Pug-Zu

8-22 lbs
8-12"
Unknown
Pug
Shih Tzu

The Pug-Zu is a hybrid where the Pug is crossed with the Shih Tzu. These friendly dogs are small with an average weight of 8 to 22 pounds and a height of 8 to 12 inches. Your Pug-Zu will have a lot of personality and be sweet, loving and occasionally stubborn. The Pug-Zu can be demanding of your time and attention and will offer plenty of affection in return. This hybrid needs an average level of activity as well as early socialization and training, after which the Pug-Zu will do well with children and other animals. The Pug-Zu will prefer to have his humans around for the majority of the day and will not be happy with you leaving for long periods of time.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Pug and Shih Tzu

Pug-Zu Health

Average Size
Male Pug-Zu size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 8-22 lbs
Female Pug-Zu size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 8-22 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Skin Problems
  • Demodactic Mange
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Blood
  • Knee
  • X-Rays
  • Full Physical Examination
  • Ophthalmological Examination

Pug-Zu Breed History

The Pug-Zu is a relatively new hybrid, though the parent breeds have long histories. The Shih Tzu has a long history and though the exact ancestors of the breed are not known, experts feel that the breed is a cross of the Lhasa Apso from Tibet and a small dog from China, like the Pekingese. Chinese royalty favored the breed as far back as the Tang dynasty (618-907). The dogs became popular among the commoners as well during the Ming dynasty. The small dogs were practically eliminated during the Chinese Revolution, with only seven males and seven females surviving. These 14 dogs are the ancestors of all of the Shih Tzus seen today. Dogs of the breed made their ways to other countries like Norway, England and North America. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1969. The Pug first originated in China between 206 B.C. and 200 A.D., during the Han dynasty. Emperors of China owned the dogs and treated them as royalty, at times even providing them their own guards. Evidence exists of dogs similar to the Pug in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the 1500’s and 1600’s, these dogs were brought to Europe with Dutch traders, becoming a popular choice for royalty. As the breed appeared in new parts of the world, it was given new names: Carlin in France, Doguillo in Spain and Mops in Germany, for example. The breed made its way to the United States after the Civil War, earning recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Pug-Zu Breed Appearance

The Pug-Zu is small, with an average weight of 8 to 22 pounds and his body will likely present as sturdy. His appearance can vary; these hybrids may look more like a Pug, more closely resemble Shih Tzu or appear like a mix of the two breeds. The tail of the hybrid may curl, though often not as tightly as the tail of the Pug and may or may not be plumed. His coat will depend upon what he inherits from his parent breeds; it can be medium to long and anywhere from fluffy to smooth. The Pug-Zu is often seen in the following colors: brown, white, fawn, black, apricot and brindle.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Pug-Zu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Pug-Zu nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Pug-Zu coat
Black
brown Pug-Zu coat
Brown
white Pug-Zu coat
White
fawn Pug-Zu coat
Fawn
brindle Pug-Zu coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Pug-Zu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Pug-Zu Breed Maintenance

The amount of shedding you can expect from a Pug-Zu will vary, much like it can with the hybrid’s parent breed of the Pug, which can shed minimally to frequently. Pug-Zu’s with long coats will require daily brushing as his coat can tangle very easily. It will be helpful to take him to the groomer for regular hair trimming. Your Pug-Zu should be bathed only when necessary and with dog shampoo so as not to impact his natural oils. When having longer hair, you may find it gets in your Pug-Zu’s eyes and therefore needs to be trimmed or tied back. Pu-Zus that inherit shorter coats will require less maintenance, though regardless of the length of his coat, you will want to brush your Pug-Zu’s teeth regularly, check his ears weekly and clip his nails as needed.

Pug-Zus often suffer from patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and a range of other common health issues. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Brushes for Pug-Zu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Pug-Zu requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Pug-Zu Temperament

Owners of the Pug-Zu say he has a lot of personality and is playful and friendly, making them a great breed for a family pet. The Pug-Zu will love to eat and is very intelligent, though can be rambunctious at times. On occasion, the Pug-Zu will develop small dog syndrome, though this is rare for Pugs and is not typically a concern. The hybrid will be loyal and curious and love being around his humans. While the Pug-Zu can be stubborn on occasion, he is mostly curious, sweet and happy.

Pug-Zu Activity Requirements

The Pug-Zu is relatively active considering his small size. Your perky Pug-Zu will require a minimum of 30 minutes of activity per day; this can include an outdoor walk, time at the dog park or a fenced-in yard and indoor play. An apartment will be sufficient for the Pug-Zu based on his small size, assuming he gets the activity that he needs. When outdoors during warm weather, you will want to be sure that your Pug-Zu does not overexert himself as this can lead to him overheating. It is likely that your Pug-Zu will prefer to just lie around sometimes, however, it is important that he gets his necessary physical activity.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Pug-Zu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Pug-Zu Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Pug-Zu size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
Female Pug-Zu size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Pug-Zu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
Female Pug-Zu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Pug-Zu size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
Female Pug-Zu size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs

Pug-Zu Owner Experiences

Milo
4 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
Walk
He’s very lazy when no ones home but he loves to cuddle and go on walks
6 years ago
Maki
2 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
Running
Well he can't be left alone he always wants someone to be there besides hin
5 years, 11 months ago
Izzy
8 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My son has a 7 month old pug-zu and I immediately fell in love with her. I got my Izzy as a mothers day gift and she is amazing. I love her dearly. Most affectionate and funny pup ever!!
5 years, 11 months ago
Chewy
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had my pug- zu for 7 years, and he was the most amazing dog I have ever had the pleasure of knowning. He was incredibly smart and knew tons of tricks. He was a great companion and best friend. He loved everybody and all animals. He got along great with my 3 cats and lab. He was a wonderful family dog, I highly recommend this dog to anyone who wants a friendly, loving, happy playful dog.
5 years, 10 months ago
Midnight
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch and walk
I have my pug zu for 3 months. She’s a happy high energy dog who enjoying playing nonstop. Very friendly and ran up to everyone she sees. She loved being the center of attention and can be very inquisitive at times. Overall she’s a great companion
5 years, 10 months ago
Dudley
2 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Go to Park
Run
Explore the woods
Go to Beach
Play
Off-leash
Eating Snacks
football
Playing in the snow
Very loving dog with a great goofy personality! He hates to be alone and will follow you everywhere! Very greedy so have to be careful of food intake. He's great with children, other dogs and gets on with our cat very well. He can be very stubborn especially when walking on the leash, I.f you don't walk the way he wants you to, but after a little persistence he will give in. In general a really lovely little dog, bundle of fun.
5 years, 9 months ago
Dobby
6 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
The Pug-zu is a great breed. Dobby is wonderful. He loves to run and play, he has loads of energy. He is hard to bath and groom sometimes, because he has long hair like his mom, and is so energetic,but with a little persistence he calms down and we get the job done. My mom breeds Pug-zu's, so I get to love and spoil many, before they go to their loving new homes, but I had to keep Dobby for myself it was love at first site!
5 years, 9 months ago
Skitle
3 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very affectionate. Is either sleeping or running. Loves attentions, walks and car rides. Overall healthy - has sensitive skin though. Unlike pugs, is not a big eater and stays trim. Slow to train (due to stubborness) but once she decides she wants to do it that's it she has it.
5 years, 9 months ago
Luci
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rides in the car and playing catch with a frisby.
We got Luci when she was just a few weeks old. Her mother got sick and refused to nurse the litter. We took both females from the litter to keep them together. My wife and I hand fed them throughout the following weeks. We were rewarded with 2 of the best dogs we have ever owned. Luci (short for Lucifer) and Piper were playful from the time they would awaken until they would just quit and take a nap. Even now, 2 years later, as soon as they wake up, they want to play catch. They potty trained without too much difficulty. We feed them a dry dog food made with salmon as it's first ingredient. This helps to avoid skin issues. It also helps keep their calorie intake up and provides the good protein level that helps them maintain their active life style. They get along great with our other two dogs, a female pug named Sunny and a female spitz named Zoey. Any walks outside necessitate a harness and leash as they will run like the wind if left untethered. As we live just outside of a rather large city, that is not good. However, when taken to an area where it is safe for them to run, their return is always guaranteed, once they have had enough of running like the wind. They love everyone they come in contact with and will sometimes cry when their favorites walk away. They love to have their tummies rubbed. Luci will sit up facing away from me, cock her head to the right, throw her front legs up in the air over her head, and fall back into my lap for me to rub her belly and under her chin. They are both great at the groomers and for nail trimmings. I can't say enough good things about our experiences with the breed.
5 years, 8 months ago
Nox
3 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
Walks
Baths
Learning new tricks
Running
meeting new dogs
My puppy was love at first sight i couldnt leave him when i first saw him. He's always so energetic and happy to see me after i come home from work. He is kore like his dad with his coat as it's longer than a pugs and is vwry soft to the touch. He is my world and i couldn't imagine not havng him after having him.
5 years, 6 months ago
Molly
4 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Molly is a shot hair pug-zu, she just arrived in our familly and we love her, she loves playing tug of war and cuttle with us when we are watching movies.
5 years, 5 months ago
Frank
14 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
toys
Play
Walks
Tricks
First time pugzu owner
5 years, 1 month ago
Lily
14 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
taking walks
Lily is a rescue! Original owner died and she hadn't been groomed in 6 months. Couldn't even see her eyes. Now, she's groomed, clean, fred & loved daily. Love her SO much!!
4 years, 11 months ago
Aiah
7 Months
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She was actually given free for us and she was the first dog I had. She always want to play with us or she would rather sleep. I wish she would stay with us for a long time.
4 years, 10 months ago
Molly
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug of war
She is the sweetest dog, not a ton of energy but playful when she has some, and she’s a perfect companion. She loves people and is good with other dogs as well.
4 years, 9 months ago
Hunny B
9 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Car rides
working
Sleeping
training
My dog lost her mom at birth so I've had her and raised her since birth. She is so intelligent and as of a few months ago she started training as a medical alert service dog and has been amazing! She's good with all other animals and loves going to work! She's my angel and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She has a sensitive stomach and her skin gets dry but other than that she doesn't have any health issues. She is groomed every 2-3 weeks to keep her in working shape and she's very maintainable. I love her temperment and personality. I highly recommend this breed
4 years, 6 months ago
Diamond
12 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love her only had her 1 day she's amazing
4 years, 1 month ago
Jax
2 Years
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Hikes
Walks
Very loving and loves affection. Spoiled. Wants constant attention.
4 years ago
Laila
2 week for what. Ooooooooooooooooooooiikkkkkkkkkk
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Baby nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnojhgggcc
3 years, 11 months ago
Leo
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Pug Zu is extremely loving and loyal, he is extremely excitable and loves to play.
3 years, 11 months ago
Gizmo
5 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He’s so intelligent he never forgets anything he’s spoiled rotten he’s good with grandchildren considering I live alone with him
3 years, 9 months ago
Ollie
4 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love going to the dog park.
I Just adore him.he is great with the kids, easy to train and he is just a bundle of love. He needs his cuddles every morning and when we come back for work, loves to be carried around in our arms. Hes just a big baby so much love.
3 years, 9 months ago
Charlotte
15 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sitting in the sun
My Pug-zu has bitten me twice over the last 15 years I grew up with her. The first time was when I accidentally cut her skin when I was 5, the second was last year when I tried to pick her up and she didn't want to be picked up.
3 years, 8 months ago
Henry
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
Laying in the sun
Being nosey
Henry is a rescue. Very social. Loves kids of all ages. Snuggles and wants in your lap. He's my buddy. He has helped me through my cancer. Very smart. I love my lil feller ❤
3 years, 8 months ago
Theodore
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
can not imagine life without Theo
3 years, 8 months ago
Saki
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is very friendly. They were supposed to be four offspring but unforntunately, the other three died.
3 years, 6 months ago
REX
6 Months
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
parks
Off roading
REX is an amazingly good dog, definitely stubborn when he wants his way but so intelligent and loving.
3 years, 6 months ago
Gypsy
6 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is the cutest little thing! Ours looks more towards the pug look, which i perfer. Mostly shes laid back but is playful as well. Friendly only tempermental when she gets scared or if another dog gets too playful.
3 years, 6 months ago
Piper
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She loves being our pugzu child. Hates us being gone for more than a couple hours. Loves her walks and plays with toys. Chews on non rawhide bones everyday. She loves us and we love her.
3 years, 5 months ago
Blu
2 Months
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Biting feet
She sometimes don’t want to eat and play she only want to sleep. I don’t know if she’s picky or she’s sick
3 years, 5 months ago
Chewy
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very cuddley, playful ,energetic funny
3 years, 2 months ago
Blu
5 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Always sick and falling all hair and have always scabies
3 years, 2 months ago
oreo
10 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Walk
Belly rubs
Tug-of-war
we keep my pug-zu's hair short, so it doesn't get matted and tangled when he plays outside. he's always been very affectionate and we both share the birth defect of having one leg longer than the other (although mine was scoliosis and his was just his legs.) he's very playful and loves to learn new tricks despite being an older dog. he doesn't like being picked up or snuggled, but when he want's affection he will either roll over so i can rub his belly, or put his paw on my leg and whine :) i love him very, very much and he is one of the reasons why i have mental stability! it's almost like he understands when im in need of love, and he just waddles over to me and rests his head on my lap
2 years, 12 months ago
Ellie
10 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Pug-Zu is very needy and lovable. She is also very energetic and gets a little jealous when I per other dogs. Shes very alert but tends to be a huge softie sometimes.
2 years, 10 months ago
Marcie
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Marcie is an emotional support animal who goes from zero to a hundred as soon as she wakes up.
2 years, 6 months ago
Meatball
9 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play Aggresivly
Hide & Seek
Playing fetch
Visits my grandparents
We have had him for 7 years. He is the sweetest little old man. He was my birthday present. He doesn't do much but loves to visit my grandma and grandpa for treats. This little pug-zu is the perfect size for a baby in the house. He is not aggressive unless you play with him. I LOVE MY PUG ZU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 years, 6 months ago
Maya
20 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Maya has been my loyal companion for 16 of her 20 years. She gets slower and sleepier every year but is still very healthy for her age. She's my family :)
2 years, 4 months ago
Rebel
11 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Car rides
He has separation Anxiety, He is attached to his dad more than his mom. He gets very happy when we are all together. Very family oriented. Does have breathing problems but doesn't let it stop him.
2 years ago
Bentley
11 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bentley is an old man now, so we’re well passed all the puppy stuff! I can tell you that it wasn’t until we had him fixed (@ 1.5 y/o) and until he turned about 3 years old that he completely transformed into the PERFECT dog. He ate everything and marked his “territory” on everything until we had him fixed and he graduated from the chewing phase. He literally drove me mad with his little tinkle here and there every day! He’s still very territorial, just only marks outside now. He’s very protective of my husband and I, but especially our daughters (5, 12 & 14). He doesn’t like when we get loud, as in a hyped conversation (we’re an Irish/Italian household lol) so if we are telling a story or talking about anything that makes us become animated or excited (adults and kids) he will bark out of concern (or maybe just joining in on the excitement, I wish I knew lol). We were young and had not raised our own dog when we got Bentley, so I think we should have socialized him more, but he is friendly with all of the people and animals that we are close with, strangers (people and dogs alike) not so much. We have a cat (she’s 4) and they live harmoniously. We did just recently add a puppy to the household and he’s been very tolerant so far (only been about a week or so) but the puppy is a big breed so that’s part of his annoyance I think. He definitely has “little dog syndrome”. He’s got a bigger and scarier bark then one would think, and will break relentlessly if he’s unsure about who’s at the door. And behind a closed door he sounds like a pit bull. He doesn’t like to back down when he feels like his area or people are in danger. He’s a mamas boy for sure, but he can hear dad’s car from down the road and goes crazy until he gets a hello from him after he’s been away from home. He was raised around babies, never had any issues with biting or playing too rough. Now he’s a lazy old guy, with bouts of the zoomies still a couple times a day and would really just love to lay in the sun all day. He sheds SOOO much, (hes black/a little white and short haired) but is a great boy when it comes to grooming. He’s always been good in the bath, even the kids can easily bathe him, and is good for brushing and nail clipping too, but mom does that. He hasn’t had to be leashed in years (unless required) because he responds so very well to commands. He knows “sit”, “paw”, “lay down” and he knows how to roll over but we skip that one now that he’s gotten older. He knows “heel” or “here” and will walk right beside us. He had shown us to be the most loyal, loving dog! We can’t imagine life without him.
1 year, 11 months ago
Harley D.
3 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My little guy is 3 months, fully potty trained. He is set to get neutered this week at the Vet. He came with his first set of shots and I got him at 2 months old. He is funny to watch play, he waits at the door to go potty and he loves to sit on your lap or lay next to you. He is so an adorable and fun little guy. He has been around babies and kids and loves them. He tilts his head when you talk to him like he is listening. He loves treats and is learning so many commands already I tell him to lay down when he goes to the crate and he goes in and gets a treat. He prances around for snacks but I tell him to sit and he sits and is gentle too when I remind him to be gentle. Very smart and wonderful puppy.
1 year, 4 months ago
Kovu
8 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sun-bathing
Car rides
smiling
Meeting new people
Fetch
Kovu is my first dog (and I later got two Jugs to keep him company). From puppy to adult, he’s always been friendly and active. He loves poking his head out the car window, bathing in the warm sun, and playing fetch. He can be a bit stubborn at times but he can’t ignore his loving family members for too long - he listens eventually haha. Kovu experiences redness and dry skin around his paws from time to time but he’s still healthy, athletic, and smart. VERY quick to pick up your emotions and he’s very expressive too. My favourite thing to ask him is to ‘smiiiile” and he does it every time! You can even put your palm under his chin and he’ll rest on it too. His companionship warms my heart everytime. Even now, I can hear him waiting outside my door, so I’ll be taking off to pet a very good boyyy.
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

i have 4 pug-zu . SHE ALWAYS WANTS TO JUMP ON ME.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

Where can I get information on pug-Zu

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd