A Pugsky is a result of mixing a Pug with one of the most famous hardworking dogs; the Husky! They are a so-called designer breed, which makes them a point of heavy controversy. Why? Because the mixing of breeds is seen as inhumane. Still, some advantages (and disadvantages) are worth looking into before making a decision.
Here you’ll find the facts behind the Pugsky Mix, so you can finally make the right decision on whether to get one or not. Let’s get started!
What is a Pug Husky Mix?
To answer this question is rather hard because the actual result of the mix is not the same always. Still, to get a peek at what you’re getting, we can show you what both breeds are:
- Pugs: Our beloved pugs are one of the best companionship dogs among the toy breed. They are small, weigh up to 20 pounds, and have lean bodies if they have a healthy diet and exercise routines. They are slightly prone to more issues than other breeds, so they need moderate to high care to be healthy. Pugs don’t have high energy levels, they are rather quiet and highly loyal to their owners. Also, they are eager to please and get along with just about everyone, including people and pets.
- Huskies: They are one of the most recognized working breeds. Huskies have improved capabilities to live in cold places, with thick fur, and a strong body to endure many activities per day. One of their main uses was herding, sled pulling, and hunting. Huskies are highly athletic and energetic, so they love outdoors. Also, they are prone to develop eye issues, like cataracts and uveitis. Finally, they are affectionate and highly intelligent, but also have a strong nature to do as they please.
The resulting dog will be simply amazing!
AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association
Reasons why you should consider getting a Pugsky
Now, both breeds are rather opposites, so the mix is perceived as one of the best mixes ever. Why? This requires a rather lengthy explanation, but let’s make it simple:
- Balanced energy levels: Pugs are lazy couch potatoes, which makes them prone to obesity. On the other hand, Huskies are a working breed, which makes them full of energy and prone to work themselves until their job is completed or exhaustion. Now, you’ll be getting a balanced dog, that knows when to potato, and when to keep moving!
- Better body: Pugs have a barrel-shaped body with slim legs and rather weak backs. On the other hand, Huskies are strong, lean, and have stronger joints. This makes the possibility of a better and leaner body with strong legs being achieved, which is much better.
- Elimination of the Brachycephalic skull: Since Huskies have a longer snout, the Pugsky or Hug will get a much longer one as well. This makes them less prone to overheat and heat strokes, plus makes it much easier for them to breed. Other issues that commonly tag along with the brachycephalic skull, like soft palate issues and snoring, are also out of the picture.
- They are great companionship dogs! Great with kids, adults, and elders altogether. Why? Because they are great watchdogs to protect kids and love to snuggle a lot just like Pugs. Since they have more balanced energy levels, they are great for elders to keep up with them if they go out for a walk. The most balanced dog mix!
Reasons to avoid getting a Pugsky
Check the downside of the Pug Husky mix.
- Since Pugs have many health issues, you need to be meticulous to avoid getting a faulty Pugsky. They can develop numerous diseases that come from Pugs, like eye problems and others. From the Husky side of the family, they can get hip dysplasia, cataracts, and some heart diseases too.
- It’s also important that you know that both breeds have a double coat, which makes the shedding heavier than average. They are not a low maintenance breed. They also require a lot of exercise and outdoor time. For those reasons, they’re not recommended for busy people or someone who is not willing to train them properly, which is why they are recommended for people with experience as owners.
- Finally, they need more space than Pugs to live in and thrive.
Appearance and Personality Traits of a Pugsky
The traits of the Pugsky are a mix of both breeds. As we said, it’s impossible to determine which are the exact physical and personal traits they will get. However, these are the most likely to appear:
From Pugs:
- Personality traits from Pugs: Most of their temper will come from pugs so you can expect a friendly, loving, and loyal mate. They will get along with any member of the family, even with strangers.
- Physical qualities from Pugs: Most of the physical qualities inherited from the pug will be around the face area. This will affect their eyes, muzzle, and face. However, the resulting mix may or may not have the brachycephalic syndrome. Their tail is a keeper in most cases too.
From Huskies:
- Personality traits from Huskies: They will have improved energy levels and a natural desire for exercise and outdoor time as well, so you’ll need to stay active to satisfy their needs. Since Huskies are also friendly and sociable, the resulting mix will love to be around people.
- Physical traits from Huskies: The Pugsky will be better at handling cool temperatures (which depends highly on their size and coat type) and at exercising. Also, their genetics help to improve the brachycephalic syndrome of pugs, making them better at handling temperature changes and making their breathing much easier.
A Pugsky is a result of mixing a Pug with one of the most famous hardworking dogs; the Husky!…
Is there a Pugsky Mix Standard?
From a Pugsky you can expect a lot of things, and they depend directly on the genetics they get from both parents. Still, these are some of the traits that are mostly present in existing Pugskies:
- Physical traits: The resulting mix may have a better body structure and a leaner overall complexion. They also will inherit a bigger size, which will range anywhere between 16-22 inches in height, and 30 to 60 lbs of weight. That means you’ll be getting a medium dog. The brachycephalic issues are eliminated in most cases, so your Pugsky will be better at handling hot temperatures, exercise, and even drinking water (this also makes them less prone to bloat while eating). Their coat will be smooth and have medium length, and the color possibilities are brown, brindle, black, white, silver, gray, and fawn.
- Personality traits: Friendliness, outgoingness, and lovely are some of the expected traits. Also, since both breeds are highly loyal, you can expect that too. Thanks to the love for the freedom of the Husky, the Pugsky will be much more independent as well, so they are not as clingy or needy as Pugs. In other words, no more separation anxiety. Still, their need for exercise can make them house wreckers if left alone. In some cases, they can be both lazy and energetic at times, which means sometimes they will be stubborn when you want to come home, or reluctant to go out of their beds.
Maintenance of a Pugsky
Pugskies are dogs of medium care. They can be much healthier than Pugs. Still, you need to pay attention to these aspects:
- Eyecare is key! Since both breeds are prone to eye issues, you’ll need to take extra care with the eyes. This is especially true if your Pugsky has protruded Pug eyes, which makes them prone to trauma. That, along with the extra energy and playfulness can turn them into a recipe for disaster.
- The grooming routine depends on the length of the coat. For long coats, you’ll need a lot of work because both breeds are heavy shedders and double-coated, plus there’s also the risk of matting, which is not the case for short coats. Baths shouldn’t be that regular and in-between bath cleaning is much more important.
- Their nails will grow faster due to pug’s genetics. Also, if they are on the lazy side, you’ll have to take care of their nails regularly. If they are active, they will naturally grind their nails, and just medium to low care is needed.
- If the ears are floppy, more ear-care is needed. If they are pointy like huskies ears, less care is needed, but make sure to pay attention to them.
- Teeth care is also a good idea. We recommend good teeth care routine. Still, since they are prone to have a longer snout, Pugskies don’t have the issue of overcrowded mouths, which causes the majority of the issues in pugs.
- Vet checks are always a good idea. Your vet should always pay attention to the state of their eyes, hips, and other areas of concern.
That, a good healthy diet for active dogs, and a healthy exercise routine will keep your Pugsky healthy and happy!
How to feed a Pugsky?
Depending on which traits are more present (Pugs vs Huskies traits), the dog will need more or less food and daily activity. There are two main possibilities:
- If the Pugsky is similar to a Pug in size, then he’ll be more prone to be obese. In that case, you need to get food to keep obesity on a check, with balanced levels of protein, fat, and fiber to keep them lean. Also, they will need less energy every day. The amount of food for an adult Pugsky should be two meals a day of ½ cup of dry food per meal, plus one or two treats per day. We recommend that you get the best food for adult Pugs from our selection. You should also check our selection of food for weight loss for Pugs, as you might need them for extra lazy Pugskies.
- If the Pugsky is of medium size (more than 30 pounds, but less than 45 pounds), he should be in theory much more active than a Pug. They will need food that keeps them filled with more energy, plus a slightly bigger amount of protein per meal to keep muscles and joints in great shape. The amount of food for this one should be three meals a day of 1 cup of dry food per meal, plus two or three treats per day. We recommend that you get the best food for adult Pugs from our selection. We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult breed chicken formula as the best choice.
- If the Pugsky is at least 60 pounds, the dog is closer to a Husky than to a Pug. In this case, you’ll need to feed him at least 5 and ½ cups distributed in three meals per day, plus two or three treats. We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult breed formula of any flavor as the best choice. Just make sure to get the version for bigger dogs.
We always recommend you to get the best food for your dogs, as it will make incredible changes in their appearance and energy levels through the day. It’s also vital to keep up with their needs as they grow.
Pugsky training and best toys for a Pug Husky mix.
Every dog needs training, even the smartest dogs. In this case, the Pugsky is much smarter than regular Pugs, which are more sensitive and empathic in most cases. This is caused by strong Husky genetics. They are also rather stubborn, something both Pugs and huskies can be. Due to that, you’ll need a lot of patience, skills, and tons of treats. There are three keys to train a dog that you must always apply.
- Start them young: As the saying goes, you can’t teach new tricks to an old dog This is partly true, as dogs get accustomed to routines, and it’s hard for them to go around these. That’s why you need to teach them as young as you get them to adapt to what you want before they make themselves a routine on bad things.
- Positive reinforcement is your main tool: If your dog does what you want him to, you pet him, give him treats for Pugs, and apply the classy “who’s a good boy/gal”. Do this immediately after he does what you expect him to do, so he can associate the action with the prize. Add a lot of repetition and consistency, and you’ll get yourself a trained dog. If he does something bad, try to avoid using extreme negative reinforcement, as this will damage your relationship.
- Keep them entertained: Dogs are professional attention-seekers. If you let your dog get bored, he’ll cause mayhem. That’s why you need to play with your dog and keep a healthy active schedule every day. Not only you need to take him out, but also you need to challenge their intelligence occasionally. Games, interactive toys for Pugs, puzzle toys, and exploring new paths when you go out are great to create the stimulation they need. A happy and exercised dog is, in most cases, a well-behaved dog!
Socializing a Pugsky mix is crucial to good development.
Since they are great watchdogs, they can be protective, which can lead to fearfulness, which at the same time can lead to aggressiveness. Ironically, this doesn’t come from the Husky, but from the “multum parvo” side of Pugs; they would fight anyone regardless of their size. To avoid this, you need to socialize your Pug Husky mix a lot! You need to introduce them to different stimulations; kids, other pets, other dogs, and as many people as you can. That way he won’t perceive every passer-by as a threat.
Are You Looking For A Pug Mix? Check Our Ultimate Guide Out!
Conclusion
Now that you know what’s a Pugsky mix and what it takes to have one, you can finally make your mind. Pugskies are cute and have acquired quite a name among dog breeders. They have the best from both breeds, but they can also have the worse. That’s why you need to check the parents and their genetics to know if your future Pugsky is going to be healthy. This can only be achieved by knowing the right breeder. He needs to provide you with all this vital information. The price of a Pug and Husky mix ranges from $1000 to $2000, depending on where you are, the reputation of the breeder, and the quality of both parent’s bloodlines.
After you know how everything is on point, you can take your Pugsky home and share a happy life with them!
