Description. The Pugapoo is a hybrid, or designer, dog. They weigh in at 8-18 pounds and stand 6-14 inches in height. The original of the breed is from a pedigree Poodle being mixed with a pedigree Pug. However after the original mix the Pugapoo should be mated with other Pugapoos, but it can also be either of the parent breeds. This makes their appearance unreliable as a great deal depends on the percentage of each parent breed is in the puppy. It can also depend on which blood line is favored by the father and the bloodline favored by the mother. It is safe to assume that traits common to both breeds will come out in the puppies, but not quite certain. The coat would normally be expected to be curly and have a length of medium to long. They will be approximately a square built dog with muscular shoulders and an average chest. Their rear legs will be well muscled and strong. Whilst being a small dog you will be surprised how strong and robust the dogs are.

History. There is no real history for the Pugapoo, apart from the first ones were bred in the USA. There parental heritage is long and noble and eventually this breed will have such a history. Specifically the designer dogs are bred to fit in with modern lifestyles. They tend to be smaller dogs that have a lower need of exercise, but not always. They are often bred to favor allergy sufferers and allow them to keep a dog, which they couldn’t really before. There are some very valid reasons for breeding these dogs but there are also a few problems. Until a proper standard is enforced, which the reputable breeders will be happy to have, the appearance and a few of the characteristics are hit and miss. When the initial craze has passed and things settle the breeders will be looking to introduce proper standards. At the moment the non conscientious breeders, who are in it for the quick cash, breed as convenient and not as necessarily it should be.

Temperament. This is a fantastic dog. Take them on a couple of 20 minute walks a day and the dog will do all the rest of its exercising with a few toys. They will love to play with you but if you can not play they will have fun on their own. They are naturally boisterous and very affectionate. They are very brave dogs so make sure the Alsatian next door is kept safely away, you wouldn’t want the blame for scarring it would you? They are intelligent and inquisitive, which helps a lot with training. Training and asserting yourself as pack leader is vital, they may be cute and tiny but they are a dog. Dogs are happiest when treated as dogs (How would you feel if you were not treated as a human?). You need to socialize this dog young to get the best balance from them. If you provide this dog with its few simple needs you will have a pet to be proud of and that will make you an excellent companion for years to come

Health issues. Hybrids have not been around long enough for documented specific problems. However you need to look at the health records for both parents and speak to the breeder about health. If the breeder has no health records then I suggest you go to a breeder who does.

Grooming. The Pugapoo will need brushing regularly but cutting will be determined by the length of your specific dogs’ coat, it could be anything from every 6weeks to twice a year.

Living conditions. This breed needs some exercise but not a vast amount; a couple of 15-20 minute walks a day should suffice. The Pugapoo will also require playtime but will do at least some of this on their own. They are ideal for an apartment and do not really require a yard or garden.