At least 1% of all the pugs around the world are brindle, some of them are 100% pugs, and we don’t even know why. The brindle pug is a mystery that Genetic scientists and common folk don’t seem to agree on.
Do you want a brindle pug but you’re not sure if they are safe to get? You don’t know if your pug is brindle or just black? Learn here all you need to properly identify brindle pugs, learn if they are as healthy as other pugs, and their personality traits.
- You don’t know how a true brindle pug is. There are many mixes out there that can cause the brindle coat!
- You don’t know if your pug is brindle, black, or dark silver? Find here the exact description of a brindle one!
- Do you believe that brindle pugs are a myth? Find the proof you need to finally accept that brindle pug puppies are also 100% pugs.
After reading this short article, you’ll know everything you need to get a real brindle pug without the risk of getting an ill pug mix. Let’s get started!
Origins of the mysterious brindle pug.
We might never know the truth about them. Pug’s origins are unknown to a point, so we don’t actually know if the brindle coat was a part of their ancestors’ physique. We don’t even know which dogs were used to create pugs because all the records have been destroyed.
However, the brindle pug is a case of mystery due to the existence of 100% pure ones. They are very rare, but still, they are an undeniable possibility, even if they’re not even close to being accepted by standards.
“Do not be alarmed if, when testing a dog that is KN (Mixed fawn-black pug genes), that it is noted on the report that the combination can be seen in dogs with a brindle pattern, such as the Great Danes. While it is reported like this, it does not mean the N in the pug is brindle, because brindle is not a normal variation in a purebred Pug”.
Christine Dresser, DVN – Pug Dog Club of America/AKC.
So, where do you stand?
There are two different types of brindle pugs:
Information about them is a little bit confusing.
- The 100% pure: There are some rare cases that are true pugs according to genetic testing. However, this can be explained by genetic as well. At some point in the lineage of these pugs, another breed was introduced with the brindle influence. Still, this is rather hard to prove because the gene that caused the brindle coat to appear might have been introduced into the lineage 10, 20 or more generations into the past. That also means that it might be an even older recessive gene, and in that case, it would be a part of the breed’s coats. Some people disagree with this theory because the brindle coat is part of a dominant gene. That would cause the brindle pug to be the only type of pug existing. However, we know that the B gene in black pugs is dominant, yet, only 1 out of 4 pugs are black, and this happens because of breeders.
- The 50% pug, 50% anything else: Sadly, this type of pug is the most common type. These are mixes, usually with Frenchies or Chihuahuas. It’s far more common to come across this type of brindle pug due to the popularity of designer dogs. Still, we do not support this practice and getting a hybrid pug should be done with extreme caution.
Temperament and physical traits of brindle pugs.
Just as with other pugs, the brindle pug will offer you the most charming and pleasing personality of all companionship breeds. The color doesn’t affect their personality or their physical description if they are 100% pugs.
However, if you come across a very loud and rather aggressive dog, there’s something else in that dog’s DNA that doesn’t come from pugs. It’s also probable that mixed pugs with brindle coats present different physical traits, like them being bigger or with different types of ears. This is easier to note when they become seniors.
How to properly identify a brindle pug.
To identify a brindle pug is an easy task, however, it’s rather limited for us to know by observation that a pug is actually a mix if there are no visible physical traits that are different from those of pugs. For that matter, a lab test is required.
They have a coat that can range from black interlocked with fawn, as well as silver-fawn, black-apricot, and silver-black. There are also reverse ones, that are darker in shade than other brindle pugs. As you can see, the only colors are the ones already existent in the breed’s standard, so you can’t expect another color to appear in a 100% pure brindle pug.
Should you get a brindle pug?
There are two possible answers to that question. If the pug is a mix, it’s up to you to take the risk. We know that mixed dogs with the purpose of sells happen a lot and that such designer dogs have a soul, and also need a home. However, we don’t support the mix of breeds that can end up in a bad way, like what happens with Chihuahuas and pugs. It’s simply inhumane.
If the pug is 100% pure, then yes, it’s totally safe. Why? Because you know you’re getting a genetically tested pug that’s actually a pug. You cannot expect the dog to develop diseases from other breeds, and that’s highly convenient for experienced pug owners. Whatever the case is, make sure to be prepared to raise a dog properly.
Conclusion
Brindle pugs are beautiful, yes, however, they can quickly become a never-ending source of trouble for you. Even though it’s safe to get –some of – them, it’s hard to know which one can be rough on your pocket. To ensure you’re getting the right type of pug, and don’t end up supporting inhumane practices, it’s better to ask the breeder for the proper information on the pug.
If this is an important step in selecting a puppy, brindle Pugs are even more important. If you can pay for medical expenses that a brindle mixed pug can bring with him, then go ahead, because he still needs a loving home!
After knowing all of this, which type of brindle pug will you pick?
