If you are thinking about inviting a small dog to share your life with you, the Yorkie Pug mix may already be on your list of dog breeds to consider.
Variously known as the Pugshire terrier, Yuggie, and Porkie, the pug and Yorkie mix is a small dog with a big attitude. While crossing a Yorkshire terrier with a Pug may give you the best of both breeds, it may also give you a lot of dog in a tiny package.
Gaining an understanding of what characteristics your dog is likely to have is the first step in ensuring that the life shared with your dog is harmonious.
Breed history
Like all designer dogs, the history of the Pug Yorkie mix is rather short. To get an idea of what your dog is likely to be like, we have to look at the history of the parent breeds.
Underestimating the importance of a dog’s history is a mistake as it offers vital clues as to the nature of your dog. What’s more, it provides insight into whether your chosen dog will fit into your lifestyle.
The Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is native to the UK, having first appeared in the 1850s. Like a lot of dogs, the Yorkshire Terriers ancestry is a bit murky. It’s thought that Halifax terriers were brought from Scotland into Yorkshire and Lancashire, where they were bred with local terrier-type dogs. Eventually producing the Yorkie as we know it today.
Known as extremely efficient ‘ratters, ‘ Yorkies were used in mills and mines to catch vermin, what’s more, because of their small size and tenacious nature. They were also used for hunting underground for much larger prey like foxes and badgers.
The Pug
In contrast, the Pug has only ever been a companion dog. The Pug originates from China, where it was highly prized by Chinese Emperors and Buddhist monks. Pugs were brought to England by Dutch Traders, where their popularity soon spread and increased under the royal patronage of Queen Victoria.
With an established history as a companion dog. Pugs are affectionate and devoted to their owners and are well known as the clowns of the dog world.
Pug Yorkie mix appearance
As with any dog with mixed parentage, it’s almost impossible to provide an accurate description of what they look like. When you consider both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, the only thing they have in common is that they are both small dogs.
With this in mind, the one thing that we can predict is that the Yorkie Pug mix is a little dog. The Pugshire has an average height of around 12 to 15 inches high and weighs around 7 to 12 pounds.
As for the rest of their appearance, there can only be rough estimates of what you might expect. The Pugshire tends to have a leaner look than the Pug but is more stocky and sturdier than the Yorkie. In contrast to the Pugs squashed face. The Pugshire is more likely to have a slightly more elongated muzzle with the help of its Yorkie parentage. Nevertheless retains the round face of the Pug.
The ears vary from dog to dog in that they may be erect like the Yorkie or flat like the pug. But typically, they fall somewhere in between. Similarly, the tail of the Pugshire may have a curl, but it may also be straight. Again it’s not unusual for it to lie somewhere in the middle.
What’s more, depending on the parent dogs’ color and marking, coat colors vary greatly. Typical colors are black, fawn, steel blue, tan, or any variant of these hues. Masks and dark shading on the face are also possible. The coat itself is medium length, longer than the Pugs but shorter than the Yorkies, and tends to be fluffy rather than silky like the Yorkshire terrier.
Yorkie Pug temperament
Yorkies are working dogs at heart, and despite being popular as ‘handbag’ dogs, are still faithful to their roots. They are energetic and spirited that are likely to chase anything that crosses their path. Bold and adventurous, Yorkies are fearless and will protect their owners and property against much larger foes. Because of this, they make good watchdogs and are devoted to their owners. Also, they are intelligent and affectionate but are known as a stubborn breed.
Pugs are charming, sociable, and mischievous. They are even-tempered pets and get along well with both people and other animals. The Pug remains an excellent companion and is devoted and affectionate. Pugs err on the side of laziness and, despite their willingness to please, have a similarly stubborn streak to that of the Yorkie. They respond well to training with positive reinforcement but are not a dog that will win obedience competitions.
So what happens when you combine the two breeds?
The Pug Yorkie mix at its best Devoted, affectionate and easy going, a dog that just wants to be around you. Both playful and gentle they are tolerant and mischievous and exceptionally charming
The Pugshire is a lovable, energetic dog that likes to play. Devoted, loyal, and protective, they are intelligent companions with an independent streak. Tolerant and easy-going, they rarely show aggression, so they make great pets for a family with children. Nevertheless, they are bold, brave, and assertive. Prone to separation anxiety, the Pugshire terrier cross does best when included in family life.
The Pug yorkshire terrier mix at its worse Stubborn, vocal and over-protective. A small, high energy dog that is wary of strangers and intolerant of other animals
Pug Yorkie mix exercise
Despite the Pugs leaning towards laziness and its love of food, the Pugshire puppy will inherit some of its Yorkie parents’ working-dog traits. Although you don’t have to commit to daily hikes. It does mean that your small mixed-breed dog has a lot of energy for its size.
A minimum of thirty minutes a day is required, with additional playtime during the day. However, if your Pugshire has inherited the squashed face of its pug parent, be careful of over-exerting your dog in warm weather as they can quickly overheat.
Pug Yorkshire terrier mix grooming
The Pugshire doesn’t require extensive grooming. A weekly brush to remove any knots will do. Also, depending on the length of their coat, your dog may need a professional trim from time to time.
Although the Yorkie is a non-shedding breed, this does not mean that your Pugshire will be. In fact, it is much more likely that your Pugshire will molt. But it will be moderate rather than heavy like that of the Pug.
Pug Yorkie mix health
Although it’s commonly thought that mixed breed dogs are more robust and reduces inherited conditions, this isn’t always true. Before you decide on any dog, it’s worth knowing the possible health issues associated with them and what can be done to minimize those risks.
Despite the list below, Pugshires have a relatively long lifespan at between 12 – 16 years and are considered to be a robust breed;
- Breathing problems including ESP (Elongated soft palate).
- Tracheal collapse and stenotic nares
- Eye problems including; cataracts, distichiasis, dry eye, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy
- PDE (Pug dog encephalitis)
- Hypoglycemia
- Patellar luxation
Yorkie Pug mix highlights
The Yorkie pug mix has plenty to offer and is a lot of dog in a small package. Like any other dog and dog breed, the personality of individual dogs varies. Always research both the breed and breeder if buying a puppy thoroughly. The parent dog’s characters play a significant role in the qualities that your puppy will have.
However, if you decide to share your life with a Yorkie Pug mix, you can expect a loyal and affectionate dog. What’s more, a dog with a playful and cheeky personality and will keep you on your toes. Fundamentally easy-going, but with the energy and spirit of its Yorkie parent, the Pugshire may be the ultimate companion dog.