The Husky Pug mix is the result of breeding a Siberian Husky with a Pug. Also known as the ‘Hug’ or the ‘Pugsky’, this crossbreed is not officially recognised by the AKC but is rapidly gaining popularity.
It is unknown when the first Husky Pug was bred, but it is believed to have been for aesthetic purposes rather than for work. Regardless of their origin, the Husky Pug is undeniably an interesting looking breed!
Are you considering adopting a Husky Pug? Then keep reading! In this guide, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the crossbreed – from exercise habits and grooming essentials to appearances and common health conditions. Let’s get started!
Contents
Quick Profile
In a hurry? Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about the Husky Pug mix. Be sure to keep reading for more detailed information!
Other names: Hug, Pugsky.
Average lifespan: 12-15 years.
Average height: 12-24 inches for males, 10-22 inches for females.
Average weight: 22-60 lbs for males, 18-50 lbs for females.
Coat appearance: Medium length, dense, straight double coat that is grey, black, silver, fawn, and brown in appearance.
Eye colour: Brown, blue, heterochromia is possible.
Activity level: Medium.
Grooming frequency: Weekly to every other day, depending on the fur length.
Typical temperament: Loving, affectionate, attention-seeking, friendly.
Daily food consumption: 2 cups of dry kibble per day.
New owner friendly? No.
Suitable to live with children? Yes.
Suitable to live with other dogs? Yes if socialised correctly.
Suitable to live with cats? Yes if socialised correctly.
Husky Pug Mix Appearance
The Husky and the Pug are two breeds that look very different. This means that when they breed, their puppies can look very different from one another! No two ‘Puskies’ look alike, although they can broadly be described as looking like a small Husky will Pug-like features.
Average size
Huskies are described as being a medium-sized dog breed and Pugs as a small-sized dog breed. As a result, the Husky Pug mix lies somewhere in between, but it is usually on the smaller side.
Due to the size difference between an average Husky and Pug, it is hard to predict exactly how big a Pusky will grow. The average height of a Husky Pug mix can loosely be described as between 10 and 24 inches (25cm-60cm) and the average weight as between 18 and 60 lbs (8kg-27kg).
If both the parents are on the larger size, then you can usually expect larger puppies and vice versa. As the size range is so large, we recommend that all puppies are seen by a vet to determine what weight is healthy. They will be able to assess the body fat that is present and recommend a more specific healthy weight range. This is particularly important as the Pug breed is prone to obesity.
Coat appearance
Huskies and Pugs have quite different coat appearances. Whilst Huskies are recognised for their wolf-like coats and markings that perfectly suit a snowy landscape, Pugs usually have a solid colour coat appearance (either fawn or black) with very dark markings around the snout.
Interestingly, these markings don’t tend to mix when it comes to Pugskies. In fact, Husky Pug mixes will often have the marking of either the Pug parent or the Husky parent, but not both. This can lead to a large variation in the appearance of puppies within the same litter.
In general, Husky Pugs will have coats that exhibit a broad range of colours from grey, white, and black to fawn and chocolatey brown. Dark markings around the face and snout will often be present but will vary between individual puppies.
One thing that Huskies and Pugs do have in common is that they are both double-coated breeds. As a result, Husky Pugs will have short-to-medium length double coats that have a smooth, straight texture.
Physical features
Husky Pugs will usually have a snout that is shorter than the average Husky’s but longer than the practically non-existent snout of a Pug. Their ears can either be erect or floppy and it often depends on their coat appearance. For example, Pugskies with coats that resemble their Husky parent will usually have the floppy ears of a pug and vice versa.
Husky Pugs can have a wide range of eye colours, from dark brown to striking blue. The famous heterochromia that is often associated with Huskies is also possible in Husky Pugs, meaning they may have eyes of two different colours.
Husky Pugs will have a stocky build. Their tails can either be curled or straight but straight is more commonly seen.
Husky Pug Mix Grooming Guide
Husky Pugs are a double-coated breed and require a good grooming routine to keep them looking healthy. Grooming is also important as it allows you to check their body frequently for any changes that are unnoticeable by sight alone.
Their grooming routine will vary depending on the length of coat they inherit from their parents:
If they have a shorter coat resembling that of a Pug, then you might be able to get away with weekly brushing. Brushing with a suitable tool will remove loose hairs and dislodge any dirt that has gotten stuck. Not only that, but it will prevent matting from forming which will be painful to remove down the line.
If they have a longer coat like their Husky parent, then grooming must be done several times per week. Loose hairs can get tangled much easier in longer fur so regular grooming is needed.
We recommend for Husky Pug mix owners to invest in the following tools to make grooming easier:
An undercoat rake: Essential for double-coated breeds, this tool removes loose fur from the undercoat quickly and painlessly.
A dematter tool: If your Husky Pug mix has a longer coat, they will be prone to getting matted fur. A dematter tool has lightly serrated edges that remove matted fur without causing pain to your Husky Pug and without damaging the coat unnecessarily.
A pin brush: Pin brushes should be used for regular grooming to remove loose hairs and stimulate new fur growth by massaging the skin.
If your Husky Pug has facial folds, they must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt that builds up within them.
Husky Pugs should be bathed roughly once every 6-8 weeks, or as needed if they become excessively dirty. Their teeth should be kept clean with daily brushing or dental chews. Their nails will need clipping as required, although an appropriate exercise routine will help to keep them filed.
Husky Pug Mix Temperament
Despite clear physical differences, the Husky and the Pug share many of the same personality traits. This means it is relatively easy to predict the temperament of a Husky Pug. Keep in mind that all dogs are different and that no two Husky Pugs will be exactly the same.
Husky Pugs are a friendly crossbreed and are very affectionate with their owners. They love to be the centre of attention and will often follow their owners around, hoping to be involved in family activities.
Husky Pugs are usually quite social and will befriend anyone they come across. They are a great breed for living with children, but interactions with young children and babies should always be supervised (as with all dog breeds). This makes the crossbreed an excellent choice for family homes that have many visitors.
Not only that, but with the correct socialisation, Husky Pugs can happily interact and live with other dogs. Socialisation should be started at a young age, although the crossbreed is quite adaptable and will often learn to accommodate other dogs at an older age too.
Whether a Husky Pug can live with a cat really depends on the individual dog. Huskies are known for having a high prey drive which often leads to them trying to hunt cats that they live with. On the other hand, Pugs are much more friendly towards their feline companions and can usually live with them in harmony. With the correct socialisation and precautions put in place, it is possible for Husky Pugs to live with cats.
Overall, the Husky Pug is a dog that will instantly be loved by anyone who meets it thanks to its friendly personality and tendency to seek attention.
Husky Pug Mix Health
Note: If you have any health concerns about your Husky Pug mix, please consult a registered vet.
The average life expectancy of a Husky Pug mix is 12-15 years.
The Husky Pug is prone to developing, or being born with, certain health conditions due to its parent breeds. Being aware of these conditions will make it easier to identify them should they occur in the future.
The most commonly seen health conditions in Husky Pugs are listed below:
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) – Most commonly found affecting Pugs and their crossbreeds, this rare auto-immune disease causes inflammation of the brain tissue. It is a progressive disease, meaning it will become worse with time, and is usually fatal. Symptoms include seizures, blindness, and depression. It is thought that PDE occurs in Pugs who are closely related, and genetic testing can be completed to reduce the chances of a Pugsky inheriting the relevant genes.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – A skeletal condition that causes the hip and elbow joints to deteriorate over time due to abnormalities. Pugs rank as the second-highest breed affected by hip dysplasia specifically. Treatment is possible with surgical intervention, although prevention through careful breeding programs and good weight management is preferred.
Cataracts – It is estimated that 10% of Huskies are affected by cataracts, which is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts is usually age-related but in rarer cases, Husky Pugs may develop juvenile cataracts.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) – Associated with short-snouted dogs, BAOS is a condition that is characterised by breathing difficulties. Pugs that have been bred to have flat faces are highly affected by this condition which causes chronic discomfort and the tendency to struggle to breathe during exercise. The Pug parent of a Husky Pug should be a responsibly bred Pug, that has been bred for health rather than appearance.
Dermatitis – Husky Pugs with facial folds or tightly curled tails are likely to get dermatitis which is the irritation of the surrounding skin. If untreated, dermatitis can cause hair loss and may progress into an infection.
The recommended health tests for the Husky Pug mix are:
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (eyes)
- Hip and elbow evaluations
- Blood tests to check for common vitamin deficiencies (such as zinc)
- Allergy tests
- Physical examinations
We recommend that your Husky Pug mix is neutered at the appropriate age and that they receive vaccines against preventable diseases. It is important that you take the steps to prevent them from getting fleas or worms using over-the-counter medication.
Husky Pug Mix Exercise Needs
The exercise needs of a Husky Pug mix vary between individual puppies. This is because there is a stark difference in the energy levels of both parent breeds. On one hand, the Husky is a highly energetic breed that can play for hours on end. On the other hand, Pugs are often couch potatoes that will happily snooze the day away.
As a result, Husky Pugs have a moderate exercise requirement, but individuals may have more or less energy depending on their temperament.
Husky Pugs will enjoy one long walk per day or around 90 minutes of physical activity which includes playtime. It is recommended for Husky Pugs to live in a home that has an easily accessible yard for them to run in, although it is possible for them to live in apartments so long as their exercise needs are fulfilled.
Husky Pugs are susceptible to heatstroke thanks to their shorter snouts and dense coats. During the summer months, avoid walks and playtime during the hottest part of the day and make sure fresh water is always available.
As Pugs are particularly prone to obesity, it’s important to stay on top of a Husky Pug’s exercise routine. This will help them to maintain a healthy weight and prevent issues in later life.
Husky Pugs will benefit from consistent obedience training, starting at a young age. Both the Siberian Husky and the Pug are regarded as being stubborn breeds, meaning training will be challenging if it is left too late. Thankfully, both parent breeds are quick learners (despite the myths that pugs are unintelligent).
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Husky Pug mix is a loving and affectionate crossbreed that easily fits in with most family households. They are not overly energetic but will still enjoy a good play, and will live a long and healthy life with the proper care.
Do you own a Husky Pug? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below!
Header image by @uki_loves_u on Instagram.
