Pugs and German Shepherds are two very different breeds of dogs. Pugs have a much shorter coat, a rounder head, and a more petite body in general. German Shepherd has long coats that can be wavy or curly, pointy ears, and larger.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting one of these cute mixed-breed dogs but aren’t sure which is best for you, then this blog post might give you some insight into the differences between the two breeds.
Pugs need to be taken on short walks throughout the day to avoid becoming overweight due to their small size, while German Shepherds require more exercise since they’re larger animals.
The Pug’s nose will also get cold quickly, so it’s essential to keep them indoors if it’s cold outside unless you’re okay with your Pug wearing a sweater or coat. German Shepherds originate from colder climates, so they’ll be okay in the cold weather without a coat because their bodies are used to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
German Shepherds love being around people and will always want to be by your side. On the other hand, Pugs are affectionate, but they don’t always want to be touched and can sometimes get annoyed with children who try to hug them too much.
Pugs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs because they’re so widely recognized for their adorable looks and smiling faces. Let’s delve into details:
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Meet the Parent
German Shepherds come in a wide variety of colors: black, brown, white, and grey. They’re easy to recognize because of their pointy ears and long coat.
Pugs have large heads and flat faces with short snouts and wrinkly skin on their forehead. Their coats can be either smooth or wavy/curly, but they’re always straight or thick around the neck area.
The common colors for Pugs include fawn-colored fur with a black face mask resembling a butterfly-shaped pattern and pure black. When it comes to height, German Shepherds stand between 24 – 28 inches tall Pugs top out at 14 – 18 inches tall (not including their tails), making them a little shorter.
German Shepherds are potent dogs because they were originally bred for herding, hunting, and guarding, while Pugs have short legs that make it hard for them to run long distances.
Pugs also have very wrinkled faces, making them prone to eye infections more than German Shepherds who don’t get as much facial wrinkling around their eyes.
What Is A Shug? Pug Mixed With A German Shepherd?
A Shug is a mixed-breed dog with either a Pug or German Shepherd parent, depending on the litter of puppies you’re working with. Most people use the name ‘Shug’ when donating to a mix between a Pug and any other breed of dog.
How Big Do Shugs Get?
Shugs follow the size and height of their parents. A Pug and German Shepherd can create a Shug that’s anywhere between 24 – 30 inches tall at the shoulders and 14 – 20 lbs-in weight which is pretty tiny for a medium-sized dog breed!
Size isn’t always one of the first things people think about when adopting a new pet, so some people who choose to purchase them as pets don’t realize how big they might get as adults.
If you’re thinking about adding a Shug to your family, make sure you have enough space for the adorable animal to roam freely indoors.
Especially if you plan on keeping them indoors for most of their life at least reach the age of 5 years old if they’re run around outdoors.
Can A Pug Get A German Shepherd Pregnant?
No, your female Pug cannot get pregnant by your male German shepherd. Because they are different breeds of animals that can’t breed together naturally, even if it’s with artificial inseminated.
You will need to find a Pug male for her.
Temperament
A Pug/German Shepherd mix will inherit traits from both. So you’re looking at a dog with good family stability, loyalty, and intelligence on the German Shepherd side while also adding in Shepherd Pug’s parent’s affectionate and fun-loving personality.
Since Shugs are full of unique character traits, there’s no telling how they will bring them home, but most people who adopt rescue pups or mixed breed dogs end up falling in love with their new family member; almost instantly!
When it comes to training your Shug (like all dogs), be sure you’re establishing early on by commands for them to obey, including not jumping up on furniture, getting off of couches or beds on command, and not pulling on the leash when walking.
How Much Exercise Does A Shug Need?
If you’re up for a good day, then your Shug will love to run with you! German Shepherds require regular exercise around outdoor activities like jogging or long walks because they originate from dogs’ herding and hunting breeds.
Pugs enjoy some activity but aren’t as active as German Shepherds who need more exercise throughout the day.
That being said, both parents do best when given plenty of room to run around outside if possible, which means you’ll need enough space inside your home, too; otherwise, your Shug might feel cramped in smaller rooms or apartments.
Socialization Needs of Shugs
Shugs are friendly dogs that get along with other people and pets because they carry this trait from their Pug parents. Therefore, your Shug will enjoy making new friends at the dog park. Still, it’s also important to remember that your Shug should be introduced to different age groups of people during their first few months in your home, including children, teenagers, adults, and older citizens.
Grooming Needs of Shug Puppies
Both parents have similar grooming needs for professional grooming visits or self-grooming sessions which is why you’re looking at a dog breed that sheds moderately all year round with proper bathing when needed between professional groomings.
You’ll want to brush your Pug/German Shepherd mix daily with a medium-coarse brush to collect loose hairs and prevent the spread of dander, which will happen naturally with both breeds if you don’t groom them.
When your Shug starts getting older, they’ll need weekly grooming sessions to help reduce shedding, so this may be an excellent time to consider professional pet grooming as part of their home care routine.
Health Issues In Pug German Shepherd Mixes
Since there’s no telling how your Shug might turn out as far as health issues go until they reach middle age, around 4-5 years old.
Make sure you’re prepared for any emergencies, especially when it comes to hip dysplasia which is a common issue among many dog breeds that already face potential trouble due to their family history.
Grooming of Shugs
If you’re looking for a dog that’s not only fun but also easy to groom, then you’ll adore your Shug.
Your Pug German Shepherd mix will need weekly grooming sessions, especially if they haven’t been neutered or spayed, which is when dogs start shedding more than usual.
Grooming sessions include brushing the coat with medium-coarse bristles and bathing around biweekly when needed, along with dewclaw removal (if present in either parent), ear cleaning, teeth brushing, toenail clipping, and anal gland expression.
You can do this yourself at home or hire someone else to do it, like a professional pet groomer who specializes in the breed of dogs you own.
How Much Food Should A Shug Eat?
Since there’s no way of knowing how big a Pug/German Shepherd mix will grow or how active they’ll be as a puppy, it’s hard to say precisely how much food your Shug should eat during their first few months in your home.
On average, however, you can expect around 1½ cups of high-quality dry dog food per day split into two feeding sessions for puppies up until they reach middle age, which is when you’ll need to consider increasing the amounts as needed.
For the most part, if you’re using a reputable brand that follows strict standards and feeding guidelines, this amount of food should keep your Shug healthy and happy even through adulthood.
Is A Shug Right For You?
Maybe! The Pug German Shepherd mix isn’t recommended for households with small children because there’s a chance they might be too rambunctious for your Shug to handle.
Some breeds have been known to snap at strangers, children, and even adults without proper training, so it’s best to keep your eye on any Pug German Shepherd mixes you come across until you know how they’ll react in certain situations.
Shugs are great family dogs who enjoy being surrounded by people all the time. Still, they also need plenty of space to run around outside if possible; otherwise, their energy will build up inside your home, which can lead to destructive behavior as well as separation anxiety issues as they reach middle age.
Are You Ready For A Pug German Shepherd Mix In Your Life?