You will want to take a Bugg home once you look at those cute, round, almond-shaped eyes that show their affectionate and loyal nature. The adorable Bugg is a mixed-breed dog, developed from crossing between a Pug and a Boston Terrier.
Inheriting the best traits from both parents, a Bugg appears to be an intelligent, spunky, and affectionate dog. They have a rounded head, short muzzle with a blunt nose, tiny legs, and a straight tail.
Buggs are excellent apartment dogs due to their short stature and lovable temperament. Moreover, while this crossbreed dog doesn’t need much care, they are perfect even for first-time pet owners.
This article covers all essential details of Buggs, like their appearance, nature, key traits, and caring needs. If you want to add this funky, silly canine buddy to your family, continue reading below!
Bugg (Boston Terrier X Pug): History
The Buggs may have been naturally around for many years. But designer breeders are known to intentionally cross between Pugs and Boston Terriers in the late 1980s, probably in North America.
You can get a good idea of the personality and nature of a Bugg by knowing the origin stories of the parent breeds – the Boston Terrier and the Pug.
The Boston Terrier is believed to be a cross between the White English Terrier and the Bulldog, originating in the United States. They were initially known as the “Bull Terrier” but finally got recognized as “Boston Terrier” in 1889. They are famous for their cheerful and friendly nature.
Although Pugs originated in China, Portuguese traders brought these fun-loving dogs to Holland in the 16th century. Their popularity soon increased in royal courts and among the English royalty in 1689.
However, the Pugs finally got recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1889. Since then, their popularity increased worldwide, primarily because of their adorable personality and small size.
Designer breeders wanted to develop a dog breed incorporating the desirable traits of the Pug and the Boston Terrier. They ended up with the Bugg, an affectionate, happy-going companion dog with a big heart and personality.
Bugg (Boston Terrier X Pug): Key Characteristic
Only a few dog breeds are as playful, friendly, and adorable as the Buggs. They are affectionate, intelligent, and playful, just like the Pug and the Boston Terrier.
The Buggs mostly come in one solid colour with blemishes of another hue. For example, you may find a white Bugg with brown patches in some areas or a tan Bugg with a black muzzle and ears. Some can be multi-coloured or exhibit the Boston Terrier’s classic coat pattern.
Let’s know the characteristic traits of a Bugg:
| Height: | 14 to 18 inches |
| Weight: | 10 to 25 pounds |
| Coat colours: | White, brown, black, tan or brindle |
| Coat type: | Short, dense and straight |
| Eye colors: | Brown or blue |
| Temperament: | Playful, affectionate, intelligent, loyal, devoted and spunky |
| Life expectancy: | 10 to 15 years |
| Ideal for: | Apartment owners, first-time dog owners, and single to joint families. |
1. Appearance
The body shape of a Bugg will remind you of the Pug. They possess a tiny stature naturally expected from a perfect mix of two compact breeds, the Pug and the Boston Terrier.
However, that tiny stature boasts a shiny coat that can come in shades like black, white, brown, tan, or a mix of two colours. Some Buggs can even take over the signature tuxedo of the Boston Terrier. Their coats are usually short and can shed a bit.
The Buggs have a dark face, big bulging eyes, and floppy ears. Overall, the appearance is adorable, playful, and a bit giddy, bringing a smile to your face.
Buggs typically weigh 10 to 25 pounds and stand 14 to 18 inches tall.
2. Temperament
As a Bugg owner, you will love exploring many personality traits that make them an adorable and excellent family dog. The Buggs inherit the cuddly and energetic nature of the Pug and the clownish or giddy personality of the Boston Terrier. They are affectionate, playful, happy-going, and loyal.
Your Bugg will love to spend maximum time with you, getting your cuddle or sleeping on your lap. So make sure that you have the time to give your canine buddy much attention. The Buggs are equally tender and friendly towards children and other pets.
However, this mixed-breed dog can often get territorial and noisy. But you can deal with these traits efficiently with early training and socialization.
Buggs are often described as slightly goofy. They love to indulge in playing sessions at any point in time and to get into a lap for cuddles. While they always want attention, Buggs are vulnerable to separation anxiety.
This intelligent, devoted, and friendly dog can live in any household with kids and other pets.
3. Exercise & Training
Although highly energetic, Buggs don’t need much exercise. They are innately playful and meet their activity needs almost from playing or running around. So a daily short walk will suffice.
On the other hand, Buggs are easier to train because of their intelligence. However, owners should start positive reinforcement training early because your buddy can develop a stubborn or aggressive streak.
4. Health
Like other hybrid dogs, Buggs is also prone to some health issues similar to the Boston Terrier and the Pug. For example –
The Buggs are brachycephalic like both parents, characterized by flat faces and protruding eyes.
Although a popular look, brachycephalic dogs can suffer from severe health conditions like brachycephalic airway syndrome. It includes several risks like extended nasopharyngeal turbinates, stenotic nares, hypoplastic trachea, and many others, leading to difficulty breathing.
Other severe and minor health conditions that a Bugg can be prone to include –
Serious Conditions
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Brachycephalic ocular syndrome
- Proptosis
Minor Conditions
- Obesity
- Deafness
- Cataracts
- Cherry eyes
- Meningitis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Hydrocephalus
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Cleft palate
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
5. Dietary Needs
You can give your Bugg buddy a dry food mix specially formulated for smaller dogs. However, you should keep a check on their food intake because they tend to overeat and become obese.
Treats work excellently during training or appreciation, but you must limit the amount.
It’s always recommended to consult your vet regarding the foods and quantity your dog should eat throughout the day.
6. Grooming
Buggs come with short, shiny coats. While they are moderate shedders, you won’t have to spend much time cleaning the coat. Brushing once weekly is usually enough to keep dead hairs away from the coat.
Apart from this, you have to trim their nails once or twice a month. Also, the ears should be regularly checked for pests or debris and cleaned as your vet recommends. During winter, you may have to apply sunscreen to the nose, ears, and other sensitive areas with less fur.
Finally, it would help if you brushed your Bugg’s teeth daily because they are vulnerable to dental problems.
Buggs are relatively easy to care for and won’t need too much maintenance.
FAQ’s
Are Buggs Good Family Dogs?
Buggs are great family dogs. They are outgoing, fun-loving, tender, and loyal. They love to be around their owners, enjoy their cuddles on laps, and play with them.
They love the attention of their family members. On top of that, Buggs are equally great with small children and other pets, making them perfect for every family.
Do Buggs bark excessively?
Buggs can bark a lot if not properly trained and socialized. They tend to be aggressive or stubborn, so early socialization and training are necessary.
How long can Buggs live?
Buggs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
Final Thoughts
Buggs are intelligent, loving, playful, low-maintenance dogs, perfect for almost all families. They always have the energy to play around and get some cuddles from their owners. Although they tend to bond with one person, the Buggs love everyone in the family.
Early training and socialization are essential for them. Otherwise, Buggs can develop a stubborn or territorial streak.
A Bugg can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. However, you can leave them with some dog toys or treats to keep them engaged in your absence.
Overall, this Pug and Boston Terrier mix is the epitome of cuteness that anyone would love to add to their family.