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Kennel Cough in Chug Puppies

Chug Puppies can be predisposed to choking fits, but it is important not to mistake it for Kennel Cough. Kennel cough is an infection of the bronchial tubes that results in a hacking and hoarse cough. It often sounds as though the chug puppies airways are clogged.

Generally this illness resolves on it’s own and usually coughing is the only symptom.

It may be difficult for you to determine whether your chug puppy is coughing or choking. Generally a chug will “reverse sneeze” when it is having a coughing spell.

The videos below show a dog coughing an can be used as a base for what you should look for:

If you think your chug dog’s coughing is excessive and does not show signs of stopping, bring him to the vet immediatley.

Chug Puppy Choking

by | February 16, 2010 | In Chug Health, Chug Puppies | No Comments

After you have had your Chug Puppy for a few months, you will probly notice an occasional choking or hiccuping fit. At first you may be alarmed, but it is actually normal of a dog this size.

Chihuahuas are very prone to this due to their small trachea’s. If your chug puppy inherited this trait, you should keep an eye for this type of attack. This type of attack is generally caused by the dog becoming excited, nervous or over-active.

What to do if your chug puppy has a choking spell:

  1. Gently massage it’s throat
  2. Gently place your fingers over the pups nose (this is not cruel). It will force the chug to breath through it’s mouth and open it’s Trachea again.
  3. Use a harness instead of a collar when walking your chug puppy. This will place less strain on the trachea.
  4. If excitement causes the attacks, work on getting the chug puppy used to the situations that cause excitement.

If the choking is constant or sounds like a cough, take your chug puppy to the vet to make sure he does not have Kennel Cough.

Deciding to adopt a chug puppy or a chug dog is an exciting decision. But should you adopt a grown chug dog or a newborn chug puppy?

Guidelines on Adopting Chug Puppies:

  1. Bringing up a chug puppy is an advantage because this means that you are in control of it’s behavior, health and wellbeing from the start.
  2. You should adopt a chug puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Any earlier and your chug puppy may suffer from separation anxiety.
  3. A chug puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult chug dog that is used to a different environment. However, this benefit is offset by the fact that the pup may chew on some of your household items and would need to be housebroken.
  4. There is no assurance of what a chug puppy would look like when it gets old; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

Guidelines on Adopting a grown Chug Dog:

  1. You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult chug dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the chug dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.
  2. Be sure to make note of the chug dog’s behavior and temperament before buying him. Be sure to monitor for aggressive growling or possessive behavior.
  3. A full grown chug dog may take time to adapt to it’s new owner.
  4. Make sure to introduce the chug dog to your family members before deciding to bring him home. Make sure it gets along with the children and the rest of the family.
  5. Adult chug dog may not need your full attention unlike chug puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.
  6. For a fully grown chug dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

Adopting a chug dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking chug puppies, but some may not be up to give them the attention they need. Adult chug dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and loved.

Many people are attracted to chug puppies for their small size. The cliche’ of a designer dog is often associated with movie stars and celebrities carrying around a cute little pup in their Chug Puppy Clothing purse with a cute outfit on.

The fact of the matter is, not all chug puppy owners are celbrities, but that does’nt mean you can’t outfit your pup with some stylish gear.

Here are some designer clothing ideas for your chug puppy:

1. Sweaters and Coats. Chug puppies are often suceptible to the cold temperatures, so why not outfit him with some outer wear?

Online stores that have sweaters and coats for your chug puppy:

2. Hats. While it may not be that practical, hats will set your chug puppy apart from others in the pack.

Online stores that have hats for your chug puppy:

3. Boots. Boots will keep your chug puppy’s paws warm on those rainy or snowy days.

Online stores that have boots for your chug puppy:

Are chug puppies possessive? Well, it depends. If your chug puppy has more traits of a chihuahua, he could be possessive of both family members and his personal space. If he has more pug tendencies, he will likely be more laid back.

How to know if your chug puppy is possessive:

1. As a puppy, your chug will probably welcome all guests that come his way. However, as he gets older watch to see how he acts around new visitors. If he barks at them continuously after they enter the house, then there could be cause for alarm. If your chug puppy only barks when guests first enter, that is ok.

2. If your chug puppy begins to curl his lips and growl when you try and take his toys, this behavior should be corrected if possible. It is a common trait of a Chihuahua.

How to correct chug puppy possessive behavior:

1. Get him used to socializing with other people and other dogs at a young age. Also make sure you let all family members participate in training so he offers his allegiance to more than one family member.

2. Get your chug puppy used to you and your family invading his personal space. This means his bed, his treats etc. Practice gently pulling his treats away while he is chewing on them. If he growls, say a command loudly such as “no” or “bah”. After that, place him in his crate for about 10 minutes and try again.

Due to their small size, chug puppy’s can be possessive but after some training and patience, they will continue to be loving and loyal pups

Many pet owners may be surprised to learn that a chug dog’s dental health is as important as the shots they receive when they are just a puppy.

Dental problems in pets go way beyond bad breath. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in chug dogs today. In fact at, least 80 percent of dogs suffer from it by age 2. If this is untreated it can lead to further damage in your chug puppy.

Unfortunatley, chug puppies fall into toy breed of dogs which have a tendency to develop dental problems more so than larger breeds.

Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Veterinary Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y. reccomends the following for chug puppies dental health:

  1. Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet. If you notice an outbreak of bad breath coming from your chug puppy, take him sooner.
  2. Daily to bi-daily brushing of your dog’s teeth.
  3. Choosing dog treats with dental benefits. Chewing on rawhide has been proven in clinical studies to help reduce plaque and tartar. The treats may not smell that great, but they do to your chug puppy – which means he will chew longer.

A healthy chug, is a happy chug, so make sure you pay close attention to his dental hygeine.

After you have had your chug puppy a while, you may begin to experiment with the types of treats that you give him. A common type of treat is rawhide. Is Rawhide Good For Your Chug Puppy?

So what is rawhide anyway?

Rawhide is actually the inner hide of an animal – generally a cow. While it may sound unappetizing to humans, dogs really enjoy at. Many theorize that it is due to the fact that in fufills the wild dog instinct to chew their prey.

Is rawhide good for your chug puppy?

Depending on your Chug dog’s diet and current health condition, you have to be careful when deciding whether or not to give him rawhide.

Here are some tips for giving your puppy rawhide:

  • Do not let your chug puppy swallow large pieces of rawhide, as it may cause diarrhea.
  • When the rawhide get’s small enough to swallow, make sure you take it from your chug puppy and throw it out.
  • Rawhide should be used in moderation and shound never replace a balanced diet.
  • Pets with a history of allergies, diarrhea and vomiting should not chew on rawhide.

Rawhide can keep your pet entertained and help him exercise his teeth. However, make sure your pet can handle it. If you have concerns, consult your vet.

If you are on this site, chances are aware of the designer dog rage, as chug puppies fall into the category of a designer dog. Most first time designer dog buyers have a wealth of questions about the little breeds.

So what’s the big deal about designer dogs? Many look for them due to specific physical appearences and behavioral attributes. Many people are starting to flock to chug puppies because of their small size and good temperaments.

Many people are opposed to the deliberate crossbreeding of dogs like the chug. This is primarily because there are devious breeders out there that may be trying to make a quick buck.

If you get your chug puppy from a reputable breeder, you should be able to find the perfect companion at the right cost. Make sure the chug puppies you are looking at seem healthy. Chug dogs are not a “teacup” breed. Teacup breeds often have health problems, so be weary of them. However, chug puppies can often stay small in size.

So in a nutshell, yes it is safe to buy a chug puppy. Just make sure you do your research first.

You may have been one of the many visitors of this site looking for chug puppies for sale. If you are like most people searching for that special pup, you may have found the task rather difficult. The fact of the matter is, chug puppies are difficult to find. The mix is relativley new and is only popular in the United States, Canada and the UK.

If you are looking for a chug pup, we reccomend following these tips:

  • Be patient. Don’t buy the first chug puppy you locate in your area, as their are breeders out there that can either try and rip you off or sell you a mix that is not a legitmate mix.
  • Keep checking local classifieds. We have an updated list here.
  • Do your research. Make sure you 100% sure that a chug puppy is right for you and your family. You may view articles on helpful articles on chug puppies here.

If you want us to keep you in mind as we come across new chug puppies for sale, please email us at webmaster@chugdog.com

Good Luck!

May people think that their chug puppy’s sole form of communication is barking. However, chug pups can Chug Puppy Personalitycommunicate in many other ways such as facial expressions, body postures and gestures. When and how a dog performs these type of actions also needs to be taken into consideration. For example, a chug puppy that barks more at night may have excess energy, which means they may be sleeping too much during the day.

Here are a few common ways small dogs try to communicate:

  1. Growling and Standing Up Tall – Small toy dogs have a tendency to do this when they are trying to protect their owner or let larger dogs know that they do not feel threatened.
  2. Crouching and Laying Ears Flat – This is a sign of submission in small dogs such as chugs. They will often do this when they are scorned, especially if you tower over them to pick them up before they finish going potty in the house.
  3. Putting a Paw Over Another Dog’s Shoulders – this is usually an invitation to play with another dog and is a playful expression of dominance.
  4. Pawing at The Neck – Your chug puppy may do this when you come home. It may seem like he is deliberatley trying to scratch you, but it is in fact an expression of affection.

As an owner of a new chug puppy, you will begin to understand what these actions mean more and more over time.

As with many dog, chug puppies can have allergic reactions to food, plants, insects and other allergens. This past weekend, Max the Chug awoke with a very swollen face:

Chug Puppy Allergy

Rather than panic, we called the vet and brought him in. After a shot of benadryl, our chug puppy was back in action after a couple of hours. Nevertheless, this situation needs to be taken very seriously.

How to know if your chug puppy is having an allergic reaction:

  1. His face or other body parts are swollen
  2. You notice rashes on your chug puppy’s skin
  3. He has a rapid heartbeat (The Vets at Banfield Hospital said to look out for this.)
  4. His temperature is elevated. (The Vets at Banfield Hospital said to look out for this.)
  5. You notice irregular bowel movements.
  6. The chug puppy is vomiting frequently.
  7. He is making hacking and choking sounds.

Item number 7 is the most important, as allergic reactions can cause your chug puppy’s throat to close up, which could lead to suffocation. Elevated temperature and rapid heartbeats can also indicate a more sever allergic reaction.

While your instinct may be to give your chug puppy an antihistamine such as benadryl, it is important to consult with your vet first, as an overdose of drugs in such a small dog can cause liver damage.

Most of all, it is important to be calm and thoughfull if you think your chug puppy is having an allergic reaction.

There is going to come a time where you need someone reliable to take care of your chug puppy. Your first instinct may tell you to leave them with your closest family or friends. However, this may not always be the best option. Given the size and temperament of a chug puppy, some special considerations need to be made before you hire a sitter.

Things to look for in a pet sitter for your chug puppy:

  1. A home without kids. Chug puppies are small and can easily be injured by small children.
  2. A home without large dogs. If your chug puppy were to get into an altercation with a larger dog, they risk serious injury. A large dog could easily break a chug puppies neck.
  3. A house with a fenced in yard. Chug puppy’s can easily escape through small holes in fences and run off. Their small size makes them difficult to find and suceptiable to birds of prey.

Most of all, use common sense when dropping your chug puppy off at a sitter. Never leave them with someone you would not trust with other members of your family. Make sure you supply the sitter with plenty of supplies and instructions on how much to feed the pup, how much exercise he needs and anything else you think is important.

Having a chug puppy is a big responsibility. Sometimes it can even be like taking care of a child. Because chug puppies can be curious and energetic, they can sometimes injure themselves. Due to their small size, chug puppies may also be prone to burrowing which may result in them getting trapped in small places and injuring themselves. When that happens, it is important that you bandage your chug pup to prevent further damage.

Here are some helpfull tips to consider when bandaging your chug puppy:

  1. Make sure your keep your chug puppy’s bandage dry and clean. That being said, make sure your pup stays inside as much as possible when it has a bandage. When he goes outside to do his business, make sure that you wrap the bandage in plastic. If foul odors or discharge start to resonate from the would make sure you call your vet as soon as possible.
  2.  After bringing home your chug puppy home from the vet, make sure that the bandage is still in the correct place. Your pup may have been irritated by the bandage and tried to scratch or bite it off.
  3. If the bandage is on your chug puppy’s leg, make sure it is not on too tight, as it could cut off circulation. Observe how the toes will appear at the bottom of the bandage at least twice a day. TAlso check for skin chaffing, redness, discharge or swelling before and after the bandage has been applied.
  4. To prevent the pet from chewing the bandage because of the bothersome experience it gives, put on a funnel collar. If that doesn’t help, consult your vet for further options.

In genreal, it is a good idea to bring your chug puppy to the vet if you notice the following occuring:

  1. Swelling above or below the bandage
  2. Chew marks on the bandage
  3. Wetness on the bandage
  4. Bleeding or discharge

Since Chug Puppies are a mixture of a Pug and a Chihuahua, their appearances can vary drastically from litter to litter. Many new chug owners wonder if their ears will begin to pop up like a Chihuahua’s when they get older or if they will stay floppy like that of a Pug.dochugpuppyearsstickup

There is no real definite answer. Max the Chug’s ears always stayed down when up until he was 19 weeks old. At 19 weeks old they are beginning to pop up when he is excited or playing. There is a chance his ears will always stay in-between like this, but there is no telling until he becomes older. Many chug puppy and Chihuahua owners have experimented with different methods of keeping their puppy’s ears droopy.

How to Keep Your Chug Puppy’s Ears from Sticking Up:

  1. Massage the ears daily to loosen their cartilage.
  2. Apply vinegar to ear to loosen the cartilage. (Do not submerge the ear canal, though)
  3. Magnetic earrings to stretch the ear muscle
  4. Dog ear tape

Of course, make sure that you only use humane methods when trying to keep your chug puppy’s ears from sticking up.

We took max to the vet today for this 3rd round of shots. He has begun to remember what happens at the vets office and let’s just say, he does not like it there. The vet was greeted by a lot of whimpering, shaking and nipping.

The vet tech told us that out chug puppy’s next fecal examination was a month away, but we could get it out of the way today if we wanted to. We decided to do this and we were glad we did.

After the fecal examination, the nurse informed us that our chug puppy’s stool contained Coccidia – a fairly common intestinal worm found in young puppies. At first I was alarmed until I found out that it was treatable and very common.

How are Coccidia transmitted?

Coccidia worms are generally transmitted from other dogs feces. They may contract it after they are born, as they have a tendency to eat the feces of other chug dogs in the litter. Puppies have no immunity to the parasite until they are 6 months of age, so it is important that you look out for the symptoms of this disease.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis

  • Frequent diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration

This disease, while usually not fatal, is contagious and should be treated with medications such as sulfadimethoxine or trimethroprimsufadiazine.

Make sure you consult with the vet if your chug puppy is showing any of the symptoms of coccidiosis.

So you have your little chug puppy home and it’s time to feed him. It is important to feed him the right amounts at the right intervals so he does not overeat or become malnurished. How Often Should I Feed My Chug Puppy? Chug puppies have a tendency to become hypoglycemic due to their small size an active behavior. If your chug puppy has a good mix of chiuaua, he might also be prone to shaking which causes him to metabolize food fast. However, all of this can be managed with proper diet and feeding times.

How Often Should You Feed Your Chug Puppy?

Most vets (including the ones at Banfield Pet Hospital) reccomend feeding small breeds such as chug puppies 3-4 times a day.

How Much Do Chug Puppies Eat?

This is relative to the size, but if your chug puppy is built more like a pug, he may require more food than a chiuaua would. Generally one cup of food for each feeding should suffice. Many times the bag of dog food will specify amounts as well. Feeding him more than this may cause obesity, lethargy and other symptoms.

What Should I Feed My Chug Puppy?

Try to avoid table food whenver neccesary. Do this at a young age and your chug puppy will be less prone to begging when he becomes a full grown chug dog. Max, the official chug of this site only eats dry dog food. If you mix soft food in with a chug puppy’s meals, he may become more prone to diarrhea. Vets also suggst giving your chug puppy an egg a few times a week, as it helps the shine of his coat. Click here for a list of quality food for your chug puppy.

Always make sure your chug puppy’s dish is full of water as well.

Sooner or later, every parent or person in a relationship is going to hear “Can we get a puppy?”

Rather than avoiding the question, parents should consider whether their family is really ready for a pet, says Sharon Should You Buy a Chug Puppy?Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation’s leading provider of early childhood care and education.

Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child’s request. “A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family-or it can be a burden,” she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding.

A Few Things to Consider Before Bringing a Chug Puppy Into The Family:

Children: You should also be aware that due to a Chug Puppy’s size, they may not be ideal for a family with very small children. Small children may inadvertantly harm your chug puppy while they are playing with them. This does not mean you absoultley should not get one, but be prepared to supervise your children before they get mature enough to handle the chug puppy properly.

Responsibility: Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet. Chug Puppies are pretty low maintenance (see exercise requirements here), but they do require some maintenance and even more affection. If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal.

Home Size: If you have a small to medium sized home, a Chug Puppy is ideal. However, if you live on a large lot of land, be aware that chug puppies are small and may be difficult to spot when they are out. They are also susceptible to animals such as hawks and owls. If you are finiky about your furniture, blankets and rugs, make sure you know that chug puppies like to burrow and paw more than other dogs.

Budget: Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet. Luckily chug puppies are small, so your food budget won’t be as high as other breeds. They are also mutts, which generally means better health.

Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting your new family member.

From its start as a puppy, your chug depends on you for general hygiene. You want him to have clean ears, teeth and a chugpuppyinbathcoat free from fleas and ticks are all the conditions you check for a healthy pet. Bath time can be a great bonding time for you and your chug puppy.

A healthy chug puppy actually does not need to be bathed as often as most people think. Although most chugs don’t like to be washed, they appreciate the contact and attention that they receive from their owners during a bath. It is also a good time to perform some other necessary hygeine maintenance, such as cleaning the ears, checking for ticks and fleas, and brushing the teeth. Most chug puppies may dislike these activities, so it may be best to get it all done in one shot – like ripping off a band aid.

Brushing your Chug Puppy’s Teeth

Brushing your chugs teeth is just good dental hygiene. Most vets recommend that it be done at least twice a week to ensure your chug dog maintains healthy teeth and gums. The chug dog should have its own toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for dogs. You can brush the back teeth in a small circular motion like you would your own. For the pointy teeth, brush up and down. If you struggle brushing your chug dog’s teeth, the next best thing you can do is give him teeth cleaning chug dog biscuits. Greenies are popular and ususally result in fresher breath.

Checking for Ticks & Fleas

Fleas will generally be found under your chug puppies fur. They tend to look like little pieces of pepper or a mole. The fleas themselves can vary in size, from tiny infants to larger adults, which are about an eighth of an inch long. They can’t simply be picked off the chug dog like ticks can, they will jump before you can catch them. If you do find a flea or their droppings, you know it’s time to start the chug dog on a program to control and eliminate these pests.

For your family’s sake, make sure you check your chug puppy for fleas often, as they can cause lyme disease.

Cleaning his Ears

Pet supply stores sell special solutions for cleaning your chug puppy’s ears. Chugs can easily get ear mites due to their often exposed ear canal. These small insects live in the ears and feed on the waxy secretions inside Over time, the bodies of these short-lived creatures build up and form a black, dirty substance. Use a cotton swab to apply the solution to the chugs ear.

Taking care of your chug puppys hygeine will not only make him smell great, but it will also keep him healthy as awell.

Chug Puppy Shaking

by | December 21, 2009 | In Chug Health, Chug Puppies | 1 Comment

As you should already know a chug puppy is a mix of a pug and a Chiuaua. Pugs are generally husky and can take the cold weather. However chiuauas have a tendency to be tiny and less chubby than pugs. They also tend to have a little bit more anxiety than pugs. Many small dogs have anxiety and this can sometimes result it shaking. However, there are times when your chug puppy’s shaking can cause concern.

When to be concerened about your chug puppy’s shaking:

  1. The shaking is continuous.
  2. They shake frequently in very warm temperatures.
  3. The shaking is accompanied by panting and heavy breathing.
  4. The dog is acting very tired when shaking.

If any of these symptoms become present, contact your vet immediatley. Many times a chug puppy’s shaking can be solved buy cuddling them or putting on a warm sweater, but you do not want to take any chances.

Our Chug Puppy Max is now approaching 4 months of age. When we initially brought him home, he was very docile and very much a lap dog, like his mom who was a pug. However, as he has gotten older we have noticed his agility increasing. He can now dart around the room when he is playing. One of his favorite places to hide is under the couch!


If your chug puppy has a lot of Chiuaua traits you will probably notice this type of activity:

  1. He moves his paws like a cat.
  2. They paw at corners, rugs and blankets in a rapid motion.
  3. They burrow under the covers of your bed at night.
  4. They hide under the couch.

We have seen this behavior with our chug max and have read about it on numerous websites. Since chug puppies are part chiuaua, they inherit traits such as nervousness and suceptability to colder temperatures. This usually results in your chug puppy seeking warm, enclosed enviornments.

While this may appear cute at first, you want to be carefull that your chug puppy does not rip up your carpet or other blankets/fabrics. You may want to consider a bitter spray to line the edge of your carpet with. Products such as NaturVet are often effective.

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