Puggit

10-16 lbs
11-14"
Unknown
Pug
Italian Greyhound
Italian Pughund

The Puggit is a designer dog, a deliberately developed combination of two companion animals who have each been popular as companions for royalty for hundreds of years; the Pug and the Italian Greyhound. This is a sweet-natured and playful canine with a generally dignified air, but it can sometimes develop anxious and destructive behaviors. Positive and low-key socialization and training efforts will go a long way towards ensuring that this dog maintains a cheerful and stable outlook. Their short coat is easy to care for and comes in many different colors, but it can make them more susceptible than most dogs to very hot or very cold temperatures. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Pug and Italian Greyhound

Puggit Health

Average Size
Male Puggit size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 10-16 lbs
Female Puggit size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 10-16 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
  • Leg Fractures
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Atopy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Hemivertebra
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
Occasional Tests
  • Thyroid Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Dental and Oral Examinations
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Puggit Breed History

The Puggit is an intentional cross between the Pug and the Italian Greyhound, two very old breeds of dogs that have been sitting at the feet of kings, queen, and emperors for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Miniaturized Greyhounds like the Italian Greyhound have been found in art from the Mediterranean dating back thousands of years and although these little dogs spread throughout southern Europe, they were most popular with the nobility of Italy and became associated with them. In the 1800s, breeders began focusing on reducing the size of these already small dogs, to the detriment of the breed, and dogs of unsound structure and temperament became more common. Toward the end of the century, fanciers were able to bring the breed back from the brink of destruction by implementing selective and well-managed breeding programs that were focused on the health and soundness of the animal. The Pug is also an ancient breed, recorded in the history of China as companions to the royal families of the Shang dynasty, which ruled China from approximately 1600 to 1046 BC. The ruling class of China held these little dogs with such high regard that they gave them as gifts to visiting dignitaries and royal families from other countries, allowing them to be distributed throughout the known world. Both breeds have been featured in portraits of royalty and noblemen throughout history, including two well-known portraits rendered in 1700s Russia, a portrait of Princess Ekaterina Dmitrievna Golitsyna and her Pug, and a portrait of Catherine II, Empress of Russia and her Italian Greyhound as well as numerous photographs of Queen Victoria with her many Pugs, and a photograph of her great-granddaughter, Princess Mary with her Italian Greyhound on her lap. In 1885 the Pug became one of the first 15 dog breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and in 1886 the Italian Greyhound was recognized as well. 

Puggit Breed Appearance

This is a small companion dog, like both of its parent breeds, although the structure of the Pug and the Italian Greyhound is very different. The Italian Greyhound, like the Greyhound that it was derived from, is an animal that is built for speed and as such is a long-legged canine with a narrower, more aerodynamic build, and a long tapered muzzle while the Pug has a chunkier, more solidly built structure, complete with a very short, square muzzle. Although the Puggit hybrid can closely resemble either parent breed, most of them end up somewhere in between the two, with a moderate build that gives the canine more freedom of movement than the Pug and reduces the fragility of the Italian Greyhound. The head is also most frequently of a moderate size, with a slightly squared off muzzle that can range from slightly shorter than average to slightly longer than average and may exhibit some tapering. They have large, round eyes and small to medium sized ears that may either lie close to the head or sit semi-erect, folding to the sides and back. This crossbreed has an easy to care for short, soft, single-layer coat, often with a glossy sheen. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Puggit eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Puggit nose
Black
brown Puggit nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Puggit coat
Black
fawn Puggit coat
Fawn
blue Puggit coat
Blue
cream Puggit coat
Cream
red Puggit coat
Red
sable Puggit coat
Sable
white Puggit coat
White
brindle Puggit coat
Brindle
brown Puggit coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Puggit straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Puggit Breed Maintenance

This dog has relatively uncomplicated grooming requirements, bathing is only needed every few months and weekly brushing sessions can be completed in just a few minutes using a slicker brush or grooming glove. Both of the parent breeds are known to develop dental disorders, so it is of particular importance that dental hygiene for the Puggit is started when the canine is young and that it occurs regularly. It is also important to check the skin for any swelling or redness when brushing your canine and to ensure that their ears are kept clean and dry as these dogs may be more prone than most to allergies and skin disorders. 

Brushes for Puggit
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Puggit requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Puggit Temperament

The combination of the good-humored Pug and the comfort-loving Italian Greyhound results in a sweet-natured canine who can exhibit dignity and elegance, but can also be playful, with a definite clownish side. While this crossbreed is likely to be fairly tolerant of children and generally less high-strung than the Italian Greyhound, interactions with this small and sometimes fragile canine should be closely supervised, as much for the protection of the dog as for the child. With socialization, the Puggit should get along fairly well with other cats and dogs, although a high prey drive from the Italian Greyhound means that they are likely to chase and kill small scurrying or fluttering animals if given the chance. These dogs are responsive to gentle and consistent training, but can be sensitive to over-correction and will occasionally exhibit a stubborn streak. It is important not to overindulge these dogs as they can become clingy, overdependent, and even bossy when spoiled. Although the Pug is generally a sedate animal around the house, the Puggit may inherit the spurts of energy and high prey drive of the Italian Greyhound as well, and this dog may occasionally decide to take off running around the house for no apparent reason. Fortunately, these spells of exuberance only typically last a few minutes and are usually followed by long naps in the cushiest place they can find.  

Puggit Activity Requirements

The high activity level of the Italian Greyhound is typically toned-down somewhat in the Puggit, due to the somewhat more placid nature of the Pug, and this hybrid is usually content with just 45 minutes or so of vigorous exercise, split into several smaller portions throughout the day. Those that lean towards their Italian Greyhound heritage may be happier with an hour or so. Due to their short, single layer coat, this dog may be more susceptible to extremes of heat and cold than other dogs, and the weather should be taken into account when exercising this canine outdoors. Along with games of fetch and walks in the park, some Puggit dogs may enjoy and even excel at activities such as competitive frisbee or agility training. These dogs make excellent roommates in small apartments due to their quiet nature and small size, but due to their small size and their high prey drive, they should never be left alone outside, even in a fenced yard. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Puggit Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Puggit Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Puggit size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
Female Puggit size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Puggit size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
Female Puggit size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Puggit size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
Female Puggit size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs

Puggit Owner Experiences

Monkey
8 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a great dog, has a bit of anxiety that heightens when routine is disrupted. He is smart but forgets his manners due to his excitement of being with people. He’s a great snuggle bug and keeps close to his loyal family. He is a bit dominant driven so chases the cats away when he wants his humans attention or affection. More timid than aggressive towards other dogs, but when he really doesn’t like another dog (boxers) he will act like he’s gonna rip them apart but only behind a fence or his humans legs!
3 years, 1 month ago
Mr. Bentley " Bubs" Tashlin- Ervay
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We were originally looking to adopt a chihuahua mix, but we couldn't find one that felt comfortable around my motor wheelchair. I peeped his pic on their site and asked to see him too. It only took about five minutes before he was jumping in my lap looking for a ride, and more importantly showed no fear not did he hide from it. We've had him for almost a year and I talk people all the time that not only was it best decision we made but that he saved my life. He helped lift my depression and is naturally becoming the cutest service dog evah. He picks up new tricks/ commands in about 20 minutes and they stick in less than a week. He's this perfect cross between a couch companion who sleeps 12 hours a day and this energetic dynamo who can tire out our 8 year old twin godsons. He came housetrained ( Yay adult adoption) but on rainy x snowy days he uses puppy pads because he refuses to go out or wear doggy shoes. He had never had an accident. The biggest issue we face is that he cannot be left alone, not even for ten minutes. He had a very loud, shrill bark and whines until we give in or piss off our neighbors and Landlord. I can't recommend this " designer" breed any higher.
6 years, 2 months ago
Bentley
14 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bentley is an intelligent and very loving dog with a unique personality. People on the street have stopped to pet him his whole life. The description on this site is very accurate. He is great with kids, cats and other dogs. In his younger days he was very energetic and chased smaller animals with his greyhound prey drive. He has always been a little stubborn, but trainable. He does like to be spoiled and easily figures out who he can manipulate into doing so. He is 14 years old now, but still very healthy and spunky. He sleeps a lot more now and LOVES to cuddle. He lives with 2 larger dogs and enjoys walks and coming with me to work.
5 years, 4 months ago
Kate
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Running
Playing with toys
Kate is the sweetest dog, the perfect size, and likes people more than other dogs. She is mixed with a long coat dog too so she is fluffier.
4 years, 5 months ago
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