Understanding Your Pug and Chinese Crested Mix: Quick Guide

Have you ever met a Pug and Chinese crested mix?

A Pug and Chinese crested mix, often known as a Crested Pug or a Pugese, is an adorable designer hybrid dog between 2 breeds – the pug and the Chinese Crested breed.

While the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize designer hybrids like the Pugese, their popularity continues to grow.

As a seasoned Pug parent, I’m excited to share some insights about this unique breed.

Let’s explore what makes the Pug and Chinese crested mix such a special companion!

Pug and Chinese Crested mix puppy

Similar to any other pug mixes, Pugese puppy can inherit traits from both parents.

Just like their parent breeds, Pugese dogs are typically small dogs weighing 10-20 pounds.

The coat can vary significantly, they can have short, smooth coat like a Pug or can be hairless like the Chinese Crested, or a mix of both.

Some may have hair on certain parts of their body like their head, tail, and feet while being mostly hairless elsewhere.

They can have the wrinkled, flat face of a Pug but with a slightly more refined structure of the Chinese Crested.

A pug and Chinese crested mix dog’s eyes can be large and round like a Pug’s, and their tails can be curly or straight.

Pugese Temperament

Both the Pug and the Chinese Crested breed are known for their lovable personality.

Their mix, the Pugese dogs, are also loving and affectionate, known to be good companions for families and get along well with children and other pets.

They are generally playful and enjoy interactive activities and enjoy to be around people.

These dogs love cuddles and often follow their their owners around the house. They may hate to be left alone for long hours.

However some Pugese might inherit the Pug’s tendency to be anxious around strangers and hence early socialization is important.

Pugese Health and Care

The Pug and Chinese Crested mix can inherit health concerns from both the parent breeds – the pug breed and the Chinese Crested breed.

Here are some common health issues of a Chinese Crested dog and pug mix.

Respiratory issues

Pug mixes can inherit respiratory problems due to their short nose like a pug.

This can lead to condition such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) which can cause difficulty in breathing, snorting, snoring and overheating, specially in hot conditions.

It is important to keep your Pug and Chinese Crested mix dog cool and hydrated. Excessive exercise is not recommended. Regular vet checkups are important to monitor their respratory health.

Skin issues

Chinese Crested dogs, specially the hairless variety, can have sensitive skin prone to several skin issues.

Hence the Chinese Crested and pug mix dogs can also inherit this issue from their parent and have skin allergies, irritation and sunburn.

This may be due to environmental factors, parasite or food. Pugese with fuller coat may also have dry and itchy skin.

Regular grooming, moiturising and sun protection are very important.

Eye issues

Both the Chinese Crested breed and pug breed and prone to eye issues. Hence their mix, the chinese crested pug mix may also have symptoms like dry eyes, corneal ulcers, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Time to time eye check ups, regular cleaning of the eye area, and protecting from potential injury is crucial.

Dental issues

The Chinese Crested dog and pug mix breed hand inherit dental issues from their parents like tooth decay and gum diseases.

Regular dental care, including brushing of teech and cleanups, and providing dental chews can help to maintain good oral health.

Joint and Bone issues

The Chinese crested and pug mix dog can have hip dysplasia or patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap). This can cause pain and affect mobility of the dog.

Regular execise, providing joint supplements, maintaining a healthy weight,can help to prevent such issues.

Apart from the above there can be other health issues like obesity which can lead to joint problems or breathing issues. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) can also occur in small breed dogs.


Regular veterinary appointments are necessary for early detection of any health issue. Healthy diet, regular exercise and grooming are important for a long and healthy life of the dog.

Chinese Crested and Pug mix

Here are few pug and Chinese crested mix dog images shared on social media.

Instagram post shared by @chinesecrestedpug and @southerncrossvetclinic respectively

Summing Up

The Chinese crested dog and pug mix breed is a unique hybrid breed with a distinct appearance and charming personality.

These intelligent dogs are very loving and affectionate. They are adaptable and can adjust in any space from city apartments to sub urban homes.

Like all designer dogs, the Chinese crested pug mix can inherit health issues of both the parent breeds.

Regular veterinary care, balanced diet and proper grooming is very important for their health and well being.

So if you a looking for a low to medium maintenance, delightful companion dog who is adaptable in all situations, you can consider a pug and Chinese Crested mix.

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