Are you contemplating bringing a Boston Terrier Pug mix puppy into your life?
Welcome to our complete guide to the Boston Pug mix!
The Boston Terrier Pug mix is the result of a Boston Terrier crossed with a Pug.
This cross breed is affectionately known as a Bugg.
A Bugg aims to combine characteristics of the friendly, bright, and amusing Boston Terrier with the charming, mischievous, and loving Pug.
Unfortunately, both breeds are structurally unhealthy.
The Bugg mix is also a first-generation mix, and there is controversy surrounding any so-called designer dogs.
Before we take a closer look at the Boston Terrier Pug mix, let’s delve into the specifics of this debated subject.
Purebred vs Mixed Breed Dogs
Mixed breed dogs like the Boston Terrier and Pug mix are the offspring of two different purebred breeds.
Purebred devotees believe that there are numerous advantages to keeping dog breeds pure.
They argue that since the dog’s ancestry is known, puppies will be predictable in attributes like size, temperament, and health issues.
This allows breeders to know which tests to give dogs before breeding to reduce the risk of inherited illnesses.
That information is not available for dogs of mixed heritage.
However, even purebred advocates will admit that the smaller the gene pool, the greater the risk of health problems.
Mixed breed dog enthusiasts say that crossing two different breeds reduces the risk of inheriting illnesses or other weaknesses related to inbreeding.
If you want to learn more about the purebred vs mixed breed debate, check out this article.
The Scientific Debate Continues
Even when we look to the experts, there are conflicting reports.
Studies like this one claim that purebred dogs are more likely to be susceptible to some disorders and mixed breeds to others.
This study on hybrid vigor claims that health is improved in mixed breed dogs.
While we’re not taking a side when it comes to the purebred versus mixed breed debate, the most important takeaway is that all breeders must put the welfare of the dog first and foremost.
What Is a Bugg Dog?
Like many mixed breed dogs, the exact origins of the Bugg dog breed are not known.
It seems likely that the Boston and Pug mix started in the US sometime in the 1980s.
A hybrid breed’s appearance is never completely predictable.
You’ll see pictures of Pug Boston Terrier mix puppies that look more like the Boston Terrier.
Other Bugg dog pictures that closely resemble the Pug.
To get a better sense of what to expect from a Pug and Boston Terrier mix puppy, let’s look at the history of each of these breeds.
Origins of the Boston Terrier
In 19th century England, blood sports were popular.
This led to the crossing of terriers with bull-type breeds to create dogs who would be good fighters.
In Liverpool, sometime in the late 1860s, a Bulldog was crossed with a white English Terrier.
The result was a muscular dog named Judge.
An American bought Judge and brought him to Boston.
Judge then became the common ancestor of almost all true Boston Terriers.
He was supposedly strongly built, with a square head.
He weighed about 32 pounds and was dark brindle in color with a white stripe in the face.
Over the next few decades, selective breeding altered this muscular fighter into a smaller, more appealing companion dog, originally called the Round Head.
Their name was changed to Boston Terrier in honor of the city where they were developed.
Origins of the Pug
The Pug’s history dates back some 2,000 years to ancient China.
They were bred as the pampered pets of emperors who favored flat-faced toy dogs.
It wasn’t until the 1500s that Dutch traders brought the breed to Europe.
Legend has it that a Pug saved Holland’s Prince of Orange by barking to warn him of an attack by Spanish troops.
When William and Mary of Orange became England’s monarchy in 1688, they brought their beloved Pugs with them.
Over the last hundred years or so, extreme facial shortening, achieved by selective breeding, has dramatically changed their appearance and caused health problems for the breed.
Size, Height, and Weight of a Boston Terrier Pug Mix
A Boston Terrier will usually weigh between 12 to 25 pounds and stand between 15 and 17 inches tall.
A Pug is somewhat smaller, typically weighing 14 to 18 pounds and measuring 10 to 13 inches.
Bugg puppies can take after either parent, which means they can range in height from 10 to 17 inches and weigh up to 25 pounds.
What Do Boston Terrier Cross Pug Puppies Look Like?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Boston Terrier is brindle, seal, or black in color and evenly marked with white.
Smooth-coated, short-headed, and compactly built with an intelligent expression describes the Boston’s overall appearance.
The Pug is square and stocky with a large, round head and prominent dark eyes.
The colors of the Pug are fawn or black.
Is your heart is set on a certain color, like a brindle Boston Terrier Pug mix?
Look at the parents to get an idea of whether they’ll have brindle Bugg puppies.
Boston Terrier Pug Mix Temperament and Behavior
One of the best things about getting a Boston Terrier Pug mix—besides all of those adorable Pug Boston Terrier mix pics you can show your friends—is their temperament.
Both the Boston Terrier and the Pug are very loving, even-tempered, and friendly.
Due to the similarity in their temperament, you can be quite sure that you’ll be getting a wonderful companion who’s playful and likes plenty of cuddling.
When it comes to exercise, Boston Terriers can vary from dog to dog.
Some are very active, while others only need a brisk daily walk.
Pugs are happy being couch potatoes.
This, combined with a tendency to overeat, can lead to obesity in the breed, and moderate daily exercise is essential.
Bug Boston Terrier Pug Mix Grooming and General Care
Both the Boston and the Pug have short, glossy coats that require minimal maintenance.
The Bugg breed will require weekly brushing to remove loose hairs.
Like with all breeds, you will need to clip their nails regularly.
Pug Boston Terrier Mix Health Problems
Being a mixed breed doesn’t eliminate the chance the Bugg dog will inherit health issues the parent breeds are predisposed to.
Both the Boston Terrier and the Pug are brachycephalic breeds.
The structure of their short, flat muzzles and deep facial folds makes them prone to serious respiratory problems.
The dark, protruding eyes of brachycephalic breeds are very appealing, but also make them vulnerable to eye diseases.
Boston Terriers are prone to cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers.
The shortened noses of these breeds might be cute, but it impacts their quality of life.
Your mix is very likely to have a flat face too.
Boston Terrier Pug Mix Life Expectancy
Buggs have a life span of 10 to 13 years.
Boston Terrier Pug Mix Training Requirements
As with any dog breed, early socialization and positive training methods are essential.
Both the Boston Terrier and the Pug love to please, which makes them fairly easy to train.
They’re also very sensitive breeds whose feelings are easily hurt.
Praise should always follow any gentle corrections.
Treats also make a great incentive.
Ideal Home for a Boston Terrier Pug Mix
Their small size and moderate exercise requirements make the Boston Terrier Pug mix very adaptable to city living and apartment life.
Playful and affectionate, they love to be close to their owners and are happiest when people are around.
They can be a bit stubborn and even territorial.
They also might have trouble sharing if there are other pets in the home.
Is the Boston Terrier Pug Mix a Good Family Dog?
The Boston Terrier Pug mix makes a fantastic family companion.
Buggs are great with children and love to spend time playing games.
The Boston Terrier Pug mix is happiest when they get lots of attention and are treated like family.
How to Pick a Boston Terrier Pug Mix Puppy
Choose a breeder who allows you to visit the kennel facilities so you can see the conditions they were raised in.
Observing the siblings and parents is important to determine overall health and well-being.
Ask to see the papers that prove health testing.
Knowing the health history of a Boston Terrier cross Pug puppy’s parents is essential for brachycephalic breeds who can have a number of serious health issues to deal with.
Should I Get a Bugg?
Only you can know for sure if this is the right dog breed for you. But we can’t recommend any breed that can expect to have severe health problems.
Their quality of life will be poor, and your vets bills will be high.
If you love little dogs and fancy a mix, then a dog rescue is a great place to look.
Or you might like to consider the Cockapoo, another Poodle mix, or another Boston Terrier mix.
References and Further Reading
The Institute of Canine Biology
O’Neill, DG, et al., “Demography and health of Pugs under primary veterinary care in England,” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016
De Lorenzi, D., et al., “Bronchial abnormalities found in a consecutive series of 40 brachycephalic dogs,” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2009
Packer, R., et al., “Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome,” PLOS one, 2015
Appelboam, H., “Pug appeal: brachycephalic ocular health,” UK-Vet Companion animal, 2016
Melersh, CS., et al., “Mutation in HSF4 Associated with Early but Not Late-Onset Hereditary Cataract in the Boston Terrier,” Journal of Heredity, Volume 98, Issue 5, 1, 2007
Sharon ODell says
Would like to buy a bugg puppy from a good home a female faun color please
Sharon ODell says
Would like to buy a bugg dog female where do I find them Sharon ODell
Jennifer skidmore says
My first and only dog was an 8 week old brindle bugg. She was the best dog I’ve ever know. I never could imagine having a better dog. Last week we layer her to rest because of a heart murmur that was causing her severe breathing problems and had stopped eating. I’m happy to say though that Izzy and I had 14 years together. One more than this site gave her. I understand people need to know the risk of hybrid dogs. However I don’t like that this site doesn’t clarify they could also be perfectly fine dogs. Izzy never had any health issues. She was well behaved. Daily she’d pick up my mood and act accordingly. Very easy dog to own after potty training and a very loyal companion. I’m know if I can find one near me I will by a bugg this time too.
Randee Like says
Hi I’m looking for a female bugg puppy to buy, preferably 8-10 weeks old, would you any one who is selling any, plz let me know, thank u!!
Shanan Dunn says
I have a “Bugg” as you call it. Shes the second best dog I’ve ever owned. Her name is Tinkerbell. Shes 8 years old. She is so sweet and loving and only barks when theres a knock at the door, or when doing her tricks. She does several tricks for her treats. She sits, lays down, puts her head down, sits pretty, gives high five, jumps with a like half flip/twist, says please, when I say quiet she whispers her please, and she will stay when I toss the treat away from her if I tell her to. Shes very intelligent. I would be lost without her. She is my emotional support dog. If she hears me crying she will come to me, get in my lap, and use her front paw to tug on my hand so I will pet her, then she will give me kisses until I stop. Shes isnt a kisser though. She will only give kisses once in a while, and only if she really feels like it. She is wicked spoiled. Lol. My hubby says I spend more time with her and pay more attention to her than I do him. Lol.
Tatiana Hladky says
I wanted a Pug and my husband wanted a Boston. While perusing the newspaper want ads one morning, we found some Pug/Boston puppies for sale. We agreed that we should get a hybrid. We bought the very last one of the litter and named him “Boris”. He is now 16 years old, never been sick, great appetite and still acts like a puppy.
Pros: Healthy, never sick, happy, loves walks, good traveler, mellow, loving, never bites, great with children, old people, and cats, and easy maintenance.
Cons: Pees all over the house, so he’s restricted to certain parts of the house. Humps young male dogs. Not a good watch dog.
Randee Like says
Hi I’m looking for a female bugg puppy, do u kno of any one who is having a litter soon, Feb., March, etc. plz let me kno! Thank u
Delores M Rich says
I just got a dog for xmas. I chose a dog that had been abused so i could give him a good home. His name is Oliver but nickname Ollie. Mix breed pug and terrier. Awesome dog. 6yrs old. I could not ask for a better dog. Can’t get out of his. Goes everywhere with me. Don’t know how some one can abuse an animal. They are so precious. How long i have with him will be worth every second.
Doug says
Looking for a female bugg puppy
Jackie says
Yes,I am .my Ebony lived to be 13 yrs.old.it’s very lonely without her.I would like another bugg pup.they are great companions