Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for good reason. They are loyal, loving, and always happy to see their humans. But some dogs are more beloved than others, and the Pugador is definitely one of them.
This breed is a mix of the gentle Pug and the brave Labrador Retriever, making it a unique and lovable creature.
But did you know that there’s more to these little dogs than just their cuteness?
From their breeding history, size, maintenance, and temperament, to all the important things to consider before buying one, we take a look at the Pugador dog and its interesting facts and information.
If you’re on the fence about getting a Pugador, then this blog post is for you!
- Other Names For Pugadors
- History of Pugadors
- Are Pugadors Common Or Rare?
- 3 Interesting Facts About Pug Lab Mix
- Appearance: What Do Pugadors Look Like?
- Maintenance: Are Pugadors Expensive Pets?
- What’s A Pugador’s Temperament?
- Are Pugadors Intelligent?
- How Much Activity Do Pugadors Need?
- How Much Food Can Pugadors Consume?
- What’s The Difference Between Male And Female Pugadors?
- How To Know If A Pugador Is The Right Pet For You?
- Things To Consider Before Owning A Pugador
- People Also Ask
- Conclusion
Other Names For Pugadors
The mixed-breed Pugador goes by a few different names. Some of them are:
- Lug dog
- Pug Lab
- Pub Lab Mix
They are fairly new and relatively uncommon, so there are a few variations of the name people call them.
However, they are most commonly referred to as Pugadors or ‘Lug dogs’.
History of Pugadors
Although the Pugador is fairly new, its parent breeds have a long history. The Pug has been around for thousands of years, while Labradors have officially been documented since the 1700s.
Labradors were bred to be hunting dogs with amazing stamina. They are strong swimmers and can work tirelessly due to their high energy levels.
Pugs, on the other hand, have been around for over 2,000 years. Originating in China, these little dogs were treasured by royalty and members of high society.
They were so popular that Pugs were even found buried with their Chinese owners during ancient times!
Are Pugadors Common Or Rare?
Pugadors are not common, which is part of the reason they’re so unique.
They’re relatively new, but their popularity is growing with each passing year.
Many people assume that because both of the Pugador’s parent breeds are relatively common that this mix will be too.
But Pugs were initially bred for their looks, so they are not as healthy as Labradors. This means that Pugadors are not very common, at least when it comes to purebred Pugadors.
3 Interesting Facts About Pug Lab Mix
Pugadors are unique for their looks, but they also have some very interesting facts.
When meeting one of these dogs, you may be surprised by the following:
- Emperors of China had one
Historically, the Chinese Emperors always had one, meaning they were incredibly prized. They were so important that it wasn’t uncommon for some of these dogs to be buried alongside their masters.
- Many famous owners
Many celebrities own these dogs, including Jessica Alba, Gerard Butler, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Joel. They’re hard to own because they’re not very common, but if you get a Pugador you’ll be in good company!
- Pugadors are people pleasers
Many dogs can be too independent, which makes it difficult for them to properly bond with their humans. But the Pugador is not like that. They love humans and always want to please them.
Also, Labradors are incredibly intelligent and independent, making them the perfect mix of smart and affectionate.
Appearance: What Do Pugadors Look Like?
Size
Pugadors are relatively small dogs, making them easier to manage than Labradors. This is part of what makes them the perfect family pet.
Males tend to be slightly larger than females, but this varies depending on the parent breed.
Height
The average height of this breed is 17 inches when fully grown. Less than this is considered to be relatively rare, but they can grow taller than this too.
- From birth to 6 months – they range from approx 7-9 inches
- 12 months – 15-17 inches
- 18 months (fully grown) – 16-18 inches
Weight
The average weight of a Pugador is around 35 pounds. Males are often larger than females in terms of both height and weight, which is similar to Labradors.
- From birth to 6 months – they range from approx 17-20 lbs
- 12 months – 32-35 lbs
- 18 months (fully grown) – 35-40 lbs
Color
Pugadors range in color from black, brown, and tan to white. They usually have a black nose although a brown nose is possible too for example.
Again, this depends on whether they take after their Pugs or Labradors’ parents.
The color of their eyes is probably the most distinctive physical feature. They can be either brown, amber, or hazel. Brown eyes are most common.
Maintenance: Are Pugadors Expensive Pets?
Pugadors are not as high maintenance as some breeds. However, they do require a good amount of attention and grooming.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect:
Grooming
Even though labradors have short hair, they’re incredibly easy to maintain. It’s a relatively similar story for Pugadors, however, they have a thick double coat that sheds.
Brushing a Pugador’s coat regularly will help cut down on the shedding, and keep its coat healthy.
Bathing
It’s recommended that you bathe them around once a month, or more frequently if they’re very dirty for some reason. It is also important to clean their eyes and ears regularly.
Nails
Like Labradors, Pugadors’ nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid scratching your floors and furniture.
Dental Care
These dogs have a lot of teeth, and they require regular dental care to avoid numerous problems including infections and bad breath.
It’s recommended that you brush their teeth at least twice a week using canine toothpaste.
What’s A Pugador’s Temperament?
Pugadors are one of the most affectionate dog breeds on earth. They love their families, and quickly bond with all of them including kids.
They are friendly with everyone they meet making them the perfect family pet. They are incredibly intelligent, plus easy to train making them a great family pet.
Pugadors have a good sense of sound and smell so they’ll bark when someone comes around. However, they don’t tend to be overly protective of their families.
They are outgoing and playful dogs that enjoy long walks and lots of playtime. They’re also calm and loving creatures that can be incredibly gentle with older members of your family.
In the house, they are generally well-behaved dogs that do not destroy or chew things around them. They enjoy spending time indoors as long as their families are there to play and cuddle with them!
How Do They Behave Around Children?
Pugadors get along famously with children and enjoy their company. They are an ideal pet for families with kids due to their affectionate nature and easy-going temperament. They are also gentle and patient with them.
Do They Get Along With Other Dogs?
Pugadors are not territorial, and they’re usually quite tolerant of other dogs.
They tend to be aloof with strange dogs at first but will warm up to them quickly if they become part of the family. They can sometimes get on less well with very dominant dogs due to their submissive nature.
How Do They Behave Around Other Pets?
Pugadors are incredibly friendly toward other animals, including pets they’ve never met before. They are patient with smaller pets, however, they may need to be supervised around cats because they might chase them.
Like with most dogs, socializing them from an early age is important to ensure they get along with other animals. Some have a high prey drive. Some breeds will chase things like butterflies, cats, and squirrels.
This is an instinctive behavior found in some Pugadors.
Are Pugadors Intelligent?
Pugadors are a very smart breed. They’re easy to train and enjoy learning new things, plus they’re highly intelligent which makes them one of the most trainable breeds.
They can become bored if their owners don’t keep them challenged which might result in negative behavior such as aggression or chewing on things they shouldn’t be chewing on.
They are also easy to housetrain which makes them a great pet for first-time dog owners.
Careful socialization from a young age will ensure they get along with kids and other pets, plus avoid negative behavior.
How Much Activity Do Pugadors Need?
Pugadors are athletic dogs that love long walks. They require at least an hour of exercise every day, which might seem like a lot, but they’ll happily keep going!
They also enjoy playing fetch and other games that involve running about or exercising their bodies.
It’s important to make sure they get enough exercise because otherwise, they might become bored and destructive. Regular walks and playtimes help keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
They love to run, chase, and even swim so playtimes are incredibly important for their well-being. If you love to keep active, Pugadors are perfect for you because they love joining in with all your favorite activities.
How Much Food Can Pugadors Consume?
Pugadors are known to struggle with weight, and they tend to overeat if given the chance! Similar to most other breeds their size, they only need around three cups of high-quality dry dog food per day to meet their nutritional needs.
A typically good daily diet that a Pugador would consume would be quality dry dog food, one cup of cooked meat, plus some fruits and vegetables.
Treats should be regulated, and they should only come in small, bite-sized pieces.
Supplements and probiotics such as omega-3 fatty acids are good for their skin, coats, and joints, and plenty of water should always be available.
What’s The Difference Between Male And Female Pugadors?
Male Pugadors are often larger than female Pugadors, but their coats may vary. Males tend to have wiry coats while females tend to have silky coats.
Females can be more affectionate and laid back than the typically energetic males which often makes them the choice as a family pet.
Further, male Pugadors are more likely to suffer from certain health issues such as urinary stones due to their larger size.
Both, though, are an easy-going breed of dog that’s friendly, patient, and loyal – making them great family pets.
How To Know If A Pugador Is The Right Pet For You?
Pugadors are a great all-around breed of dog that’s perfect for first-time dog owners and those who enjoy the company of dogs.
They’re affectionate, playful, and love cuddles! They’re also incredibly obedient and will quickly learn tricks and commands with the right amount of training and socialization.
Pugadors are great for first-time dog owners but maybe the best choice for new parents or people who have physical limitations because they need plenty of exercise and playtime.
Pugadors love to play and run about, but that might not always be suitable for those who don’t have the physical ability.
It’s important to carefully weigh up if a Pugador is the right breed of dog for you and your family before making the decision to adopt or purchase one.
Pugadors typically live between 12 and 15 years which means you’ll need to consider your choices carefully.
If you’re ready for plenty of exercise and time in caring for a dog that will reward you with love, loyalty, and affection then a Pugador might be the perfect pet for you!
Things To Consider Before Owning A Pugador
Before you commit to owning a Pugador, make sure you consider all the pros and cons. This breed of dog is wonderful for families and will happily become a much-loved member of the family.
However, they’re not suitable for all homes because they need plenty of exercise and playtime. Here are 7 things to consider before owning one:
- Food and Diet
Pugadors are a fussy breed of dog that have sensitive stomachs. If you don’t want to deal with frequent trips to the vets, potential surgeries, and specialty diets then maybe a Pugador isn’t for you.
They need high-quality food, supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and plenty of fresh water. It is also important to feed them the correct amounts as per their size and weight and limit their treats to avoid obesity.
- Exercise Requirements
Pugadors are incredibly energetic, playful, and love to have their activity levels made up for each day with long walks in the park or playing games in the yard. Make sure you make time for them because they need plenty of exercise to stay happy.
- Training Requirements
Pugadors are incredibly intelligent dogs that are easy to train, but they need obedience training before their independent streak causes them to develop bad behaviors. They also have a stubborn side which increases the need for early socialization and discipline.
With enough time, patience, and training, Pugadors are incredibly intelligent with a desire to please their owners. Make sure you’re ready for the time and energy it takes to train them.
- Grooming Needs
Pugadors are low-maintenance dogs that need regular brushing and occasional baths to keep them looking their best. They also need their floppy ears cleaned regularly because they can become dirty.
They do shed regularly though which means you’ll need to brush them once a day or even more if they’re shedding heavily.
If you don’t want to deal with the daily grooming requirements of your Pugador, consider getting another breed of dog that doesn’t shed as much perhaps.
- Weather Requirements
Pugadors are a cold breed of dog that can’t handle extreme weather conditions too well. They get cold easily and get hot pretty fast, so make sure you don’t leave them outside for long periods in colder climates.
Provide them with lots of extra bedding and dressing in winter to keep them warm. Living in a harsh climate where it gets cold for extended periods of time might not be suitable.
- Suitable Living Spaces
Pugadors are wonderful to live with in the city or in the country, but they need space to play and exercise. If you don’t have enough space consider something different than a Pugador because they’re always moving about and need room to roam.
If you have a sedentary life or live in a small apartment, maybe this breed of dog might not be for you.
- Health
Pugadors are a pretty healthy breed of dog but are known to suffer from some common health problems. These include epilepsy, eye problems such as entropion and ectropion, and breathing issues including brachycephalic syndrome and stenotic nares.
They’re also at risk for skin diseases which means you’ll need to keep their skin in good condition through daily grooming.
With pugs known for having health issues due to their flat faces, preventative care with your Pugador at the vet is important.
People Also Ask
How Much Does A Pugador Cost?
Pugadors can cost anywhere from $750 to $2,500 depending on the breeder, lineage, and whether they are show-quality or not. If you want to adopt a Pugador then expect to pay around $200 to $400 for each one. It is important to always buy from reputable sources and avoid backyard breeders who don’t care about the health or well-being of their pups.
How Long Do Pugadors Live?
Pugadors have a pretty average life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years, but some live longer. They’re good at hiding any signs of illness or pain which can make it hard to figure out when they’re in trouble. Once they hit about 8 years old you should start taking precautions and making sure they’re seen by a vet regularly.
Is Pugador A Good Idea Or Not?
Pugadors are good dogs that make great companions. They’re intelligent, loyal, loving, and cuddly which is why they’re often favorites of owners worldwide. If you have the time to commit to caring for them then this breed is probably ideal for your living needs. It just depends on what you want out of a dog.
Conclusion
Pugadors are wonderful family pets that require high levels of exercise and socialization. Great with children, they’re energetic and friendly.
They’re also known to be great with other dogs and pets if socialized well.
Intelligent and easy to train, they’re a great addition to the family if you have the time and energy to commit to their needs.
With so much to love about them, you can’t go wrong with a Pugador!
If you’re considering getting a Pugador, make sure to do your research first so you know what it entails. It is important to know all of the breed’s characteristics and what you should expect as a new owner.
Do you own a Pugador? What’s the number thing you love about this breed? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading!