Sweet and petite, the Pug Zu is a Shih Tzu/Pug cross with a personality that more than makes up for his small size. Bold, outgoing, playful and affectionate, the Pug Zu is an ideal choice for fans of Shih Tzus and Pugs alike.
Exercise
The Pug Zu is perfect for families, singletons and the elderly, and is great with children (although his small size means that playtime with children should always be supervised so he doesn't accidentally get injured). Pug Zus can live quite happily in small spaces, so are suitable for apartment living as long as they get short walks and plenty of playtime.
Diet & Health
Pug Zus are typically quite small, making their dietary requirements fairly minimal. Dry kibble is recommended as it's better for oral health. Pug Zus love to eat and gain weight easily, so owners will need to monitor this closely to ensure their Pug Zu stays at a healthy weight. On the plus side, most Pug Zus are robust and shouldn't experience major health problems, but can suffer from issues associated with their respective breeds, such as respiratory problems and eye conditions.
Like other Shih Tzu cross breeds, the Pug Zu's features can vary. Some will look more like their Shih Tzu parents, while others will have distinctively pug characteristics such as a short, curly tail. Again, the Pug Zu's coat also varies and can be short or long, and come in a range of colors, including black, brown, brindle, fawn, or a combination of these colors. Depending on how dominant the Pug side is, the Pug Zu's coat can be quite dense and it can also have the black mask typically associated with Pugs. Pug Zus do shed, so regular grooming is needed to keep the coat in good condition.
Training
When it comes to training, Pug Zu are generally willing and enthusiastic, although they can be somewhat stubborn! Owners should start the training process early and remain calm and patient at all times. Positive reinforcement is what works for these little dogs, so ensure there's plenty of praise and treats on hand to reward progress. Like other Shih Tzu crosses, the Pug Zu can have difficulties with housetraining, which may take a little more time. Again, patience and encouragement is required here.
These charming, happy and loyal little dogs can combine the best characteristics of both breeds into one truly special companion pet. Pug Zus want to be friends with everyone, so they'll never make for great guard dogs, but they'll certainly make up for that by being the ultimate lapdogs for any lucky owner.
Pug Zu Facts:
Purebred Pugs can have only two acceptable coat colors – black or fawn. However, Pug crosses have a much larger range of colors and markings.
Pug Zus have an average life expectancy of between 12-15 years.
Pug Zus typically weigh between 8-20lbs and are generally no more than 12 inches tall.
