Puggit
Italian Pughund
The Puggit is a carefully crafted designer breed, resulting from the intentional crossbreeding of two cherished companion animals historically adored by royalty: the Pug and the Italian Greyhound. This loving and spirited dog carries an air of elegance, although it can sometimes display signs of anxiety and destructive behavior. To ensure a joyful and well-adjusted temperament, regular and gentle socialization and training are crucial. Although their short coat requires minimal upkeep and comes in various colors, it does make them more susceptible to extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, than many other breeds.
Breed Origin
The Puggit is a carefully crafted mix of the Pug and the Italian Greyhound, both of which are ancient breeds that have been cherished by royalty for centuries, if not longer. The Italian Greyhound, a type of miniature Greyhound, has been featured in Mediterranean artwork for thousands of years. As these small dogs spread throughout southern Europe, they became particularly beloved by the Italian aristocracy, forming a strong association with the nobility. In the 1800s, breeders focused on making these already small dogs even smaller, which unfortunately resulted in a decline in their health and temperament. However, by the end of the century, passionate breeders managed to restore the breed through careful and responsible breeding practices that prioritized the dogs' health and physical structure. The Pug, another ancient breed, originated in China, where it was treasured as a companion by the royal families of the Shang dynasty, which ruled from approximately 1600 to 1046 BC. The Chinese elite held these small dogs in such high regard that they often presented them as gifts to visiting dignitaries and foreign royalty, aiding in their global spread. Throughout history, both breeds have been immortalized in portraits of nobility. Notable examples include 18th-century Russian paintings featuring Princess Ekaterina Dmitrievna Golitsyna with her Pug and Catherine II, Empress of Russia, with her Italian Greyhound. Additionally, many photographs showcase Queen Victoria with her cherished Pugs and her great-granddaughter, Princess Mary, with her Italian Greyhound. The Pug was one of the first 15 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, followed by the Italian Greyhound's recognition in 1886.
Breed Appearance
This small companion dog showcases a unique combination of traits inherited from its parent breeds, despite their notable physical differences. The Italian Greyhound, a descendant of the Greyhound, is built for speed, featuring long legs, a slender, aerodynamic body, and a long, tapered muzzle. On the other hand, the Pug presents a sturdier, more compact build with a short, square muzzle. The Puggit hybrid typically reflects a harmonious mix of these features, resulting in a physique that promotes better mobility than the Pug while reducing the fragility often seen in the Italian Greyhound. Its head is usually of moderate size, with a muzzle that can range from slightly shorter to slightly longer than average, often tapering gently. This breed is distinguished by its large, round eyes and ears that vary from small to medium-sized, which may either lie close to the head or stand semi-erect, folding back at the sides. Furthermore, this crossbreed has a low-maintenance, soft, single-layer coat that frequently exhibits a glossy sheen.
Care Routine
This dog requires minimal grooming. A bath is needed only every few months, and a quick weekly brushing with a slicker brush or grooming glove can be completed in just a few minutes. Given that both parent breeds are prone to dental problems, it's essential to start a consistent dental care routine for the Puggit early on. Furthermore, during brushing, it's vital to check the skin for any signs of swelling or redness and to ensure the ears remain clean and dry, as these dogs may be more vulnerable to allergies and skin issues compared to others.
Behavior & Temperament
The combination of the cheerful Pug and the comfort-loving Italian Greyhound results in a charming dog that showcases both elegance and playfulness, often revealing a humorous personality. This mixed breed is generally quite tolerant of children and tends to be more composed than the Italian Greyhound. However, it is important to supervise their interactions, as this small and sometimes fragile dog requires protection for both itself and the child. With adequate socialization, the Puggit can get along well with other cats and dogs, although the Italian Greyhound's strong instinct to chase may lead it to pursue small, fast-moving animals if given the chance. These dogs thrive on gentle and consistent training, but they can be sensitive to harsh discipline and may exhibit stubbornness at times. It’s vital to avoid indulging them too much, as this can result in clinginess, over-dependence, and even a tendency to be domineering. While the Pug usually maintains a calm demeanor at home, the Puggit may inherit sudden bursts of energy and a heightened prey drive from the Italian Greyhound, occasionally causing it to sprint around the house without any apparent reason. Fortunately, these energetic moments are typically short-lived and are often followed by long, restful naps in their favorite cozy spots.
Play & Exercise
The Puggit, a crossbreed of the Italian Greyhound and the Pug, generally displays a more relaxed energy level than its Italian Greyhound ancestor. This hybrid typically requires about 45 minutes of vigorous exercise, which can be broken into shorter intervals throughout the day. However, those that take after the Italian Greyhound may desire up to an hour of physical activity. Due to their short, single-layer coat, Puggits are more susceptible to extreme weather conditions, making it essential to consider the temperature when exercising them outdoors. In addition to enjoying park walks and games of fetch, some Puggits may excel in activities such as competitive frisbee or agility training. Their compact size and gentle nature make them well-suited for apartment living, but because of their size and strong prey drive, they should never be left unsupervised outside, even in a securely fenced area.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
45 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
13 lbs (6 kg)Male: 13 lbs (6 kg) , Female: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Height
13 inches (33 sm)Male: 13 inches (33 sm) , Female: 13 inches (33 sm)
6 Months
9 lbs ( m 9 lbs, f 9 lbs )
11 inches ( m 11 inches, f 11 inches )
12 Months
13 lbs ( m 13 lbs, f 13 lbs )
12 inches ( m 12 inches, f 12 inches )
18 Months
13 lbs ( m 13 lbs, f 13 lbs )
12 inches ( m 12 inches, f 12 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Black
Fawn
Blue
Cream
Red
Sable
White
Brindle
Brown
