Learn About the Pug Shih Tzu Mix aka Pug-Zu

The Pug Shih Tzu mix is not a full-bred dog but a mixture between the Shih Tzu and the Pug. Another commonly known name for this dog is the Pug-Zu.

It can be a small, hairy dog, not dissimilar to a mini Yorkshire terrier in appearance, or it could have a shorter denser coat like the Pug.

Usually, however, this dog will have a medium-length coat that represents both sides of the family. The Pug Shih Tzu can be plain in color, or it could have different markings.

Its usual colors are fawn, black, or white. It is also common for a Pug-Zu to have a black mask covering most of its face, just like the Pugs.

These are a favorite family pet, and very few people can resist their charm.

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Temperament

This dog naturally has a sweet temperament as both the Pug dog and Shih Tzu have outgoing personalities. It is known to be an affectionate dog, and they crave human attention.

If they have more Pug than Shih Tzu in them, they may act more distinguished and can sometimes try to steal the center stage.

Since both sides of the dogs have nice personalities, it is more than likely that the Shiz Tzu Pug mix will have a trusting nature.

They make for excellent family pets but because they are overly affectionate and friendly they tend not to make very good guard dogs.

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Size

Both of the parents are considered to be ‘toy’ dogs and the Pug-Zu dog tends to be the same size as its parents and can weigh anywhere between 9-16lbs (4-7kg) when fully grown.

They very rarely grow to be taller than 11 inches (28cm).

Pug-Zu Health Problems

Pug-Zus do not suffer from the same ailments as its purebred parents.

However, potential owners need to take the parents’ health into consideration and to ask thorough questions from the breeders.

The Shih-Tzu pug mix can get a condition called idiopathic epilepsy, which is where they can have a seizure for no specific reason, unfortunately.

You can contact your local veterinarian if your dog experiences this. 

This breed can also get seasonal allergies and skin issues. So keep an eye out if your Pug-Zu experiences this. 

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Coat

This breeds coat typically comes out longer to resemble the Shih-Tzu parent. The coat is usually straight with normal density.

They can come in a few different color, mostly with the dark face to resemble the Pug parent.

More often than not you will notice this mixed breed to take after the Pug when it comes to the curled tail. 

You may see a few different variations when it comes to this breed depending on what traits the dog takes from each parent. 

Living Conditions

This small dog does not need a lot of space and its quite content sleeping in a small basket with an old blanket.

Having a Pug-Zu in an apartment is fine as long as it is exercised and stimulated on a regular basis.

Pug Shih Tzu Mix Exercise

This dog likes to be outdoors but can be quite lazy when it comes to exercise.

It often needs to be forced when it comes to running, and a good way of doing this is going for a run yourself and making the dog chase you.

This type of dog only needs around 30 minutes of exercise a day. You can do a variety of things play toys, fetch, or even chase with your dog to help them get some exercise. 

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Feeding

The Pug-Zu needs one cup of either high quality dry or wet food a day broken up into smaller meals.

This will cost around $1.00 a day depending on which type of food you purchased. 

Some of the best food for pugs are ones that have a good source of high-quality protein as well as a good balance of fats.

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Training

A great way to train your Pug-Zu is with treats and rewards. This breed cant stay away from food, so one positive way to train your dog is with treats.

Make sure to always praise your dog in the training process no matter what breed of dog you have.

They can be stubborn sometimes, so take the training day by day.

They usually don’t have an issue with potty training as long as you are consistent with it. 

Shih Tzu Pug Mix Grooming

This dog is most likely to have mid-length hair or a bit longer because of its mix of breeds.

It is necessary to brush this dog’s hair at least once a day to prevent it from getting tangled.

Owners sometimes prefer to trim the hair of a Pug-Zu to make it more manageable. 

Sometimes the parents of the bred can have dry, irritated skin, so it is important to use a shampoo when bathing that is hypoallergenic or moisturizing to the skin.

Remember to brush your Pug-Zu’s teeth regularly and trim their nails when needed if they aren’t wearing them down naturally outside.

Life Expectancy of a Pug-Zu

The Pug-Zu has quite a long life expectancy compared to other dog breeds.

They can typically live from nine years to thirteen years. 

Depending on your dog’s specific health will also determine how long your dog will live.

Suitability

This dog is a great little family pet, and owners need to give it attention as it craves love and dislikes being alone.

A family with small children would be ideal as it would make the perfect companion.

What Colors Do They Come In?

There are a few colors that you can find this mixed breed in, they are:

• Black
• Brown
• White
• Fawn
• Brindle

You will usually only see this breed with a black nose and brown eyes.

Pug-Zu Puppies

People love both the Pug and Shih-Tzu breed so no wonder someone came up with the idea of breeding those two breeds together. 

Breeders that produce this mixed designer breed don’t charge as much as the purebred dogs cost.

You can usually find these for around $400 to over $1200.

Make sure you find a great breeder that will let you see health records from the parents of the puppies.

Close Relatives of the Shih Tzu Pug Mix

The Pug-Zu has a few different breeds that are closely similar and alike to this breed, they are:

• Pug
• Shih-Tzu
• Chug
• Pugapoo
• Bulldog Shih Tzu Mix