Chug Dog

This past Sunday, we the city of Raleigh was blessed with 60 degree weather and sunny skies. This presented a perfect opportunity to bring our chug puppy Max out for some fresh air.

We brought him to a local school’s baseball field and let him loose without a leash for the first time since we brought him home.

We were surprised at how fast and energetic he was. Being a previous pug owner lead me to expect that he would have inherited at least some of the pug’s notorious lethargy and laziness but that was not the case at all.

He ran around non-stop for about an hour and barely even panted.

So are chug puppies athletic?

It depends.

• Chi’s are quick and pugs have strong muscles, so depending on the mix you get, your chug puppy can have a mix of the two. From what we’ve read and observed, chugs are tough little dogs.
• Chugs generally bypass the poor breathing problems that pugs have, so they should have more stamina.
• Chi’s also have less body fat and fur than pugs, which is probably why Max did not pant much. (Dog painting is equivalent to human sweating).
• The best way to determine if your chug puppy is athletic is to take him outside and see what he’s got.

Kennel Cough in Chug Puppies

Chug Puppies can be predisposed to choking fits, but it is important not to mistake it for Kennel Cough. Kennel cough is an infection of the bronchial tubes that results in a hacking and hoarse cough. It often sounds as though the chug puppies airways are clogged.

Generally this illness resolves on it’s own and usually coughing is the only symptom.

It may be difficult for you to determine whether your chug puppy is coughing or choking. Generally a chug will “reverse sneeze” when it is having a coughing spell.

The videos below show a dog coughing an can be used as a base for what you should look for:

If you think your chug dog’s coughing is excessive and does not show signs of stopping, bring him to the vet immediatley.

After you have had your Chug Puppy for a few months, you will probly notice an occasional choking or hiccuping fit. At first you may be alarmed, but it is actually normal of a dog this size.

Chihuahuas are very prone to this due to their small trachea’s. If your chug puppy inherited this trait, you should keep an eye for this type of attack. This type of attack is generally caused by the dog becoming excited, nervous or over-active.

What to do if your chug puppy has a choking spell:

1. Gently massage it’s throat
2. Gently place your fingers over the pups nose (this is not cruel). It will force the chug to breath through it’s mouth and open it’s Trachea again.
3. Use a harness instead of a collar when walking your chug puppy. This will place less strain on the trachea.
4. If excitement causes the attacks, work on getting the chug puppy used to the situations that cause excitement.

If the choking is constant or sounds like a cough, take your chug puppy to the vet to make sure he does not have Kennel Cough.

While many die hard sports fans were anxiously awaiting the Saints V.S. colts, others were tuned into the Puppy Bowl.

How was the winner this year – a chug puppy!

See the highlights here:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-vi/

Deciding to adopt a chug puppy or a chug dog is an exciting decision. But should you adopt a grown chug dog or a newborn chug puppy?

Guidelines on Adopting Chug Puppies:

1. Bringing up a chug puppy is an advantage because this means that you are in control of it’s behavior, health and wellbeing from the start.
2. You should adopt a chug puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Any earlier and your chug puppy may suffer from separation anxiety.
3. A chug puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult chug dog that is used to a different environment. However, this benefit is offset by the fact that the pup may chew on some of your household items and would need to be housebroken.
4. There is no assurance of what a chug puppy would look like when it gets old; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

Guidelines on Adopting a grown Chug Dog:

1. You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult chug dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the chug dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.
2. Be sure to make note of the chug dog’s behavior and temperament before buying him. Be sure to monitor for aggressive growling or possessive behavior.
3. A full grown chug dog may take time to adapt to it’s new owner.
4. Make sure to introduce the chug dog to your family members before deciding to bring him home. Make sure it gets along with the children and the rest of the family.
5. Adult chug dog may not need your full attention unlike chug puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.
6. For a fully grown chug dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

Adopting a chug dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking chug puppies, but some may not be up to give them the attention they need. Adult chug dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and loved.

Many people are attracted to chug puppies for their small size. The cliche’ of a designer dog is often associated with movie stars and celebrities carrying around a cute little pup in their  purse with a cute outfit on.

The fact of the matter is, not all chug puppy owners are celbrities, but that does’nt mean you can’t outfit your pup with some stylish gear.

Here are some designer clothing ideas for your chug puppy:

1. Sweaters and Coats. Chug puppies are often suceptible to the cold temperatures, so why not outfit him with some outer wear?

Online stores that have sweaters and coats for your chug puppy:

• Pet Smart
• Snuggie for Dogs
• Doggie Vogue

2. Hats. While it may not be that practical, hats will set your chug puppy apart from others in the pack.

Online stores that have hats for your chug puppy:

• Superstar Pet Lovers
• K9 Cool Hats

3. Boots. Boots will keep your chug puppy’s paws warm on those rainy or snowy days.

Online stores that have boots for your chug puppy:

• Petco
• Ruff Wear

Are chug puppies possessive? Well, it depends. If your chug puppy has more traits of a chihuahua, he could be possessive of both family members and his personal space. If he has more pug tendencies, he will likely be more laid back.

How to know if your chug puppy is possessive:

1. As a puppy, your chug will probably welcome all guests that come his way. However, as he gets older watch to see how he acts around new visitors. If he barks at them continuously after they enter the house, then there could be cause for alarm. If your chug puppy only barks when guests first enter, that is ok.

2. If your chug puppy begins to curl his lips and growl when you try and take his toys, this behavior should be corrected if possible. It is a common trait of a Chihuahua.

How to correct chug puppy possessive behavior:

1. Get him used to socializing with other people and other dogs at a young age. Also make sure you let all family members participate in training so he offers his allegiance to more than one family member.

2. Get your chug puppy used to you and your family invading his personal space. This means his bed, his treats etc. Practice gently pulling his treats away while he is chewing on them. If he growls, say a command loudly such as “no” or “bah”. After that, place him in his crate for about 10 minutes and try again.

Due to their small size, chug puppy’s can be possessive but after some training and patience, they will continue to be loving and loyal pups

Many pet owners may be surprised to learn that a chug dog’s dental health is as important as the shots they receive when they are just a puppy.

Dental problems in pets go way beyond bad breath. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in chug dogs today. In fact at, least 80 percent of dogs suffer from it by age 2. If this is untreated it can lead to further damage in your chug puppy.

Unfortunatley, chug puppies fall into toy breed of dogs which have a tendency to develop dental problems more so than larger breeds.

Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Veterinary Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y. reccomends the following for chug puppies dental health:

1. Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet. If you notice an outbreak of bad breath coming from your chug puppy, take him sooner.
2. Daily to bi-daily brushing of your dog’s teeth.
3. Choosing dog treats with dental benefits. Chewing on rawhide has been proven in clinical studies to help reduce plaque and tartar. The treats may not smell that great, but they do to your chug puppy – which means he will chew longer.

A healthy chug, is a happy chug, so make sure you pay close attention to his dental hygeine.

After you have had your chug puppy a while, you may begin to experiment with the types of treats that you give him. A common type of treat is rawhide.

So what is rawhide anyway?

Rawhide is actually the inner hide of an animal – generally a cow. While it may sound unappetizing to humans, dogs really enjoy at. Many theorize that it is due to the fact that in fufills the wild dog instinct to chew their prey.

Is rawhide good for your chug puppy?

Depending on your Chug dog’s diet and current health condition, you have to be careful when deciding whether or not to give him rawhide.

Here are some tips for giving your puppy rawhide:

• Do not let your chug puppy swallow large pieces of rawhide, as it may cause diarrhea.
• When the rawhide get’s small enough to swallow, make sure you take it from your chug puppy and throw it out.
• Rawhide should be used in moderation and shound never replace a balanced diet.
• Pets with a history of allergies, diarrhea and vomiting should not chew on rawhide.

Rawhide can keep your pet entertained and help him exercise his teeth. However, make sure your pet can handle it. If you have concerns, consult your vet.

If you are on this site, chances are aware of the designer dog rage, as chug puppies fall into the category of a designer dog. Most first time designer dog buyers have a wealth of questions about the little breeds.

So what’s the big deal about designer dogs? Many look for them due to specific physical appearences and behavioral attributes. Many people are starting to flock to chug puppies because of their small size and good temperaments.

Many people are opposed to the deliberate crossbreeding of dogs like the chug. This is primarily because there are devious breeders out there that may be trying to make a quick buck.

If you get your chug puppy from a reputable breeder, you should be able to find the perfect companion at the right cost. Make sure the chug puppies you are looking at seem healthy. Chug dogs are not a “teacup” breed. Teacup breeds often have health problems, so be weary of them. However, chug puppies can often stay small in size.

So in a nutshell, yes it is safe to buy a chug puppy. Just make sure you do your research first.

You may have been one of the many visitors of this site looking for chug puppies for sale. If you are like most people searching for that special pup, you may have found the task rather difficult. The fact of the matter is, chug puppies are difficult to find. The mix is relativley new and is only popular in the United States, Canada and the UK.

If you are looking for a chug pup, we reccomend following these tips:

• Be patient. Don’t buy the first chug puppy you locate in your area, as their are breeders out there that can either try and rip you off or sell you a mix that is not a legitmate mix.
• Keep checking local classifieds. We have an updated list here.
• Do your research. Make sure you 100% sure that a chug puppy is right for you and your family. You may view articles on helpful articles on chug puppies here.

If you want us to keep you in mind as we come across new chug puppies for sale, please email us at webmaster@chugdog.com

Good Luck!

May people think that their chug puppy’s sole form of communication is barking. However, chug pups can communicate in many other ways such as facial expressions, body postures and gestures. When and how a dog performs these type of actions also needs to be taken into consideration. For example, a chug puppy that barks more at night may have excess energy, which means they may be sleeping too much during the day.

Here are a few common ways small dogs try to communicate:

1. Growling and Standing Up Tall – Small toy dogs have a tendency to do this when they are trying to protect their owner or let larger dogs know that they do not feel threatened.
2. Crouching and Laying Ears Flat – This is a sign of submission in small dogs such as chugs. They will often do this when they are scorned, especially if you tower over them to pick them up before they finish going potty in the house.
3. Putting a Paw Over Another Dog’s Shoulders – this is usually an invitation to play with another dog and is a playful expression of dominance.
4. Pawing at The Neck – Your chug puppy may do this when you come home. It may seem like he is deliberatley trying to scratch you, but it is in fact an expression of affection.

As an owner of a new chug puppy, you will begin to understand what these actions mean more and more over time.

As with many dog, chug puppies can have allergic reactions to food, plants, insects and other allergens. This past weekend, Max the Chug awoke with a very swollen face:

Rather than panic, we called the vet and brought him in. After a shot of benadryl, our chug puppy was back in action after a couple of hours. Nevertheless, this situation needs to be taken very seriously.

How to know if your chug puppy is having an allergic reaction:

1. His face or other body parts are swollen
2. You notice rashes on your chug puppy’s skin
3. He has a rapid heartbeat (The Vets at Banfield Hospital said to look out for this.)
4. His temperature is elevated. (The Vets at Banfield Hospital said to look out for this.)
5. You notice irregular bowel movements.
6. The chug puppy is vomiting frequently.
7. He is making hacking and choking sounds.

Item number 7 is the most important, as allergic reactions can cause your chug puppy’s throat to close up, which could lead to suffocation. Elevated temperature and rapid heartbeats can also indicate a more sever allergic reaction.

While your instinct may be to give your chug puppy an antihistamine such as benadryl, it is important to consult with your vet first, as an overdose of drugs in such a small dog can cause liver damage.

Most of all, it is important to be calm and thoughfull if you think your chug puppy is having an allergic reaction.

There is going to come a time where you need someone reliable to take care of your chug puppy. Your first instinct may tell you to leave them with your closest family or friends. However, this may not always be the best option. Given the size and temperament of a chug puppy, some special considerations need to be made before you hire a sitter.

Things to look for in a pet sitter for your chug puppy:

1. A home without kids. Chug puppies are small and can easily be injured by small children.
2. A home without large dogs. If your chug puppy were to get into an altercation with a larger dog, they risk serious injury. A large dog could easily break a chug puppies neck.
3. A house with a fenced in yard. Chug puppy’s can easily escape through small holes in fences and run off. Their small size makes them difficult to find and suceptiable to birds of prey.

Most of all, use common sense when dropping your chug puppy off at a sitter. Never leave them with someone you would not trust with other members of your family. Make sure you supply the sitter with plenty of supplies and instructions on how much to feed the pup, how much exercise he needs and anything else you think is important.

Having a chug puppy is a big responsibility. Sometimes it can even be like taking care of a child. Because chug puppies can be curious and energetic, they can sometimes injure themselves. Due to their small size, chug puppies may also be prone to burrowing which may result in them getting trapped in small places and injuring themselves. When that happens, it is important that you bandage your chug pup to prevent further damage.

Here are some helpfull tips to consider when bandaging your chug puppy:

1. Make sure your keep your chug puppy’s bandage dry and clean. That being said, make sure your pup stays inside as much as possible when it has a bandage. When he goes outside to do his business, make sure that you wrap the bandage in plastic. If foul odors or discharge start to resonate from the would make sure you call your vet as soon as possible.
2.  After bringing home your chug puppy home from the vet, make sure that the bandage is still in the correct place. Your pup may have been irritated by the bandage and tried to scratch or bite it off.
3. If the bandage is on your chug puppy’s leg, make sure it is not on too tight, as it could cut off circulation. Observe how the toes will appear at the bottom of the bandage at least twice a day. TAlso check for skin chaffing, redness, discharge or swelling before and after the bandage has been applied.
4. To prevent the pet from chewing the bandage because of the bothersome experience it gives, put on a funnel collar. If that doesn’t help, consult your vet for further options.

In genreal, it is a good idea to bring your chug puppy to the vet if you notice the following occuring:

1. Swelling above or below the bandage
2. Chew marks on the bandage
3. Wetness on the bandage
4. Bleeding or discharge

Some find the art of training their chug puppy daunting. However, when you step back, it is actually simpler than it seems.

Training your chug puppy can be both frustrating and rewarding.  You may not want to torment your poor chug puppy for months on end with commands that to him may seem irrelevant and unncessary.  However, when they finally start to obey, it will only strengthen your relationship.  After all, uneaten furniture makes everyone happy, right? He has learned that when you are happy you give him treats and he has also learned the things that are most likely to make you happy.

This is of course a beneficial relationship for all concerned.  You get what you want and the dog gets what he wants, making everyone more pleased.  Some people say that the dog is actually happier because it craves rules and boundaries.  Dogs will test you to see how far they can push you because they want you to define their limitations, to give them their place in the household.  I am not sure how convincing I find this argument but it makes some sense, in the way it makes sense that children with rules and boundaries tend to be better adjusted as well.

So what does this mean in a nutshell – stay consistent and dilligent with your chug puppy’s training and you both be happy as a result of your loving compromise.

Since Chug Puppies are a mixture of a Pug and a Chihuahua, their appearances can vary drastically from litter to litter. Many new chug owners wonder if their ears will begin to pop up like a Chihuahua’s when they get older or if they will stay floppy like that of a Pug.

There is no real definite answer. Max the Chug’s ears always stayed down when up until he was 19 weeks old. At 19 weeks old they are beginning to pop up when he is excited or playing. There is a chance his ears will always stay in-between like this, but there is no telling until he becomes older. Many chug puppy and Chihuahua owners have experimented with different methods of keeping their puppy’s ears droopy.

How to Keep Your Chug Puppy’s Ears from Sticking Up:

1. Massage the ears daily to loosen their cartilage.
2. Apply vinegar to ear to loosen the cartilage. (Do not submerge the ear canal, though)
3. Magnetic earrings to stretch the ear muscle
4. Dog ear tape

Of course, make sure that you only use humane methods when trying to keep your chug puppy’s ears from sticking up.

We took max to the vet today for this 3rd round of shots. He has begun to remember what happens at the vets office and let’s just say, he does not like it there. The vet was greeted by a lot of whimpering, shaking and nipping.

The vet tech told us that out chug puppy’s next fecal examination was a month away, but we could get it out of the way today if we wanted to. We decided to do this and we were glad we did.

After the fecal examination, the nurse informed us that our chug puppy’s stool contained Coccidia – a fairly common intestinal worm found in young puppies. At first I was alarmed until I found out that it was treatable and very common.

How are Coccidia transmitted?

Coccidia worms are generally transmitted from other dogs feces. They may contract it after they are born, as they have a tendency to eat the feces of other chug dogs in the litter. Puppies have no immunity to the parasite until they are 6 months of age, so it is important that you look out for the symptoms of this disease.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis

• Frequent diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

This disease, while usually not fatal, is contagious and should be treated with medications such as sulfadimethoxine or trimethroprimsufadiazine.

Make sure you consult with the vet if your chug puppy is showing any of the symptoms of coccidiosis.

We’d like to make note of these adorable black coated chug puppies for sale in Indiana. Black coated chug pups are rare, so we thought we would give them a special announcement. We are sure they will go fast!

http://www.indianasuperads.com/pets_and_animals_Classifieds/C35A178341P252/Chug_Puppies___.aspx

If you are particularly attached to your clean furniture or if you have allergies you may be wondering if chug dogs shed.  The short answer is yes. Both pugs and  chihuahuas shed their coats, but not as much as furrier breeds such as huskies. It is also important to keep in mind that chug puppies are small and if they are a short haired mix, will have thin and fine coat. This results in less shedding overall.

You may think that shedding is a drawback to getting a chug puppy, but keep in mind that overall they have very little grooming requirements. Dogs 101 on the discovery channel even goes so far as to say that chihuahuas only need to be bathed once a month. However, we have found that if you want your pup to smell pristene, you should bathe him more frequently than that.

Click here for more information on chug puppy grooming and hygeine.