection from foreign debris. Don’t also forget to brush their teeth and cut their nails as needed.
Give your German Shepherd Pug mix a nice shower every other week, as they tend to sweat a lot. Use a mild shampoo to prevent their skin from drying out.
If your German Shepherd Pug mix takes after the German Shepherd parent, you will need to take care of its mane. You can use a sleeking brush for this.
Training and Exercise
Typically, German Shepherd Pug mixes need about 40 to 45 minutes of physical activity every day to keep them healthy. It could be a 45-minute walk or 20 minutes of shorter walks twice a day.
Take note that if a Shug pup looks more like a German Shepherd, it will need more exercise than the Pug-looking one. If it also has the flat face of a Pug, it can be prone to breathing difficulties if they spend too long exercising.
As Shugs are intelligent and obedient dogs, training them won’t be difficult. It’s best for them to start socialization and obedience training at a young age. Short training sessions using positive reinforcement are recommended.
Moreover, proper training and socialization will help them interact well with other dogs, young kids, and other pets. For a well-socialized Shug dog, introduce your pooch to different environments as well.
READ NEXT:
How Much Does a German Shepherd Pug Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The German Shepherd Pug mix puppy doesn’t have a particular buying price yet, but usually, it will cost you around $500 to $2,000.
If you choose to adopt instead, you may find a Shug dog in rescues and shelters for $100 to $475.
This price can also vary depending on different factors such as the breeder’s location, reputation, and the qualities of the pup, to name a few.
To help you plan your budget, below is a breakdown of the initial expenses of owning a German Shepherd Pug mix puppy:
The table above is a guide you can follow to check if owning a Pug German Shepherd mix pup fits right into your budget. You can adjust your finances accordingly by prioritizing the urgent and more essential items.
You should also check out our articles on Pug and German Shepherd prices and expenses.
READ NEXT: How Much Does a Pug Cost? (2023 Price Guide)
Places to Find German Shepherd Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Treat your search for a Shug puppy as an adventure, as it may take you some extra time and effort to look for one. As a unique and modern crossbreed, finding Shug puppies isn’t usually one to a few clicks away.
But if you’re persistent enough, you’ll eventually find one. We also gathered some trusted advertising sites for puppies and dogs where you can look for a Shug puppy.
Here are some sources where you can find German Shepherd Pug mix puppies for sale:
Buckeye Puppies – This online advertising platform connects buyers to local breeders of Shugs and pet shops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. They strive to make the puppy purchasing process as safe as possible for both the buyer and seller. They regularly scan their website listings and monitor feedback from users to ensure credibility.
Best Friends Forever Puppies – With over 30 years of experience in matching families with their ideal companion, Best Friends Forever Puppies offers a great selection of both registered and designer breed puppies including the German Shepherd Pug mix. They also have a one-year health guarantee along with up-to-date vaccinations, a complimentary wellness exam, and bath and trim services for their dogs.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies has been helping buyers find a reputable breeder for over 20 years. Their website advertises breeders of various pure and mixed breeds such as Shugs located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. They ensure healthy and humane breeding practices for their puppies and verify the reputation of their breeders via background checks.
You can also look at reputable Pug or German Shepherd breeders to see if they breed German Shepherd Pug mix puppies.
If you want to adopt a Pug German Shepherd mix instead, here are some rescues you can check out:
Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles – This non-profit rescue organization is committed to saving German Shepherds, all types and mixes, from high-kill shelters. They adopt and provide them with loving, qualified homes. Their standard adoption fees cost between $375 and $475.
Hug a Pug AZ Rescue & Adoption Group – This not-for-profit charitable organization rescues homeless pugs and pug mix dogs in Southern Arizona. They provide vet care, safety, and food and place the rescued dogs in qualified foster homes with their volunteers until they get adopted. You may adopt a pooch from this rescue for $100 to $300, depending on the age, health, and purity of the Pug or Pug mix dog.
Pug Rescue of Austin – Located in Austin, Texas, this all-volunteer non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, healthcare, and rehoming of abused, unwanted, and neglected Pugs and Pug mixes. Adoption costs range from $100 to $450, depending on the pup’s age.
There are also rescue organizations for Pugs and German Shepherds that you can try contacting. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a Shug that’s just waiting to be your canine companion!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug German Shepherd Mix
Weighing the pros and cons of owning a Pug German Shepherd mix will greatly help you make up your mind. Since taking care of a dog is a commitment, you have to be certain that you really want a Shug dog in your life!
Here are the pros of owning a Pug German Shepherd mix:
Unique looks: German Shepherd Pug mixes can have different physical characteristics that they can inherit from either of their purebred parents or a combination of them. Some may look more like a German Shepherd, while others resemble the Pug more. The bottom line is that each Shug dog will have a distinctive adorable appearance!
Great temperament: The German Shepherd Pug mix is a sociable, affectionate, fiercely loyal, obedient, playful, and intelligent dog. These good traits are their foundation as good companion dogs. German Shepherd Pug mixes are so friendly that they get along easily with anyone.
Low shedding and grooming needs: The short coats of Shug dogs make their grooming low-maintenance. Lots of dog owners find them convenient to take care of compared to other dogs. If you are very concerned about shedding, then with a Shug dog, you won’t have to worry that much.
Ideal for an apartment or tiny house living: This medium-sized breed is suitable if you live in a smaller home or even if you’re on the go living in a tiny mobile house! Just as long as their needs are met, from nutritional to emotional needs, then the Shug will be there for you.
The Pug German Shepherd mix comes with some disadvantages as well:
Stubborn tendencies: As they can inherit their Pug parents’ stubbornness, you may find it quite challenging to train them at times, even if they are known to be easy-to-train dogs. Manage this by exerting more effort, patience, and determination when training.
Prone to develop separation anxiety: It’s hard to resist these charming dogs, but they can get a little demanding. When Shugs aren’t given enough attention, they tend to misbehave. Dedicate ample time, love, and attention to your dog not just because they need them but because you care for them.
Not ideal as guard dogs: While friendliness is indeed a fantastic trait, Shugs can be so friendly that it’s hard for them to differentiate strangers from intruders. They tend to get curious about their surroundings and people. These can change through early socialization.
German Shepherd Pug mixes indeed inherit most of the best qualities from the Pug and German Shepherd genes.
Though they have disadvantages too, if you decide to set your heart on owning a Shug dog, surely you’ll find ways to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do German Shepherd Pug Mixes Shed a Lot?
As German Shepherd Pug mixes have short and straight fur, they don’t shed a lot, unlike their parent breeds. They have low grooming requirements compared to other mixed and purebred dogs.
Grooming them includes a once-a-week brushing and occasional bathing, among others.
Are German Shepherd Pug Mixes Aggressive?
German Shepherd Pug mixes are not aggressive. They have the exact opposite behavior of aggressiveness which is the friendliness and sometimes even too much of it.
Though the German Shepherds are known for their aggressive tendencies, the Shugs tend to take after their Pug parents’ happy-go-lucky nature. This neutralizes aggressive tendencies.
Are German Shepherd Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although both their parent breeds are not hypoallergenic, German Shepherd Pug mixes are considered mildly hypoallergenic. They often have reduced risks of triggering allergic reactions.
But if you’re allergic to pet dander or saliva, you should be careful, too. German Shepherd Pug mixes may cause adverse reactions. It’s best to consult your doctor or undergo a dog allergy test.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Pug Mix the Right Dog for You?
Coming from two noble breeds, greatness runs in the blood of the German Shepherd Pug mix. With such unique looks, great personality, and low grooming needs, owning a Shug will be a sensible and fun adventure.
Though German Shepherd Pug mixes also come with disadvantages that you need to think over, they are pretty much minimal and manageable. It now depends on your preferences and if a Shug dog fits into your way of living.
Shugs also have a healthy and happy disposition that can add joy to anyone’s life.
If you are looking for a canine companion that will be loyal to you, then look no further; a German Shepherd Pug mix might just be the one you’ve been waiting for!
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