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# Pug-Zu: the Pug Shih-Tzu Designer Breed
* Pug-Zu: the Pug Shih-Tzu Designer Breed
February 9, 2021
2025-01-18 15:23
#### Table of Contents
## What is a Pug-Zu (Pug & Shih Tzu)?
The Pug Shih Tzu Mix, also known as the Pug Zu, is a small mixed dog breed that’s perfect for most people who live in small spaces such as apartments. These dogs have a great temperament and are relatively easy-going, which is why they’re loved by anyone, be they adults or children.
Pug Zus are excellent for first-time dog parents as they are playful and friendly, and they are also known for their low .
Moreover, they are great with kids, which means that they make the perfect pets for families.
Not all Pug Shih Tzu mixes are 50% purebred and 50% purebred. Some can be the result of multi-generation crosses.
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## What do they look like?
In general, Pug Zus have brown eyes and black noses, and a mask on their faces is quite common. They can have a wide variety of coat colors, such as black, white, brown, brindle, or fawn.
 can look like their Pug side more than their Shih Tzu side and the other way around. Most are equipped with triangular ears that flop down and that are well-spaced apart.
This small breed is known for its robust body, which can make the dogs give off the impression that they are sturdier than they really are. Their short limbs might bow at an angle. Even though some come with the same curly tail that’s typical to the Pug, this cannot be considered a typical feature of the breed as it doesn’t show up in all individuals. Pug-Zus look very similar to another popular Shih Tzu mix, the .
### **How Big Does a Shih Tzu And Pug Mix Get?**
This affectionate and funny companion dog weighs in at around 8 to 22 pounds and measures anything between 8 and 12 inches.
It’s difficult to predict how big or small a Pug Shih Tzu Mix will be since this depends on their genetic material coming from their parents. If both were larger, it’s safe to assume that the puppy will be the same and the other way around.
### **Do Pug Tzus Shed?**
The amount of shedding that you can expect if you become a Pug Tzu parent is variable. As previously mentioned, some dogs might have a shorter or a longer coat, and this can directly influence how much they shed.
Dogs that shed more have inherited their coat traits from their Pug side, while those that tend to shed less will have a coat that’s similar to that of the Shih Tzu.
In any case you should take care to brush your dog regularly as well as wash him with a gentle shampoo.
Consider using clippers to keep him in a .
### **What Is the temperament of a Pug Shih Tzu mix?**
Pug Zus are very sociable, and even if the puppies do have to be socialized as early as possible in order for them to become used to other animals and people, they thrive on human interaction.
They’re playful and full of energy, but they also like their quiet time with their owners. One very important detail about this breed is that it doesn’t do well when being left alone for a long time. Pug Zus also tend to suffer from separation anxiety.
However headstrong they might seem at times, Pug Shih Tzu mixes respond well to training, especially if they have set routines in place. It is recommended that their owners set up short training sessions that last for up to ten minutes at a time every day.
Positive reinforcement and treats will convince your Pug Shih Tzu puppy to behave. These dogs are fast learners, so they aren’t going to give you a hard time in this sense.
### **How long does a Pug and Shih Tzu mix live?**
The typical lifespan of a Pug Zu is anything between 9 and 12 to 14 years. A wide range of factors can influence this type of dog’s lifespan, from how much exercise and outdoor exposure they have to the quality of the diet they receive.
Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that potential owners are making a serious commitment when buying or adopting a Pug Shih Tzu mix as they have a good chance of living for at least a decade.
### **How Healthy is this mix?**
Some of the most common health conditions that a Pug Zu is likely of developing throughout their life are the following:
* **Patellar luxation**
Some Pug Shih Tzu mix owners might notice that their puppy skips a step every now and then. If this happens, veterinary assistance is required as many Pug Zus can develop patellar luxation, or it can be a genetic issue that they are prone to. Treating this health issue depends on its severity.
* **Hip dysplasia**
This dog breed is more or less likely to develop hip dysplasia due to the genetic material coming from their Pug side. There is a high possibility that a parent that has hip dysplasia passes it on to its offspring.
* **Skin health problems**
A Pug Shih Tzu mix can develop several skin conditions, and two of the most common ones are allergies and atopic dermatitis. It’s not uncommon for Pug Zus to develop allergies to fleas, especially in the warmer seasons. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by a number of factors that range from dog food to grass.
* **Eye health problems**
The Pug Zu can develop eye infections, progressive retinal atrophy, as well as Dry Eye (KCS). Given the frequency of these conditions in this breed, you can talk to your vet about how to prevent them, such as by using artificial tears and cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly.
* **Epilepsy**
Idiopathic epilepsy can affect some dogs, but not all. If your dog experiences a seizure, immediate veterinary care is necessary. Documenting the seizure might also be required in order for the veterinarian to establish just what type of epilepsy the dog is suffering from.
All of these diseases are more or less typical for small-sized dogs. Due to their anatomy, Pug Zus also tend to develop respiratory problems, including sinus infections.
Other health issues that can affect this breed are yeast infections, staph infections, and demodectic mange. Some puppies can experience vaccination sensitivity.
Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about preventive care and take your dog to the vet clinic for check-ups at least once or twice a year. Furthermore, as they grow old, Pug Zus are known to develop the typical diseases of geriatric dogs, such as arthritis, heart conditions, and even cancer.
Regular blood tests and other diagnostic methods can ensure that these health problems are prevented or treated at the right time before they become more severe.
### **How Much is a Pug Shih Tzu?**
The cost of a Pug Zu puppy can vary a lot depending on several factors. We recommend getting your puppy from a breeder whose reputation is excellent. A good breeder will give you all the information you need with regard to the health conditions that the puppy’s parents might have developed throughout their life.
Since the Pug Shih Tzu is prone to developing progressive retinal atrophy and a number of other eye problems, you might have to ask the breeder for an eye health certificate belonging to the puppy’s parents and attesting that in the past 12 months, they’ve experienced no such health issues.
The price of a Pug Zu puppy can range from $300 to $1,100 and more. A higher cost is to be expected if the puppy’s parents were champions. While backyard breeding has led to a drop in prices, we wouldn’t recommend getting your Pug Shih Tzu mix from a person who might have performed uncontrolled breeding.
The first year cost of owning a Pug Shih Tzu mix can vary between $450 and $600 depending on the quality of veterinary care, food, and accessories you invest in. Basic, non-medical care for the second year of owning this type of dog can go up to $500 or more.
## **Is a Pug Shih Tzu Mix a Good Dog?**
The Pug Zu can be considered an excellent companion dog. It adapts well to new environments and new people, and it is not particularly challenging to train, either. Motivating your Pug Tzu with treats is easy as this dog breed loves food.
In terms of activity levels, you will notice that your Pug Shih Tzu mix does love spending time outdoors and playing fetch, for example. However, compared to many other breeds, it can do well with daily walks that last up to one hour on the whole.
Your canine companion needs exercise in order to remain healthy, even though they might give you the impression that they’re perfectly content to laze around all day long.
When it comes to grooming, you have to make sure that you brush your dog’s coat at least twice a week. The length of a Pug Zu’s coat can vary from one pet to the next, but it’s widely acknowledged that medium to long-haired dogs need consistent grooming.
If what you are after is a good watchdog, a Pug Zu might not be the best dog breed for you. These dogs are known for being so friendly that they can even take well to strangers. Besides, they do not bark in order to get your attention to alert you of an intruder.
Due to their trainability, playfulness, and affectionate character, Pug Shih Tzu mixes are among the best canine companions for people who live in apartments. In this respect, a Pug Zu is not a good, but a great dog.
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