Appearance of the Pugapoo
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A hybrid dog inherits a mixture of genes from either parent. Each puppy's characteristics are inherited according to the laws of genetic probability, and even within the same litter, puppies can be very different. The future pet parent of a Pugapoo will find the litter made up of dogs, ranging from the long nose and curly coat of the Poodle to the flat, fawn coloration of the Pug. In reality, however, the majority of Pugapoo puppies are a mix of both traits. A Pugapoo is most likely to have a slightly elongated nose and floppy ears. Their coat texture can range from smooth to curly. Indeed, if they have a curly coat, trimming may be necessary, while a shorter or smoother coat requires regular brushing. Coat colors range from fawn with a black mask to black, apricot or even white. The physique of a stocky Pug and an athletic Poodle is very different, and again, the Pugapoo reflects this. Midway, a Pugapoo is likely to be small in stature with a reasonable leg length and a slim to stocky body. A fascinating feature is their tail, which can be the classic curly doughnut of the Pug resting on their rump, or the straight, wagging whip of the Poodle. |
Temperament of the Pugapoo
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It's hard to fault the Pug or Poodle temperament. Both are loving and loyal, and delightful characters to boot. Arguably, the Poodle has more intelligence than the Pug, but as a reward, the Pug has added the cuteness factor. Fortunately, the Pugapoo is a happy dog who likes to be around people. What can also be said is that they're bright dogs who like to know what's going on. A bored Pugapoo will create its own entertainment, which includes chewing, digging or barking. Indeed, these little dogs can have a big voice, which the neighbors won't appreciate. Be prepared to give a Pugapoo plenty of exercise and attention to avoid nuisance barking. In terms of suitability for being with other pets and children, the Pugapoo ticks both boxes. However, be aware that the Pugapoo's small size makes them physically vulnerable if children get too agitated. So it's best to wait until the children are older and know how to behave properly with a small dog. |
Needs and activities of the Pugapoo
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The Pugapoo is a fairly active dog. He'll enjoy short, brisk walks around the neighborhood with you, as well as trips to the dog park. Again, he needs mental stimulation as well as physical activity. At the very least, your Pugapoo will need at least 45 minutes of playtime a day. When he's younger, he may need an hour to an hour and a half of activity time. As he may be brachycephalic, you should be encouraged to reduce activity time to smaller amounts. Brachycephalic syndrome is caused by a short muzzle and can have adverse effects on the affected dog's breathing. Never allow your Pugapoo to become overexcited and avoid overheating. Keep a bottle of water handy when exercising your dog. You may need to give him water and allow him to cool down a little in very hot weather. |
Maintenance of the Pugapoo
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The Pugapoo generally doesn't require much maintenance, but exactly how much grooming he needs depends on the type of coat he inherits. If he inherits the short, straight coat of his Carlin parent, grooming will be a breeze. A weekly brushing, simply to remove dead hairs, is all he would need to keep his coat healthy. If he inherits the longer hair of his Poodle parent, whether his coat is straight or curly, he'll need a little more time for maintenance. Bathe him once every three to six weeks if he has longer hair. If he inherits the short coat, bathe him only when necessary. The natural oils in his coat will keep it shiny and healthy. Brush his teeth two or three times a week to prevent bad breath and tartar build-up. To prevent tooth decay, however, brush her teeth every day. Cut her nails every two or three weeks. |