The Golden Retriever Pug or the Golden Pug is the cross between the two popular purebreds, Pug and Golden Retriever. Alternatively, a Golden Pug may also result from a cross between two Golden Pugs. As a result, these dogs feature a golden coat and a medium muzzle. They are calm, compliant, lively, and adaptable like their parents, making them a favorable family or companion pet. Additionally, they inherit the Golden Retriever’s vigor and Pug’s loyalty.
Table of Contents
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Pros And Cons
Pros | Cons |
Loyal and adoptable dogs | Prone to overeating and can quickly gain weight. |
Family-friendly and kid-friendly | Needs a significant amount of exercise and training |
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Basic Information
- Name: Golden Retriever Pug
- Height: 10 to 24 inches
- Weight: 14 to 75 pounds
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Flat, short to medium
- Color: Gold or shades of gold
- Energy: Medium
- Activities: Narcotics detection, agility, therapy, and service, walking and sniffing, fetch games, tug games, and free play with mental stimulation toys.
- Barking Level: Low to medium
- Shedding Level: Medium to high
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Litter Size: 4 to 7 puppies
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Another name: Golden Pug
Golden Retriever Vs. Pug: A Comparison
Features | Golden Retriever | Pug |
Image | ![]() | ![]() |
Origin | Scotland | China |
Height | Male: 23-24 inches Female: 21.5-22.5 inches | Male: 10-13 inches Female: 10-12 inches |
Weight | 55-75 pounds | 14-18 Pounds |
Size | Medium | Small |
Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group, Mastiff |
Children Compatibility | Medium to high | High |
Family Compatibility | High | High |
Pets Compatibility | Low to medium | Medium to high |
Barking Level | Medium to high | Low |
Shedding Level | Medium to high | Medium |
Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Grooming Needs | Medium to high | High |
Overall Health | Low to medium | Low |
Energy | Medium to high | Low to medium |
Exercise Needs | Medium to high | Low |
Trainability | Medium to high | Medium |
Activities | Driving cattle, cart pulling, escorts, police dogs | Walking and sniffing, fetch games, tug games, scent games, swimming, agility games, trick games, and free play with mental stimulation toys. |
Complication in breeding | Medium | High |
Litter Size | 5 to 10 puppies | 4 to 6 puppies |
Lifespan | 7 to 12 years | 13 to 15 years |
Other Names | Goldens | Lo-Sze (China), Mopsi (Finland), Doguillo (Spain), Mopshonds (Dutch), Mops (Germany), Carlin (France), Caganlino (Italy), Dutch Bulldog, Dutch Mastiff. |
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Personality
The Golden Retriever Pug or the Golden Pug is a medium-sized dog with a snout longer than a purebred Pug but no longer than a Golden Retriever. They have slightly curved tails with medium-length hair. These dogs may be single or double-coated with a distinct golden color. Since the size of the parent breeds differs profusely, Golden Pugs can range between 14 and 75 pounds. Additionally, they may grow to a minimum of 10 inches and a maximum of 24 inches.
Golden Pugs are lively, high-spirited, obedient, even-tempered, well-adjusted, and social; hence, they are friendly towards other pets, kids, and family. Additionally, they are suitable for new pet owners and adapt well to apartment life.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level | High |
Family-Friendly | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Strangers-Friendly | High |
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners | Medium to high |
Good for Apartment Living | Medium |
Sensitivity Level | Medium |
Tolerates being alone | Low |
Cold Tolerance | Low to medium |
Heat Tolerance | Low to medium |
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Temperament
Golden Retriever Pugs inherit a passionate and cordial nature from their parents. These canines are intelligent and always want to please their pet parents. As a result, they are loyal and devoted to their family. Additionally, they have a medium energy level and are alert with strangers, which qualifies them to be good watchdogs.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Training
Due to their intelligence, the Golden Retriever Pugs are easy to train. However, their shorter attention span calls for training sessions with intermittent breaks. These dogs are naturally sensitive; hence, they must be praised for their excellent work. Additionally, a positive training approach will always impact them. Engaging them through exercises eases their training process. You may enroll them at a dog’s daycare or introduce them to other people and pups to improve their socializing skills.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train | Medium to high |
Intelligence | Medium |
Prey Drive | Medium |
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite | Medium to high |
Tendency to Bark or Howl | Low to medium |
Wanderlust Ability | Low to medium |
Attention/Social Needs | High |
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Exercise Needs
The Golden Pug will have medium to high energy levels. Hence, it is vital to keep them active to avoid destructive behavior. For this purpose, you can take them on extremely long walks and hikes. However, they also shouldn’t strain much because of their genes from Pugs.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level | Medium to high |
Exercise Needs | Medium to high |
Playfulness | High |
Intensity | Low to medium |
Golden Retriever Pug Mix Grooming
The Golden Retriever Pug sheds moderately. Being flat-coated and of medium length, these pugs may be double or single-coated depending on the influence of the parental gene. However, they don’t have to be bathed much to avoid the risk of their skin drying out. Other grooming habits such as nail clipping, brushing teeth, and ear cleaning should be done regularly.
Grooming Needs Overview
Amount of Shedding | High |
Tendency to Drool | Low to medium |
Tendency to Snore | Medium to high |
Easy to Groom | Medium to high |
Golden Retriever Pug Health
A Golden Pug is prone to developing minimum health risks while cross-breeding a Pug and a Golden Retriever. This is because the Golden Pug will have an extended life span of up to 15 years at a maximum. Still, there are some health concerns they may face due to parental genes.
Health Overview
Basic Health | Low |
Weight Gain Possibilities | High |
Size | Low to medium |
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a heritable condition that occurs when the thigh bones don’t fit aptly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint.
Other Causes of Hip Dysplasia
- Injuries
- Excessive weight gain
- Wrong exercises
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
This condition can exist with or without symptoms, and some notable signs may be present on one or both rear legs. They include:
- Pain
- Lameness
Treatment
X-ray screening for hip dysplasia, medication, and hip replacement through surgeries may also be preferred. This condition, if ignored, can be life-threatening.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
As the nostrils are short, they often experience breathing difficulty. Although all Pugs suffer from breathing difficulties, some pugs are more affected than others and show various symptoms such as:
- Loud breathing and snoring
- Intolerance to exercise or heat.
- Collapse
- Gagging
- Regurgitation
- Vomiting
Treatment: Surgery is the only option available.
Allergies
Golden Pugs are prone to allergies and may develop them from environmental irritants or food.
Symptoms of an allergy include:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Constant licking
- Frequent paw licking
- Frequently rubbing their faces.
Obesity
Golden Pugs are prone to obesity as they are obsessive eaters. They inherit this character from both their parents.
Symptoms of obesity in dogs
- Lethargic and inactive
- Incapable of movement
Epilepsy
This condition is a brain disorder prevalent in both parents. It causes periodic seizures and convulsions that require a vet’s intervention to confirm its severity.
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Pug encephalitis is an inherited autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and death of the brain tissues.
Symptoms of Pug dog encephalitis
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Circling
- Appearing lost or disoriented
- Behavior changes
- Weakness, stumbling
- Blindness
- Abnormal gait
- Coma
Treatment: Unfortunately, this disorder has no cure, leading to death.
Canine cancer
Golden Pug’s parents are prone to develop canine cancer.
Symptoms of canine cancer
- Lumps and bumps underneath a dog’s skin
- Abnormal odors emanating from the mouth, ears, or any other part of the body
- Abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or rectum
- Abdominal swelling
- Non-healing wounds or sores
- Sudden and irreversible weight loss
- Changes in appetite
- Coughing or difficulty in breathing
- Lethargy or depression
- Changes in bathroom habits
- Evidence of pain
Golden Retriever Pug Diet And Nutrition
Since Golden Pugs are prone to hip Dysplasia, their diet must include the recommended levels of fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These ingredients strengthen your pet’s bones. Additionally, a diet rich in beta-carotene helps in improving your pet’s eyesight. In general, an excellent diet for your canine is a raw food diet. Avoid overfeeding your pet to prevent obesity.
Golden Retriever Pug Living Condition
Golden Retriever Pugs have medium coats, so they need protection against cold weather conditions. For this reason, you may have to keep them covered with jackets or sweaters while walking during the colder months. Similarly, they may find it challenging to adjust to hot weather. Additionally, these dogs are prone to separation anxiety; hence they shouldn’t be left alone for long.
Adding a Golden Retriever Pug To your Family
Things To Remember Before Breeding a Golden Retriever Pug
Naturally, breeding a Pug and a Golden Retriever is challenging due to the vast differences in size. As a result, the female Golden Retrievers have to be artificially inseminated from the sperms of a male Pug. Since this process can only be carried out in a laboratory, Golden Pugs are costlier.
Crossing a Pug and a Golden Retriever can have a terrifying effect on the offspring. In addition, mixed breeding may pass on the parents’ health issues to their puppies. So, when crossing a Pug and a Golden Retriever, check their lineage and health records from a responsible breeder to avoid ending up with a weak hybrid pet.
Cost of a Golden Retriever Pug
On average, a Golden Pug puppy costs around $500 to $1000. The cost entirely depends on the sex of the puppy you chose, the breeder’s location, and the show record of the parent dogs.
Check for the puppy’s parents’ health clearances before buying. Also, it is suggested to visit the breeder’s place to view the puppy’s parents and estimate how your dog may look.
Other Pug Mixes
- Chihuahua Pug mix
- Jack Russell Terrier Pug mix
- German Shepherd Pug mix
- Labrador Retriever Pug mix
- French Bulldog Pug mix
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug mix
- English Bulldog Pug mix
- Siberian Husky Pug mix
- Boston Terrier Pug mix
- Shih Tzu Pug mix
- Schnauzer Pug mix
- Pomeranian Pug mix
- Beagle Pug mix
- Dachshund Pug mix
- Pekingese Pug mix
- Corgi Pug mix
- Brussels Griffon Pug mix
- Boxer Pug mix
- Yorkshire Terrier Pug mix
- Australian Shepherd Pug mix
- American Eskimo Pug mix
- Basset Hound Pug mix
- Bichon Frise Pug mix
- Chinese Crested Pug mix
- Papillon Pug mix
- Poodle Pug mix
- Japanese Chin Pug mix
- Shar-Pei Pug mix
- Cocker Pug mix
- Corgi Pug mix
- Puggat
- Affenpug
- Pushon
Other Golden Retriever Mixes
- Border Collie Golden Retriever mix
- Siberian Husky Golden Retriever mix
- Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix
- Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix
- Yorkshire Terrier Golden Retriever mix
- Basset Hound Golden Retriever mix
- Irish Setter Golden Retriever mix
- Jack Russell Terrier Golden Retriever mix
- German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix
- Poodle Golden Retriever mix
- Old English Sheepdog Golden Retriever mix
- Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix
- Vizsla Golden Retriever mix
- Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever mix
- Beagle Golden Retriever mix
- Belgian Malinois Golden Retriever mix
- Boxer Golden Retriever mix
- Chihuahua Golden Retriever mix
- Chow Golden Retriever mix
- Corgi Golden Retriever mix
- Dachshund Golden Retriever mix
- Dalmatian Golden Retriever mix
- Doberman Golden Retriever mix
- Great Dane Golden Retriever mix
- Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix
- Saint Bernard Golden Retriever mix
- Samoyed Golden Retriever mix
- Pitbull Golden Retriever mix
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Golden Retriever mix
- Afghan Hound Golden Retriever mix
- Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix
- Bullmastiff Golden Retriever mix
- English Pointer Golden Retriever mix
- Akita Golden Retriever mix
- Weimaraner Golden Retriever mix
- Lhasa Apso Golden Retriever mix
- Airedale Terrier Golden Retriever mix
- Shar-Pei Golden Retriever mix
- Shetland Sheepdog Golden Retriever mix
- Newfoundland Golden Retriever mix
- Scottish Terrier Golden Retriever mix
- Springer Spaniel Golden Retriever mix
- English Mastiff Golden Retriever mix
- English Bulldog Golden Retriever mix
- American Bulldog Golden Retriever mix
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix
- Catahoula Leopard Dog Golden Retriever mix
- Shih Tzu Golden Retriever mix
- Blue Heeler Golden Retriever mix
- Pug Golden Retriever mix
- Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever mix
- Greyhound Golden Retriever mix
- Shiba Inu Golden Retriever mix
- Maltese Golden Retriever mix
- Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix
- Anatolian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix
- Schnauzer Golden Retriever mix
Golden Retriever Pug Videos
Jeff Shurtleff and his Pug golden retriever mix are ready for Hollywood.
Jeff Shurtleff and Hutch Half pug, half golden retriever