25-45 lbs
15-17"
Unknown
The Pugador is a hybrid where the Pug is crossed with the Labrador Retriever. While there is not much information available about the hybrid, we can consider the traits of both parent breeds to get an idea of what the Pugador will be like. Labrador Retrievers are known to be loyal, affectionate and even-tempered, while the Pug will be quiet and at times stubborn. Both breeds will enjoy being with their humans. Pugs are relatively small while Labrador Retrievers are medium to large in size. You can anticipate that your Pugador will grow to between 30 and 50 pounds and exhibit a mix of the personality traits of his parent breeds.
The Pugador is a relatively new hybrid, though the two breeds that make the hybrid have long histories. The Pug first originated in China between 206 B.C. and 200 A.D., during the Han dynasty. There is evidence that there were dogs similar to the Pug in ancient Tibet and Japan. When Dutch traders brought these dogs to Europe in the 1500’s and 1600’s, the dogs were called Mopshond and they became a popular among royalty. By the 1800’s there were two dominant breeding lines in England; the Morrisson line, founded on Queen Charlotte’s royal dogs and the second line started by Lord and Lady Willoughby de Eresby on dogs that came from Hungary and Russia. The breed made its way to the United States after the Civil War and became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Named after the capital of Newfoundland, the Labrador was known as the St. John’s Water Dog in the 1700’s. During this time, he helped fishermen with their nets and brought back fish that fell from the nets. Eventually the breed was named the Labrador after the Labrador Sea. According to records, the Labrador arrived in London in the 1820’s where the second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first to own one of the breed. The popularity of the breed was the result of the ability of the Labrador to retrieve while hunting with his human. In the 1880’s the breed almost became extinct, however the Malmesbury family and various English breeders worked to continue it. In the 1920’s the Labrador arrived in the United States.
As the size of the Pug is a relatively small dog while the Labrador Retriever is medium to large in size, the resulting hybrid can vary quite a bit in size. Your Pugador will have a thick coat, thanks to the double coat of his parent breeds and can be seen in white, black, brown and tan. A small, sturdy body can be inherited from the Pug parent, while the Labrador Retriever can pass on an athletic build. Often, he can have the facial appearance of the Labrador but the Pug influence is definitely there, with a bulging eye and a muzzle that has the upturn of the Pug. As with all hybrids, your Pugador will inherit traits from each parent breed, resulting in his own unique, physical appearance.
The Pugador will require a moderate degree of maintenance. While The amount of shedding you can expect from a Pugador will vary, the Pug does tend to shed a lot, particularly during the summer months and this trait may be passed on to the hybrid. Daily brushing of your Pugador will be helpful to keep the shedding under control and his coat looking healthy. Bathing every one to two months is recommended, depending on the coat of your dog and how messy he gets. It is a good idea to check his ears on a weekly basis and trim his nails as necessary. Should your dog inherit facial wrinkles, you will want to keep the creases of the wrinkles clean and dry. As with all dogs, the teeth of your Pugador should be brushed several times per week to ensure his long term dental health
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While not much information is available about the Pugador’s temperament, you can look at the temperament of the hybrid’s parent breeds to determine what you may see in your pet. A Pug will want to be around you at all times and the Labrador Retriever is known to be loving and loyal, meaning that it is likely that the hybrid will be affectionate and interested in spending time with his humans. While Labrador Retrievers are easygoing dogs, the Pug can be stubborn on occasion. As both breeds are bright and friendly and will do well with other animals and people, you can expect the same from the hybrid.
The Pugador will inherit his activity and energy level from his parent breeds. Pugs tend to be calm indoors though do require some exercise, which can include walks or outdoor play time. It is important to keep in mind that Pugs should not be engaged in strenuous activity when the weather is hot and humid. The Labrador is an active breed who will need regular exercise, which can include long walks and trips to the dog park, as well as outdoor play with his humans. The Pugador will benefit from a large fenced in yard where he can roam and get out his energy. Depending on the traits that your Pugador inherits, he will likely demonstrate an average energy level and require an average amount of daily activity for his health and to avoid causing trouble that may be encountered by boredom or lack of mental stimulation.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 11/19/2017, edited: 12/09/2021
More articles by Ilyssa Bozza
I took in a very traumatized Black Lab female few months ago. I'm working with a dog behaviorist to be able to get her to trust people, walk on leash, and get in the car. The neighbors Pug squeezed through my fence and now I have 8 Pugadore puppies! I promise I will continue to work with my lab until i can safely get her to the vet safely to be spayed!! This pregnancy was completely unintentional, but now I have these adorable little creatures. How much should I charge for people to take them?
