The Bugg is a mixed breed dog that results from crossing a Boston Terrier with a Pug. Over the last few decades, these Boston Terrier/Pug mixes have surged in popularity thanks to their small size, affectionate personalities, and distinctive wrinkled faces.
As with any Boston Terrier mixed breed, Buggs can exhibit a range of traits inherited from their parent breeds. While Buggs make loyal and lively companions, there are some important factors potential owners should research before bringing one home.
In this article, we will cover the key things you need to know about Buggs. We will explore their origin and history, typical size and appearance, common personality traits, potential health issues, exercise requirements, grooming needs, and suitability as family pets.
Whether you already share your life with a Boston Terrier Pug mix or are considering adopting one, this guide will provide useful insights into caring for and living happily with these spunky little mixed breed dogs. Keep reading to learn more about what makes the unique Bugg breed tick.
- Origin and History
- Size and Appearance
- Personality and Temperament
- Health and Lifespan
- Exercise Needs
- Grooming Needs
- Suitability as Family Pets
Origin and History
The Bugg is one of many popular “designer dog” hybrids that have emerged in the last couple of decades. As their name implies, Buggs are a cross between two purebred parent breeds – the Boston Terrier and the Pug.
Boston Terriers first originated in the 1870s in Boston, Massachusetts. They were bred by crossing English Bulldogs with English White Terriers, with the goal of creating a lively and affectionate companion dog in a compact package.
Pugs, on the other hand, trace their origins back thousands of years to ancient China. They were cherished by Chinese royalty before gradually spreading across the world through global trade.
While the exact origins of the first intentional Boston Terrier Pug mix are unclear, this hybrid likely emerged in the late 20th century. The purpose was to blend some of the most beloved characteristics of each breed into one dog.
The popularity of Buggs has steadily risen over the last 10-15 years. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and devotion to their families make them an appealing hybrid choice for many.
Bugg owners appreciate their portability, kid-friendly nature, minimal grooming requirements, and warm, sociable personalities.
Today, purposeful breeding of Buggs generally takes place on small hobby farms or in the homes of breed owners.
However, many Buggs also end up in shelters or rescues, where they make wonderful pets for families or individuals seeking a friendly mixed breed dog.
Size and Appearance
The Bugg is a small to medium mixed breed, typically standing 12 to 18 inches tall and weighing 15 to 25 pounds. They have a sturdy, compact build with a square, proportionate shape.
Buggs inherit a mix of physical traits from their Boston Terrier and Pug parents. They usually have the broad, flat skull shape of a Boston Terrier. Their muzzle is slightly shorter than a Boston, while longer than a Pug’s muzzle.
The eyes are large, round, and dark in color. Many Buggs have the soft wrinkles of a Pug across their forehead and face. Their ears vary – some have erect ears like the Boston, others have the floppy ears of the Pug.
These hybrids have a short, smooth, and shiny coat that lies flat against their body. Common coat colors include black, brindle, fawn, cream, brown, white, or a mix of these colors.
Overall, the Bugg is a well-balanced blend of Boston Terrier and Pug traits. Their distinctive wrinkled mugs give them plenty of personality and irresistible cuteness.
No two Buggs look exactly alike, but they generally weigh less than 25 pounds and stand under 18 inches tall.
Personality and Temperament
Buggs are known for being lively, affectionate, and gentle – inheriting some of the best personality traits from both the Boston Terrier and Pug. They make devoted companions and typically have an easygoing temperament.
These mixed breed dogs are often very friendly and sociable. They enjoy being around people and are quite responsive to positive attention and interaction. Buggs form strong attachments to their families.
Buggs are playful dogs that enjoy toys and games. They like participating in fun activities with their owners. Short, daily play sessions help them burn off energy.
While energetic at times, Buggs are indoor dogs that are usually content with moderate exercise. They make good apartment pets and don’t require extensive outdoor space.
Intelligent and eager to please, Buggs can be trained with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Their affectionate nature makes them sensitive, so harsh training methods should be avoided.
Buggs generally get along well with children, other dogs, and pets – especially when properly socialized. As with any breed, supervision is still required when interacting with kids.
Overall, these mixed breed dogs combine the lively yet amiable temperament of the Boston Terrier with the sweet, mellow personality of the Pug.
They make loyal and easygoing family companions when provided with adequate exercise and quality time with their loved ones.
Health and Lifespan
Like all dogs, Buggs may be prone to certain health conditions. Knowing these potential issues can help you provide the best care.
Some health problems seen in Buggs:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome – Respiratory issues due to their short muzzles and narrow nasal passages. Can cause snoring, difficulty breathing, overheating.
- Eye Conditions – Buggs can develop eye problems like cherry eye, glaucoma, or dry eye. Frequent eye vet exams are important.
- Allergies – Both parent breeds are prone to skin allergies. Symptoms include itchy skin, ear infections, and skin irritation.
- Joint Problems – Elbow and hip dysplasia may occur. Can cause arthritis later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight is key.
- Heart Disease – Buggs can develop heart issues like valve malformations and aortic stenosis.
With proper nutrition, exercise, routine vet care, and yearly health screenings, many Buggs enjoy excellent overall health well into their senior years. Buggs’ expected lifespan is 10 to 15 years.
Exercise Needs
Buggs have moderately active exercise needs. They enjoy daily activity but also appreciate quality time curled up with their owners.
A 30 to 45 minute daily walk provides good exercise for a Bugg. This allows them to stretch their legs and take in interesting smells. Boston Terrier Pug mixes should be leash walked for safety.
Indoor playtime is also important. Buggs enjoy interactive games and puzzles that engage their brains. Tug toys, treat toys, and hide-and-seek are fun indoor activities.
A safely fenced yard is ideal for off-leash play. But apartments and homes without yards can still meet a Bugg’s needs with regular walks, indoor play, and access to a dog park.
Buggs should be monitored outside on hot days due to their brachycephalic health risks. Exercise may need to be kept to a minimum on extremely hot and humid days. Access to shade and fresh water is vital.
Mental stimulation through training or food puzzle toys is an important complement to physical activity.
Overall, 45 to 60 minutes of activity a day, including walks and playtime, satisfies a Bugg’s exercise requirements.
Grooming Needs
Buggs have low-maintenance grooming requirements thanks to their short, sleek coats. Still, some basic grooming is essential.
These dogs only need occasional brushing – about once per week – to remove loose hairs. Use a soft bristle brush and brush in the direction of hair growth.
Bathe a Bugg when dirty using a mild dog shampoo. Over-bathing strips the coat of essential oils so limit to once every 6-8 weeks. Gently dry their wrinkles after bathing to prevent moisture buildup.
Trim nails as needed, usually every 2-3 weeks. Monitor nails and trim before they get too long. Use nail clippers designed for dogs and avoid cutting into the quick.
Brush your Bugg’s teeth 2-3 times per week using a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Daily is ideal. This maintains good dental health.
Check and wipe your Bugg’s face and wrinkles daily to keep the folds clean and prevent infections. Gently clean around the eyes as well.
Get their ears checked and cleaned periodically by your veterinarian to avoid any ear infections.
While minimal, following these basic grooming steps keeps your Boston Terrier Pug mix looking and feeling their best. It also strengthens your bond with them.
Suitability as Family Pets
With their affectionate personality, compact size, and moderate activity needs, Buggs can make excellent family companions. Here’s a closer look at how suitable they are as family pets.
Boston Terrier Pug mixes tend to thrive when surrounded by a loving family. They form close bonds and enjoy participating in family activities. Buggs crave attention and affection from their owners.
Well-socialized Buggs get along wonderfully with children. They are playful and gentle enough for kids. As always, adult supervision is still required during dog-child interactions.
Their small-to-medium size makes them right at home in any living space. Buggs adapt well to apartments, urban settings, or homes with or without a yard.
While playful and lively at times, Buggs are low maintenance pets. They don’t require intense exercise like some larger or working breeds. Short daily walks and indoor play satisfies most Buggs.
Buggs are eager to please and highly trainable when positive methods are used. This makes them a great choice even for first-time dog owners.
While health issues are possible in any breed, Buggs are generally robust when properly cared for. They can remain active and youthful well into their senior years.
If properly socialized and trained, Buggs can get along well with other household pets too. They thrive on companionship.
Overall, it’s easy to see why the affectionate and adaptable Bugg has become so popular. Their versatile temperament allows them to flourish as part of a family.
Is a Bugg Right for You?
If you’re looking for a friendly, lively mixed breed dog to become part of your family, the Bugg could make an excellent companion. Buggs are devoted to their people and adapt well to apartment or home living.
However, it’s important to consider their potential health issues and activity requirements before deciding if a Bugg is the right fit. While relatively healthy, they can be prone to certain issues like brachycephalic syndrome. Additionally, they need daily walks and playtime.
If you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for an affectionate small-breed dog, the good-natured Bugg should suit your lifestyle nicely. Consistent training and early socialization enhances their wonderful personality.
On the other hand, if you want a more athletic breed that can be your jogging or hiking buddy, the Bugg may not match your needs. Their exercise requirements are relatively moderate.
Take the time to research the breed and make sure you can provide for a Bugg’s needs before welcoming one into your family. If their traits and temperament do seem like a good match, you’ll find a loving companion in the Bugg.
Similar Mixed Breeds
- Jack Russell Terrier Pug Mix (Jug): The Jug is a crossbreed between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug, known for its energetic nature and friendly disposition.
- Boston Terrier English Bulldog Mix (English Boston Bulldog): The English Boston Bulldog is a mixed breed between the Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog, characterized by its muscular build, friendly temperament, and distinctive facial appearance.