Pug Border Terrier Dog Breed

The Pug and Border Terrier mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Pug and Border Terrier cross may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Pug-cross-Border Terrier likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Whatever the case, these good-natured, enthusiastic little hybrids make great companion pets, and are especially good for seniors or for those living in apartments.

A few facts about the Border Terrier-Pug mix: they're small-sized, averaging 12 inches at the shoulders in height and 14 pounds in weight; their coat length and texture can vary a bit, but are most often short to medium, double-layered, and somewhat wiry (and moderately shedding); and they need a lot of companionship, and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Pug x Border Terrier:

The Pug-Border Terrier mix is the offspring of two breeds that are both friendly, loyal, and energetic (and in the case of the Pug, clownish and comical to boot!). These hybrids will be fun-loving companion pets--but they'll need a lot of companionship from their human family members. Size-wise, the Pug-BT is pretty small: height at the shoulders is typically 10-14 inches, and weight generally ranges from 12 to 16 pounds.

The Pug's coat is short and smooth, and the Border Terrier's is longer and wirier--so expect these hybrid mixes to have coats somewhere in between. The Pug-BT mix's coat will be double-layered, so the undercoat will shed regularly (and more heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons). The coats come in a variety of colors, in both solid and multi-colored patterns, that include black, tan, red, wheaten, and grizzle. These hybrids can also have black facial masks like that of their Pug parents.

These dogs will also be pretty energetic, but they won't need a ton of dedicated exercise. Pug-BT mixes will fulfill a lot of their daily activity needs just running around being their playful little selves. Still, a short walk or two, plus a period of playtime, on a daily basis is a great idea for these hybrids.

Friendly, loyal, fun-loving, obedient, and sometimes stubborn and strong-willed, the Border Terrier-Pug mix temperament is one of enthusiasm and love. These hybrids will be very affectionate with family members (and if their temperaments are more Pug-like, they'll also be clownish and silly). Pub-BT mixes can get along great with kids and other pets--but they may inherit the Border Terrier's high prey drive, which means they'll instinctively chase small animals like birds or rodents. In any case, owners say, it's best if your Pug-BT mix grows up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: a Pug-BT mix is smart enough, and usually has some willingness to please--but this dog can also be a bit stubborn, and may need a few repetitions when learning commands or tasks. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a Pug-Border Terrier mix's watchdog skills are decent. While the Pug parent isn't the greatest watchdog, the Border Terrier is more confident and protective--so these hybrids' watchdog abilities are basically a mixed bag.

The Pug-Border Terrier mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, an assortment of eye issues, hypothyroidism, and various allergies. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Pug-Border Terrier mix is 12-15 years.