If you are looking for a pet that combines the fierce loyalty of Pit Bulls with the adorable statures of Pugs, you may have found your perfect companion in the form of the Pug Pit Mix.
In this guide, we will share all you need to know about this mixed breed, including its personality and appearance and what you need to know about nutrition, grooming, exercise, and more.
| Height | 14-20 inches |
| Weight | 20-50 pounds |
| Barking level | Low |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Intelligence | Moderate |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Coat colors | Black, white, gray, blue, red, brown, brindle |
| Personality | Stubborn, loyal, affectionate, courageous, intelligent |
| Easy to train | High |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
7 Fun Facts About the Pug Pit Bull Mix
1. “Pit Bull” by itself does not tell you a lot about a dog. Across the pond, it references the American Pit Bull Terrier specifically. But in the US, it can also refer to the American Bully, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or even the American Bulldog.
2. The American Kennel Club refuses to recognize the "American Pit Bull Terrier" as a breed. This disagreement is what led to the formation of the United Kennel Club.
3. The refusal of the AKC to recognize "American Pit Bull Terriers" dates back to the days when dog fighting was popular. AKC explains, “It wasn’t until 1935, decades after another round of anti-dog-fighting legislation, that the Kennel Club in Britain formally recognized and registered the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. That paved the way for the American Kennel Club to recognize a subset of the pit-bull population in the United States a year later, after being assured by breeders that they would not allow their dogs to be used for dogfighting.” The AKC went with the name “Staffordshire Terrier.”
4. A lot of people assume that Pit Bulls are aggressive. While they were bred to fight other dogs, that is entirely different from attacking human beings. On the contrary, Pit Bulls tend to be quite affectionate toward humans.
5. During the 18th century, monkeys were popular pets—marmosets in particular. People referred to their pet marmosets as “pugs.” You will notice that the faces of pug dogs are not that far removed from marmoset faces. The AKC says that this is the origin of the name "Pug" for the dogs.
6. Josephine's pet Pug "Fortune" helped her run messages to Napoleon secretly.
7. A pug once saved the crown prince of Holland, William. In turn, the House of Orange made it their official dog.
PugBull Mix Appearance
Now that you know some history and trivia about the parent breeds of the Pug Pit Bull Mix, let’s talk about its characteristics in detail.
Pugs and Pit Bulls look nothing alike. Pitbulls are quite larger than Pugs, and have very different faces. So, depending on which genes are dominant, the mixed breed can vary dramatically in appearance.
The size of a Pug Pit may range somewhere between that of a Pug and that of a Pit Bull. Likewise, a wide range of colors can appear in short hair. Tan and brown are the most common.
On average, Pit Bulls shed less than Pugs. Thankfully, this also tends to be the case with the mixed breed.
The shape of the face and nose can resemble either parent breed or fall somewhere in between. The ears are floppy.
Pug Pit Temperament
There is a fair bit of overlap in the personalities of Pugs and Pit Bulls, so temperaments for Pug Pits are usually pretty consistent. These friendly dogs are affectionate, loyal, brave, and smart. But be warned that they can have a stubborn streak like Pit Bulls. One of the best things about this mixed breed is that it is a pretty quiet dog. Neither of the parent breeds is big into barking unless there is a good reason.
Pug Pit Bull Mix Care Guide
Excited to bring home one of these sweet pets? First, you need to know how to care for one. Let’s go over their health and nutrition needs, grooming requirements, activity levels, and more.
Nutrition
From our discussion above, you might have noticed that Pugs and Pit Bulls are prone to obesity. For that reason, it is extra important to only feed your Pug Pit a healthy, balanced diet in the right portions.
An adult Pug should get about 1 cup of food each day, while an adult Pitbull should get about 3 cups per day. That is a significant difference, so you will likely need to feed your pet something in between those amounts as appropriate for his size and metabolism. Consider asking your vet for advice.
Grooming Requirements
Pugs are moderate to high shedders, but Pitbulls shed more moderately. That is good news because Pug Pits tend to shed less than Pugs. Their hair is short too, so it isn't as prominent.
Thankfully, even Pugs only have moderate grooming requirements. Brushing about once a week should help with the shedding.
Pugs rarely need bathing. With pit bulls, you might do it every 1-6 months. So, you can probably get away with giving your Pug Pit a good bath a few times a year.
Trim your dog's nails, brush his teeth, and clean his ears regularly.
Exercise Needs
With the Pit Pug, you get a nice balance in energy levels. Pugs can be lethargic, but Pit Bulls usually like around 1-2 hours of daily exercise.
The Pitbull's genes factoring in are advantageous, because you will probably have an easier time getting your Pit Pug to burn some calories than you would a regular Pug. Again, this is super important to maintain your dog’s weight.
Is It Easy to Train a Pug Pit?
Pit Pugs are relatively easy to train, especially with the high intelligence of the Pitbull in the picture. Just be aware that at times, your pet might be a bit stubborn. The sooner you can get started on training and socialization, the better.
Health Needs
Are Pug Pits healthy pets? The best way to understand the health issues that can affect your mixed breed dog is to look at the common health problems of their parents.
Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital says that common health issues for pit bulls include dental disease, obesity, parasites, and infections. They also may develop knee issues, hip dysplasia, allergies, mange, thyroid problems, and bladder stones. Check the link for a full list.
What about Pugs? Prestige Animal Hospital reports that common health problems for these dogs include infections, dental diseases, parasites, obesity, eye problems, liver problems, allergies, mange, diabetes, and joint issues, among others.
You should also note that Pugs are what we call "brachycephalic” dogs. That simply means they have those cute, squashed noses. Unfortunately, dogs with these types of noses can sometimes experience a respiratory condition called "brachycephalic syndrome.” So, you will want to watch out for that if your Pug Pit has inherited the flatter nose.
Cost of Owning a Pug Pit
We have seen costs ranging from $500 to $5,000 for Pug or Pitbull puppies. An excellent way to save on costs and help an animal need is to adopt a Pug Pit instead.
The cost to take care of your dog annually could be anywhere from $1,000-$3,000, depending on your pet’s needs that year.
Do Pug Pits Make Good Family Dogs?
MinaIn general, Pug Pit Bull Mix dogs make excellent family pets. Both parent breeds are very good with children, so the mixed breed is as well.
What about with other dogs? Pugs socialize well with other dogs. For a pit bull, it depends. ASPCA says, “Some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability. That means that they may be more likely than other breeds to fight with dogs. It doesn’t mean that they can’t be around other dogs or that they’re unpredictably aggressive. Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty.”
ASPCA points out that a number of other factors can impact the personality of any particular pit bull, including environmental, health and social factors.
So, when adopting a Pug Pit, be sure to ask a lot of questions at the rescue to find out whether the individual dog you are considering will be a fit for your household or not.
Is a Pug Pit Bull Mix Right for You?
A Pug Pit could be a great fit for you and your household if:
Pros and Cons of Pug Pits
Let’s wrap up our overview of Pug Pit Bull Mix dogs by briefly reviewing their pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
The Pug and the pit bull may look nothing alike, but they are both affectionate, loyal dogs. Combined, their traits make for a loving, adorable pet that is relatively undemanding and easy to care for.
If you are ready to open your home to a Pug Pit, contact your local rescue to see if any of these sweet mixed breed dogs are looking for a family.
Featured photo: dogloversforever101