German Shepherd Pug Mix is a cross between Pug and German Shepherd. They are known for their intelligence, obedience, and trainability. German Shepherd Pug Mixes make great family pets and are often used in law enforcement and military roles.
German Shepherd Pug Mix is an intelligent animal that can be trained to do many things, such as responding to commands, being good like watchdogs, and providing protection. Although it is not an efficient watchdog, the Pug-mix is cheerful, happy, and friendly, getting along well with strangers and greeting them happily. This trait is inherited from its Pug parent.
A male Pug is always crossed with a female German Shepherd due to their varying sizes to get healthy pups. Breeding a male German Shepherd and a female Pug can risk the puppy’s health.
Table of Contents
German Shepherd Pug Mix Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Active | Hard to train |
| Intelligent | Prone to barking and chewing. |
| Family-oriented breed | Need plenty of exercises. |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Basic Information
- Name: German Shepherd Pug
- Height: 10 to 16 inches
- Weight: 45 to 50 pounds
- Coat: Straight, short, or even wiry
- Color: Black, brown, tan, cream, brindle, caramel.
- Energy: High
- Activities: Agility, herding, companion dogs, guard dogs, military dogs, walking and sniffing, fetch games, tug games, scent games, and swimming.
- Group: Mixed breed
- Barking Level: Medium to high
- Shedding Level: Low
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Litter size: 3 – 12 puppies
- Life span: 12 – 15 years
- Other names: Shug
- Breed Recognition: American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. ( DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
German Shepherd Vs. Pug: A Comparison
| Features | German Shepherd | Pug |
| Image |  |  |
| Origin | Germany | China |
| Height | 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) | 10 – 13 inches |
| Weight | 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female) | 14 – 18 pounds |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Group | Herding | Toy group |
| Family compatibility | High | High |
| Children compatibility | Medium | High |
| Pet compatibility | High | Medium to high |
| Barking level | Low to medium | Low to medium |
| Shedding level | Low to medium | High |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Grooming needs | Medium | High |
| Overall health | Medium to high | Low |
| Energy | High | Low to medium |
| Exercise needs | High | Low |
| Trainability | Medium to high | Medium |
| Activities | Agility, herding, companion dogs, guard dogs, military dogs | Walking and Sniffing, Fetch Games, Tug Games, Scent games, Swimming, Agility Games, Trick games, Free play with mental stimulation toys. |
| Complications in breeding | No | High |
| Litter size | 6 – 10 puppies | 4 – 6 puppies |
| Life span | 12 – 14 years | 13 – 15 years |
| Other names | Alsatian Wolf Dog, Berger Allemand and Deutscher Schäferhund | Lo-Sze (China), Mopsi (Finland), Doguillo (Spain), Mopshonds (Dutch), Mops (Germany), Carlin (France), Caganlino (Italy), Dutch Bulldog, Dutch Mastiff. |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Personality
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are typically very active, friendly, playful, and energetic. They are great family pets and make great friends with other dogs and cats. German Shepherd Pug Mixes are also very protective of their families. Their parent German Shepherds are known for their intense bark, which warns of potential threats. Hence, German Shepherd Pugs may bark if they see anyone or anything they believe is a threat.
German Shepherd Pug Mix is a medium-sized dog, typically around 10 to 16 inches tall and about 45 to 50 pounds. They are the perfect blend between their parent’s size differences. Shugs may have two different eye colors. For example, it can be either hazel or brown, noses are black, and their hair can come in black, brindle, cream, fawn, and caramel shades. They have black muzzles and curly tails, which adds a natural charm. They may have floppy ears like the Pug or erect ears like the German Shepherd parent.
Shugs are known for their outgoing personalities and are great with other pets. They are also known to be loyal and protective of their families.
Friendliness Overview
| Affection level | High |
| Family-friendly | High |
| Kid-friendly | High |
| Pet-friendly | Medium to high |
| Stranger-friendly | Medium |
Adaptability Overview
| Good for apartment living | Medium |
| Good to new owners | Medium to high |
| Sensitivity | Medium |
| Tolerates being alone | Medium to high |
| Heat-tolerance | Medium |
| Cold-tolerance | Medium to high |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Temperament
German Shepherds are naturally aggressive toward strangers. Additionally, this breed tends to display mild aggression, especially when protecting its owners.
Pug and German Shepherd Mix is generally amiable and loving. They are great with children and other pets and are usually very docile. They can be a little stubborn at times, but this is generally due to their strong-willed nature.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Training
German Shepherd Pug Mixes make great pets because they have the intelligence and obedience of a German Shepherd, the cuddliness of a Pug, and the athleticism of the crossbreed. In addition, they are typically easy to train and make great companions.
German Shepherd mix with Pug is easy to train and make great companions. They are known for their intelligence and obedience, making excellent choices for families or individuals looking for loyal and friendly dogs.
List of training for the German Shepherd Pug Mix:
- Basic obedience training.
- Obedience to commands in different environments.
- Socialization and obedience with other dogs.
- Training for specific tasks, such as housebreaking or retrieving.
- A training program for aggression or protection.
Trainability Overview
| Easy to train | Medium to high |
| Intelligence | High |
| Prey drive | Medium |
| Mouthiness tendencies | Medium |
| Barking and Howling tendencies | Medium to high |
| Wanderlust tendencies | Medium to high |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Exercise
The German Shepherd Pug Mix is known for its intelligence and energy. These dogs make great family pets and are also perfect for active people. They are bred to have a strong hunting instinct and love playing fetch or running around. German Shepherd Pug Mixes need plenty of exercise and should be given a lot of room to run and play.
German Shepherd Pug Mixes should be given plenty of activities to keep them mentally and physically active. These exercises include playing fetch, going for walks, and playing games together.
German Shepherd Pugs also enjoy playing games together, such as tug of war and hide and seek, which helps prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. In addition, German Shepherd Pug Mix should walk 45 minutes a day to stay healthy.
If they seem to be experiencing difficulty breathing or joint pain on their walks, try taking them for shorter walks more often. Just 20 minutes twice a day should be sufficient. However, if your dog has serious difficulty breathing during walks, make sure to take them to a veterinarian.
Exercise Needs Overview
| Energy levels | High |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Intensity | Medium to high |
| Playfulness | High |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Grooming
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are often considered one of the easiest dog breeds to groom. The reason is that their coats are short and dense, making them easy to brush and clean. However, German Shepherd Pug Mixes require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy like all dog breeds.
You should brush their hair regularly to remove dirt and tangles and trim any excess hair. Additionally, German Shepherd Pug Mixes need to be exercised regularly to stay healthy and happy. If your dog isn’t getting the exercise they need, their coat will start to suffer.
The German Shepherd Pug Mix’s coats are usually medium length, so they need to be groomed about once a week. If their coat is thick, they may need to be groomed twice a week or only require it once or twice a month.
Other grooming requirements include:
- Brush their teeth to avoid periodontal diseases, tartar buildup, and bad breath.
- Clean their ears and eyes.
- Trim the nails.
Grooming Overview
| Easy to groom | Medium to high |
| Drooling tendencies | Medium |
| Amount of shedding | Low to medium |
German Shepherd Pug Mix Health
As with any mixed breed, the health of a German Shepherd Pug Mix is not guaranteed. However, given that these animals are typically bred for companionship and not for performance in specific activities, they are generally considered relatively healthy.
Health Overview
| General health | Low to medium |
| Weight gain possibilities | Medium |
| Size | Medium |
German Shepherd Pugs’ size and energy level also make them more prone to health problems, such as obesity, bloating, joint issues, allergies, and BOAS syndrome.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
If the Shug Dog receives flat-faced traits from their Pug parent, they are brachycephalic and susceptible to the brachycephalic condition. In addition, since they have shorter snouts, this disease creates breathing difficulties.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. The cartilage and bones in the dog’s hip start to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.
Elbow Dysplasia
This disorder occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t fit appropriately. This condition generates abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and painful osteoarthritis. Symptoms include:
- Mild to moderate pain
- Lameness in the forelimbs
Entropion
Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward, irritating the eyeball from eyelashes rubbing on the surface. In critical cases, entropion can cause a corneal ulcer. The treatment for this disease is surgical.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls outward, causing irritation, dryness, and damage to the eyeball and conjunctiva (the tissues surrounding the eye). The treatment for this disease is surgical.
Obesity
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are prone to obesity, just like any dog breed. Obesity can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd Pug Mix’s weight, talk to your vet about how to help your dog stay healthy.
Bloating
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are also prone to bloating. Their stomachs can’t keep up because they are so big and have so much energy. As a result, they can get stomach aches and even gastroenteritis. If you’re noticing your dog bloating a lot, talk to your vet about what you can do to help them stay healthy.
Joint Problems
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are also prone to joint problems. This is because they were bred to be working dogs. So, their bodies are designed to move a lot. However, if they do not get enough exercise, their joints can wear down.
BOAS syndrome
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are also prone to BOAS syndrome, an allergic reaction. BOAS syndrome can cause your dog to have hives, an itchy skin rash, and even anaphylactic shock. If you’re noticing any changes in your dog’s behavior or health that you think may be related to BOAS syndrome, it is better to consult your vet.
Allergies
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are also prone to allergies. Their ancestry is mixed, which means they have a mixture of breeds in their genes. As a result, their bodies may react differently to certain things, such as pollen and other allergens. If your dog is constantly itchy or has other signs of allergies, it is best to consult your vet about what you can do to help them.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Diet and Nutrition
German Shepherd Pug mixes have a diet based on moderation. Their diet involves a variety of foods, but they will not overeat, and they should also have access to fresh water at all times. Your Shug needs 2 cups of dry food every day. However, remember that the food quantity depends on the dog’s size and age.
German Shepherd Pugs should have a diet that consists of approximately 55% to 60% of their diet coming from carbohydrates, 20% to 25% from proteins, and 5% to 10% from fats. This diet is designed to provide the dog with the nutrients it needs while keeping its weight in check.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Living Condition
German Shepherd Pug Mixes are typically very friendly and playful, but they should be supervised when not on a leash. They make good family dogs but should be socialized to avoid any potential aggression from a young age. German Shepherd Pug Mixes can live in an apartment or house but should be exercised regularly.
German Shepherd Pug Mixes can be a great addition to any family, as they are intelligent and loyal animals. They are usually very active and playful, making them great companions. You can keep German Shepherd Pug Mixes with other dogs and pets, as they can get along well with them easily. They should also be kept on a leash when outside, as they can be aggressive with other animals.
Adding German Shepherd Pug Mix to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a German Shepherd Pug Mix to your family
Adding a German Shepherd Pug Mix to your family can be a great addition. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind before you do.
First, make sure you have enough space for them. German Shepherds are large dogs, and Pugs are not always physically robust. Second, be prepared for some severe energy levels. Since these dogs were bred as working dogs, they are always up for a good fetch or run game.
Finally, be sure to socialize your new pup as much as possible. German Shepherds are amiable dogs, but they can develop destructive behaviors if they don’t get enough socialization.
Cost of a German Shepherd Pug Mix Puppy
German Shepherd Pug Mix puppies may cost from $500 to $2000. Remember to buy from a reputable breeder.
German Shepherd Pug Mix Photos
German Shepherd Pug Mix Videos
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Other German Shepherd Mixes
- Airedale Shepherd
- Akita Shepherd
- Alaskan Shepherd
- American Bulldog Shepherd
- German Anatolian Shepherd
- Cattle Shepherd
- German Australian Shepherd
- Basset Shepherd
- Beagle Shepherd
- German Malinois
- Euro Mountain Sheparnese
- Boxer Shepherd
- Bullmastiff Shepherd
- Chow Shepherd
- Shollie
- Corman Shepherd
- Doberman Shepherd
- Spanierd
- Frenchie Shepherd
- Dane Shepherd
- Germanees
- Greyhound Shepherd
- Golden Shepherd
- German Sheprador
- Sheptese
- Mastiff Shepherd
- Min Pin Shepherd
- Native American Village Dog
- New Shep
- Patterdale Shepherd
- Shepherd Pit
- Redbone Shepherd
- Rhodesian Shepherd
- Rottie Shepherd
- Saint Shepherd
- Shepherd Pei
- Sheltie Shepherd
- Gerberian Shepsky
- Shepadoodle
- Weimshepherd
- German Yorkie Shepherd
Other Pug Mixes
- Chug
- Jug
- Pugador
- Frug or Frenchie Pug
- Pugalier
- Bullpug
- Pugsky
- Bugg
- Pug Tzu
- Schnug
- Pom-A-Pug
- Puggle
- Daug
- Puginese
- Porgi
- Pugg Griffon
- Poxer
- Pugshire
- Australian Shepug
- Pug-A-Mo
- Bassug
- Pushon
- Pugese
- Pugillon
- Pugapoo
- Japug
- Ori Pei
