So, you’re thinking about a Chow Chow and Pug mix. Honestly, it’s a weird combo. You’ve got the ancient, stoic, lion-maned Chow Chow meeting the goofy, bug-eyed, lap-sitting Pug. It sounds like a character creator in a video game gone wrong, but the "Chug Chow" (as some call them) is a real thing. It’s not a common designer dog like a Labradoodle, which means there’s a lot of bad information floating around.
Most people assume you’ll get a medium-sized dog that looks like a fluffy Pug. Maybe. But genetics are messy. You might end up with a dog that has the Chow’s intense guarding instincts trapped in a Pug’s smaller, less athletic body. Or a dog with a Pug’s social anxiety and a Chow’s thick, high-maintenance coat. If you aren't prepared for the unpredictable, this isn't the dog for you.
The Reality of the Chow Chow and Pug Mix Personality
Chows are basically the cats of the dog world. They are aloof. They are independent. They don’t care if you want to play fetch at 10:00 PM. Pugs, on the other hand, are "velcro dogs." They want to be in your skin. When you mix these two, the temperament is a total coin flip.
You could get a dog that is incredibly loyal to one person but suspicious of everyone else. That’s the Chow influence. Dr. Stanley Coren, a well-known canine psychologist, often ranks Chow Chows lower on the "working intelligence" scale, not because they are dumb, but because they are stubborn. They don't see the point in your commands. Pugs are more eager to please but have the attention span of a squirrel.
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Early socialization is a non-negotiable requirement here. If the Chow side takes over, your mix might become overly protective of the home. I’ve seen cases where these mixes become "one-person dogs." They’ll love you to death but might nip at a stranger who moves too fast. It’s not "mean," it’s just DNA. You have to start introducing them to new sounds, smells, and people the second they are vaccinated.
Why the "Blue Tongue" Matters
One of the most distinct traits of the Chow Chow is the blue-black tongue. Does the Chow Chow and Pug mix inherit this? Sometimes. It usually manifests as spots or a mottled purple look. It’s a cool party trick, but it actually points to the deep genetic history of the breed. If your mix has a spotted tongue, it’s a clear sign those Chow genes are dominant.
Health Issues Nobody Tells You About
Let's get real about the health of these dogs. Pugs are brachycephalic. That’s the fancy way of saying they have "squashed faces." This leads to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). They struggle to breathe in the heat. They snore. They wheeze.
Chow Chows have their own baggage, mainly hip dysplasia and entropion. Entropion is a nasty condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. It’s painful and usually requires surgery.
When you mix them, you hope for "hybrid vigor," the idea that mixing breeds makes them healthier. But you could also get the worst of both worlds.
- Respiratory Distress: If your mix has the Pug’s short muzzle but the Chow’s heavy coat, they will overheat almost instantly. Summer walks in Florida or Texas? Forget about it. You’ll be carrying them home.
- Skin Fold Dermatitis: Pugs have wrinkles. If your mix has Chow-thick fur inside those Pug-like skin folds, you’re looking at a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. You have to wipe those folds daily.
- Joint Problems: Chows are prone to ACL tears and hip issues. Pugs often deal with patellar luxation (kneecaps popping out). Keep this dog lean. An obese Chow-Pug mix is a recipe for a very expensive vet bill.
Grooming Is a Full-Time Job
If you think you can skip the groomer, think again. The Chow Chow and Pug mix usually has a "double coat." The Pug sheds like crazy—small, stiff hairs that weave themselves into your sofa. The Chow has a dense, woolly undercoat that mats if you even look at it wrong.
Basically, your vacuum cleaner is going to die.
Expect to brush them at least three times a week. During "shedding season" (which is basically twice a year for six months at a time), you’ll be pulling out clumps of fur the size of a grapefruit. If they take after the Chow, they might have that "mane" around the neck. It looks majestic until they eat wet food and get it all over their chest.
Training: A Test of Your Patience
Training a Chow Chow and Pug mix is... an experience. It’s not like training a Golden Retriever. If you tell a Golden to sit, they do it because they love you. If you tell a Chug Chow to sit, they look at you and ask, "What’s in it for me?"
Positive reinforcement is the only way. If you use harsh corrections, the Chow side will shut down or get defensive. Pugs are food-motivated, so use that to your advantage. High-value treats like freeze-dried liver or plain chicken are your best friends.
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Keep training sessions short. Five minutes. Ten minutes max. After that, the Pug side gets bored and the Chow side decides they’ve had enough of your nonsense.
Space and Exercise Requirements
This isn't a high-energy athlete. They don't need to go on five-mile runs. In fact, please don't take them on five-mile runs; their joints and lungs probably can't handle it.
A couple of 20-minute walks a day is usually plenty. They are actually great for apartment living because they aren't hyper. However, the Chow influence can make them "barky." They are natural watchdogs. They will tell you if the mailman is coming. They will tell you if a leaf blows across the driveway. You’ll need to work on a "quiet" command early on.
Diet and Weight Management
I cannot stress this enough: do not let this dog get fat. Pugs are notorious for being "food vacuums." They will eat until they throw up and then try to eat that, too. Because the Chow side is prone to joint issues, every extra pound is a disaster.
Talk to your vet about a high-quality, large-breed or medium-breed kibble. Avoid fillers like corn and soy that can trigger skin allergies, which both parent breeds are prone to. Honestly, keeping them on a strict feeding schedule—no free-feeding—is the smartest move you can make.
Is This the Right Dog for Families?
It depends. If you have toddlers who pull ears and tails, a Chow Chow and Pug mix might not be the best fit. Chows can be sensitive about their personal space. They aren't as patient as a Lab. However, if your kids are older and know how to respect a dog's boundaries, it can work.
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They are incredibly loyal. They will follow you from room to room. They just might not want to cuddle on the couch for three hours. They might prefer to sit on the floor nearby, guarding you while you watch Netflix. It’s a quiet, dignified kind of love.
Finding a Breeder vs. Rescue
Finding this specific mix is tough. You won’t find many reputable breeders focusing on this cross because it’s so unconventional. Be very careful of "backyard breeders" on sites like Craigslist. They often don't do genetic testing for things like hip dysplasia or eye issues.
Your best bet? Check Pug rescues or Chow rescues. Often, "accidental" litters end up in shelters. Sites like Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet allow you to filter by breed. You might have to look for "Chow mix" and do some digging. Adopting an adult is actually a great idea here because their personality is already set. You’ll know if they are more "aloof Chow" or "cuddly Pug" before you bring them home.
The Cost of Ownership
Owning a Chow Chow and Pug mix isn't just the initial "price" of the dog.
- Grooming: $80–$120 every 6-8 weeks if you can't handle the coat at home.
- Food: $40–$60 a month for high-quality kibble.
- Vet Care: Higher than average. You need to budget for potential eye surgeries or skin treatments.
- Insurance: Get it early. Since both parents have known issues, insurance premiums might be higher, but they’ll save you thousands if the dog develops entropion or hip issues later.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Owners
If you’re serious about bringing a Chow Chow and Pug mix into your life, don't just jump at the first puppy you see. Start by researching local veterinarians who specialize in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds; you’ll need an expert who understands their unique respiratory needs.
Next, invest in a high-quality de-shedding tool like a Furminator and a slicker brush. You’ll need to get the dog used to being handled—touch their paws, ears, and mouth daily so they don't fight you (or the groomer) later.
Finally, set up a meeting with a professional trainer who uses force-free methods. Even if you’ve had dogs before, the stubbornness of a Chow-Pug mix is a different beast. Having a plan for socialization before the dog arrives will prevent the guarding behaviors that often lead these mixes to shelters. Focus on building a bond through "work"—short tricks for treats—to bridge the gap between the Chow's independence and the Pug's need for attention.