Some dogs can look so adorable but come with a myriad of health challenges that would make one wonder if it is worth the stress. The French Bulldog Pug mix which is also called the French Pug or Frug for short is one of those dogs that might have you wondering why you need to invest so much time and energy on them. It is a cross between two very similar dog breeds that are well-known and loved for their bubbly personality, cuteness and soulful eyes that can melt the strongest of hearts. On the downside, the mix is likely to have a high maintenance cost.
When it comes to falling in love with this cuddly creature, it seems like no one stands a chance to avoid it. They draw at your heartstrings with different antics until you are ‘hopelessly in love’. The French Bulldog Pug mix is sturdy and moderately sized, constantly wearing an alert expression.
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Origin Of The French Bulldog Pug Mix
While the actual time they came into existence is unknown, much like other crossbreeds, it is known that this particular breed is a hybrid made up of the French Bulldog and the Pug. The French Bulldog was originally bred from small English Bulldogs before becoming a recognized breed all on its own. The Pug, on the other hand, is also a very similar breed to the French Bulldog but with origins from China.
According to experts, the French Bulldog is one of the most crossed dog breeds as breeders continue to seek a genetic characteristic to fix their breathing problems by combining them with other breeds. One visibly interesting thing about the French Bulldog Pug mix is the similarity they share physically. Asides a few distinct features, you would be forgiven to think that the two breeds belong to the same family.
Important Things To Know About the French Bulldog Pug Mix
Just like other hybrids, the French Bulldog Pug mix combines the traits and personalities of two breeds, including health challenges that may be inherent in them. Thus, it is important to get enlightened on certain factors about this breed if you are in the market for one.
Health
As cute as these dogs are, they suffer from a wide range of serious health problems. The breed is referred to as ‘brachycephalic’ which means they have a flat face. The health problem that being brachycephalic poses includes narrow nostrils, bulging eye sockets, obstructed airways, increased risk of overheating, dental problems, and sensitivity to anesthesia. Moreover, they might inherit some of the health issues plaguing their parents like mobility problems, dwarfism, screw tails, hip dysplasia, and breathing issues.
For the Frugs (the progeny of the French Bulldog Pug mix), the list of potential health issues is extensive. Asides from the effect it has on the quality of life they lead, the frequent hospital visits can translate to higher vet bills. In all, this hybrid is high maintenance in terms of health challenges.
Training
Just like both of their parents, the French Bulldog Pug mix can be quite stubborn and willful which means their training must start early. When they do pick up eventually, they do so very fast and can learn several tricks too just for their owner’s amusement.
Feeding
Obesity is a common thing to both of the French Pug’s parents so, you really need to be careful about overfeeding them. They should eat between 1 and a half to 2 cups of healthy brand dry food daily. Overall, treats, table scrap and junk should be limited and exercise should be done regularly. Needless to say that a breed with so many health issues threatening to break out won’t thrive well with too much weight
Grooming
This designer dog breed has a short and thin coat which makes them susceptible to the cold weather which is the downside. However, due to this short coat, they do not require lots of grooming but they still shed quite a bit. They do not require daily baths but daily teeth brushing is required to maintain dental wellbeing. Also, their nails should be clipped once or twice a month.
Exercise
It is important not to overexert your Frug while exercising them. They are moderately active and will need a minimum of 30 minutes of a daily walk to keep healthy. Apparently, this breed is not one to work itself up at every given opportunity.
Temperament
The Frug is an attention seeker and loves being pampered. They are known to dodge their owner’s steps and are really easygoing. They have a good sense of humor and can be a little talkative. The breed can get along well with humans and other animals.
Do The French Bulldog Pug Mix Make Good Family Pets?
This dog breed is loving and very accommodating which has endeared them into the hearts of many. They are very playful with children and teenagers but can overexert themselves while playing. As loving as they are, the French Bulldog Pug mix might not be a good option for families with children. This has nothing with aggressiveness but because they are brachycephalic, overexerting them can have serious health implications. So, if it is a must-have for your family, it’s advisable to have adult supervision while playing with children or just go for a breed with a longer muzzle.
Read Also:Â 10 Captivating Dogs That Look Like Foxes
Quick Facts You Need To Know About The Hybrid
- Due to the way their frame is built, these dogs are not great swimmers. Their squat frame and bulbous head make it impossible for them to swim.
- They are currently recognized by five international registries which are the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of Americ, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
- Most of the members of this dog breed are born through artificial insemination as their unusual proportions make copulating difficult.
- Due to their myriad of health challenges which are mostly due to their parentage, they can be expensive to maintain and keep healthy.
- They can live between twelve to fifteen years.
- Their coat can come in combinations of black, cream, white, brindle, or fawn.