Two super popular family dogs come together to create the Pug Dachshund Mix, the Daug or Pugsund; this mix is one of the latest designer dog breeds to become available from breeders. Maybe you’re looking for a fur baby addition to your family and are contemplating a Pug or Dachshund.
The only problem is you can’t seem to get the whole family on board with one or the other; the Pug Dachshund Mix could be the ideal solution. Designer dog breeds bring together two purebred dogs to produce puppies that possess both parent dogs’ best features and traits.
There are no guarantees when you breed dogs this way because there are so many variables breeders have no control over. But suppose you start with two hugely popular dogs with attractive appearances and excellent temperaments, such as the Pug Dachshund Mix. In that case, you are very likely to produce some pretty amazing puppies.
Naturally, there’s a lot more to the Pug Dachshund mix than their good looks and personality, and that’s what this article will discuss. If you like the sound of bringing a Daug home, or you’re just curious to learn more, you’re definitely in the right place. We’re going to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of this fascinating little crossbreed dog.
Pug Dachshund Mix
1. The Dachshund And Pug Mix Origins
As we mentioned, the Daug is a pretty recent crossbreed, so there’s barely been any time for the dog to create any history. But not to worry, the best place to start with any designer breed is to look at the past and ancestry of the two parent breeds. We can tell a great deal from the parents’ history and their descendants.
Pug History
Dog historians agree that Pugs originated in China, and they go back as far as 400 B.C. Pugs were highly valued companions to the Chinese Emperors, guarded and pampered in luxury. It was against the law to own a Pug unless given as a gift by royalty. The Chinese Emperor gifted Pugs to European traders in the 16th century, and the dog become just as popular to European royalty.
In 1688 William of Orange took his Pugs to England when he took the English Crown. It’s possible owners bred the Pug to the old King Charles Spaniel, which gave today’s King Charles Spaniel some of the Pug’s features. Pugs rapidly became famous all over Europe and can be seen in many painter’s works during this time.
By the 19th century, Queen Victoria had at least five Pugs herself. Many other members of the British Royal family were also fond of Pugs. The Pug made his way to America during this time, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. The Pug is still incredibly popular worldwide and is the 12th most popular dog breed in the United States.
Dachshund History
The original German Dachshunds were larger than today’s version and weighed up to 40 pounds; they also had longer legs. There’s some debate whether breeders created the Dachshund specifically for crawling into badgers lairs; some say the dog was a working dog from the 15th century, while other sources claim Dachshunds are a creation from the 18th or 19th century.
One thing that’s not disputed is Dachshunds were used to exterminate badgers. Hunters also employed Dachshunds to hunt rabbits, foxes, and wounded deer. Dachshunds are the perfect design to chase badgers into their lairs, the longer than average body length, wide paddle-shaped paws for digging, ears that could keep dirt from entering the ear canal, and an upward curving tail. The tail was handy if the Dachshund became stuck; the hunter could drag the dog from the burrow by the tail.
Although the exact origins of the Dachshund are not known, what historians are sure of is the smooth-haired Dachshund came first. Smooth-haired Dachshunds are said to be a cross between the German Shorthaired Pinscher and a Bracke (a type of Bloodhound), or Dachshunds could be a cross between a short Bruno Jura Hound and a Pinscher.
Even the existence of the long-haired Dachshund is a bit of a mystery. One argument states that long-haired Dachshunds are the result of selective breeding. Choosing slightly longer-haired puppies from regular litters and breeding them with longer-haired puppies eventually produced the long-haired Dachshund. The other side of the argument claims that smooth-haired Dachshunds were bred with small spaniels, thus producing long-haired Dachshunds.
The wire-haired Dachshund didn’t appear until the late 19th century. These Dachshund varieties are probably the result of crossbreeding the smooth-haired Dachshund with coarse-haired terriers. The crossbreeding theory between different Dachshund types is probably why each Dachshund type has a slightly different personality. Today everyone knows a Dachshund when they see one, and they are wildly popular dogs worldwide. At present, they are number 12 of the 200 most popular dogs in America.
2. Pros And Cons Of Dachshund Pug Mix
Pros Of The Dachshund Pug Mix
The Pug Dachshund mix will inherit the main traits of their parent’s personality. This will mean they are intelligent, fiercely loyal, affectionate, and a bit of a clown if they get a little more of the Pug genes. Daugs are companion dogs, first and foremost, ever ready for a snuggle; they have some serious personality and can be particularly mischievous. Dachshunds are renowned as feisty little dogs, so while the Daug will be every bit the lapdog you hope for, don’t discount the determined nature of your Dachshund Pug mix.
Daugs are ever ready for some lap time and cuddles; however, any stray animals, squirrels, for example, that stray into their eye-line they will be up and giving the unfortunate animal what for. Neither the Pug nor Dachshund are at the front of the line when it comes to obedience; the Daug will at least offer the pretense of doing what you want them to, eventually.
Cons Of The Dachshund Pug Mix
Crossbreeding dogs such as Pugs often get a bad rep because of the brachycephalic nature of Pugs. In the Dachshund case, it’s taking another dog breed with specific health problems of their own and adding to their health concerns. There is a pretty significant movement by veterinary health specialists condemning the breeding of more and more short-faced or brachycephalic dogs.
If you choose the Pug Dachshund mix, you’ll have to prepare yourself and learn how to manage the health risks associated with short-faced dogs.
3. Pug Dachshund Mix Temperament
Figuring out what the Daugs temperament is likely to be is going to be difficult. Mainly because you have no idea which parent’s genes will be the strongest. This is where the breeder you choose can be helpful. Of course, the breeder will know the parent dogs exceptionally well, and they can give you a blow-by-blow account of the parents’ personalities. That’s if you have chosen a reputable and professional breeder. If not, I would suggest you find another breeder urgently.
If you’re fortunate, you’ll get a puppy that is the combination of both parents. That’s the snuggle bunny and lapdog personality of the Pug and the feisty, take no prisoners, character of the Dachshund. Please make no mistake, Pugs and Dachshunds are both stubborn and determined dogs and prefer to do things their way, not yours. Don’t forget Dachshunds possess a high prey drive and can smell a scent that’s a week old, so unless you have the training down, you might be well advised to keep your Pug Dachshund mix on a leash.
Leaving the Daug alone for long periods won’t work well because Pugs and Dachshunds can suffer separation anxiety. We would also advise taking your puppy to obedience classes and starting to socialize them early. Early socialization always helps create a more well-mannered and calmer dog.
4. Pug Dachshund Mix Exercise
Pug Dachshund mixes are small dogs, so they are going to need a moderate amount of exercise. If your pug Dachshund mix inherits the Pug’s features, they will have a relatively flat face, in which case take care not to over-exercise them, especially in hot weather.
Pugs are more watchers than doers, whereas a Dachshund is a busy bee and likes nothing more than investigating, and they need a reasonable level of physical activity. You must make sure your Pug Dachshund mix exercises, especially if they take after the Pug parent. Dachshunds and Pugs are prone to being overweight, so any type of exercise is helpful.
It would be best to prepare your time to allow at least an hour each day, split between a few walks around the neighborhood. As we said, don’t over-exert your Dachshund and Pug mix if their features lean more towards the flat face of the Pug.
Final Thoughts – Pug Dachshund Mix
The Pug Dachshund mix is a great little dog for families, singles, seniors, and apartment dwellers. Even if you’re a first-time dog owner, you should train and socialize a Pug Weiner dog mix by yourself, with no problems. Remember only to use positive training, high praise, and treats because the dog is pretty sensitive to any harsh voice or impatience.
There can be some health issues with this mix. The Dachshund has ongoing back problems, and the Pug is brachycephalic. So it would help if you considered these factors before you bring one home. Should you fall in love with the Pug Dachshund mix and you’re determined to get one, I suggest you at least try to find a breeder with puppies with a longer muzzle to try and reduce the flat face health problems.
