Have you ever imagined what if you have a dog that has the cute features of a panda? Sounds so interesting right? Well, now you can have a panda pug which has got some amazing resemblance with that of an actual panda.
Such is the innocence of this breed that they have won over people with their impish features. But what are their attributes and how are they as a breed?
As you can make out, this variant of dog comes from the legacy of pugs itself and it is a crossbreed. Before you bring one of them to your home, there are some important factors that you need to be aware of.
Do you know that Buddhist monks often preferred to keep panda pugs as their pets?
This is because of the docile nature of the dog. In most cases, you will also see that this breed has got a beautiful set of blue eyes. This is what makes them so unique as well.
So in this comprehensive guide, let us know more about this variant in detail and how they differ from the regular pugs!
Specifications
So, How Do They Look like?
A panda pug is a small breed and hence they do not end up getting excessively big even after their complete growth in the adult years.
This breed is the only variant that has the features of both pandas as well as pugs.
They might seem to be very new but actually are a product of selective breeding which has led to the production of the specific coat.
They have a unique black and white stripe on the back which makes them stand out from the rest and adds to the beauty. They look charming and usually when you see the coat, it will remind you of a panda!
Size and Build
As we have mentioned earlier, they are small dog however it is quite sturdy and muscular built. They have a square-shaped body and along with that quite muscular feet.
The height of the panda pug ranges between 10-14 inches. And the weight ranges between 14- 18 pounds. The size and height of the dog are factors that add to the cute charm of the dog.
How Long Do the Panda Pugs Live?
The average lifespan is somewhere between 15 years to 20 years.
However, the range sometimes goes down and while there are some who can live up to 12 years, there are others who live up to 20 years.
This usually depends on which is the breed of the dog and how healthy the composition is. If you happen to keep your dog healthy then there are chances that they will live up to their full tenure.
How Does the Coat of the Panda Pug Look?
The coat is extremely unique and this is what makes them have such a striking resemblance with a panda. Their coat comes with a combination of black and white stripes which looks exactly like the body of a panda. And that’s how they got the name from.
The coat is usually short, smooth as well as dense. It provides the coat with quite a velvety soft touch and gives them quite a squishy effect.
Breed and Temperament
Breed
They are actually a variation of the pug breed and hence they come from the same legacy. However, this breed comes from China and is a result of selective breeding.
They are often referred to as a “toy breed” and this is because of their size and compact body structure.
The facial features are quite distinctive to that of the pugs. The only thing that makes them different is the distinct markings on the cost which looks like a panda.
Temperant
Their temper is similar to that of their pug counterparts so, they are extremely friendly and social. They simply live on human interaction. It is extremely important to keep them close to your family.
If you are looking for a breed that will be able to stay and nurture your kids, this breed is the perfect option.
They are extremely adaptable as well. They might match the living standards of your home with ease.
They are extremely playful and they are often known to be a bit mischievous as well.
Do they Fall Under the Category of “Velcro Dogs“?
Yes, the panda pugs do fall under the category of “velcro dogs”. What does this mean?
It simply means that they have an innate inclination to stick around their humans. They simply love to live close to humans and in case they are left alone, there is a high chance that they will face separation anxiety.
This is one of the major reasons why they are best suited to live in households with a lot of members where there is someone for the dog always.
Purebred Status of the Panda Pug Dogs
We cannot really say that they are a part of the purebred group, they are just a variation in color of the pug family. They are bred selectively so that they end up having the markings which make them unique and look exactly like a panda.
However, even though they are not purebred, they are extremely popular among dog enthusiasts. The nature of the dog is one of the major factors which sets it apart although it is not a purebred dog.
Are Panda Pugs Healthy?
Overall yes. But this breed, like any other dog breed, can also have health concerns. But the health of individual breeds can vary. There are a few common health issues associated with the breed.
You should be serious about the breed’s health if you are really thinking to get one of them to your home. Because they share the same lineage as pugs, it is quite a given that the health considerations are quite the same.
- They can also be susceptible to eye issues like corneal ulcers, dry eye, or cherry eye.
- Additionally, joint problems such as hip dysplasia may occur.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Do Panda Pugs Have Breathing Issues?
Yes, they have a brachycephalic skull shape which results in having a flat face just like the regular pugs. This facial structure is the major reason why they often feel shortness of breath. It is important to keep them in a well-ventilated area.
Q2. Do Panda Pugs Incur Eye Problems?
Yes, they often face eye problems and this is because of the eye socket. Usually, it causes them implications like dry eyes, ulcers or even inward rolling of the eyes.
Q3. How Common Is It For Panda Pugs To Have Skin Problems?
It is common to have skin problems as well and this is because of the wrinkles they have on their skin. This folding or wrinkle becomes a breeding ground for any kind of bacteria and sometimes leads to skin-folding infections as well.
Q4. Dental Care
Just like any other breed of dog, dental care is important for this dog breed too.
They have an extremely small mouth and hence the growth of the teeth is often crowded. This leads to a buildup of tartar in the mouth and can also lead to gum problems.
It is essential to provide proper care, regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to maintain the overall health and well-being of a Panda Pug.
Food and Nutrition
And finally, it comes to food and nutrition which are equally important.
And you might be wondering “What should you feed your Panda friend, right?”
If you want to depend on commercial dog food then make sure that you choose a high-quality food that has got all the required nutrients for the growth of your dog.
You will get the best advice from your vet who will be able to assess the health conditions of your dog and then suggest the perfect dog food. However, Panda pug puppies usually depend on just commercial food only.
- Do You Need to Portion Control the Food?
Yes, it is extremely important to portion control the food that you give to your panda dog because they have the tendency to gain body weight extremely easily. You can follow the guidelines as set up by the vet who will be able to guide you better and help you understand the exact portion size to follow.
You need to prevent overfeeding your panda pug and hence break the bigger meals into several small meals. If they do not eat, don’t leave out the food as it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
- Can I Give My Panda Pug Treats?
Yes, however, it is important to make sure that these treats are not regular and not very high in calories.
Choose treats that are low in calories and are healthy. Try to avoid giving human food treats like chocolate because it can be poison for them.
- It is always best to give them access to fresh water. Particularly during the hot summer months, they tend to drink a lot of water. Hydration is extremely important for the healthy living of your dog.
Training a Panda Pug
If you want to train your panda friend, it is extremely important to keep some factors in mind. Training your pug is a great way to form long-lasting bonds with them. Some of the key components that you need to focus on are:
- Start early. If you start to train them early then there is a higher chance that they will respond to the training better.
- Don’t confuse them with a lot of instruction. Follow the same set of instructions every day to build the relationship.
- Leash training is important for your panda pug. If they start misbehaving with the leash on during a walk, stop the walk at that moment and wait till they start behaving.
- Crate training is a good way to train your pug. However, if you do not have much knowledge in the field, feel free to get in touch with a professional who will be able to help you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Cost of a Panda Pug?
The price ranges between $1500 to $3000. One of the major reasons why it is so expensive is because they are an extremely rare breed. However, the cost varies usually on factors like the bloodline, health testing, and similar others.
Q2. Are Panda Pugs Purebred?
No, most of the channel clubs in the world do not accept this breed to be purebred. One of the major reasons behind this is that they are selectively bred to get the right markings on the coat.
Q3. Are Panda Pugs Rare?
If you compare them to their counterparts, then they are extremely rare. This is one of the major reasons why they are so expensive as well. It is probably one of the most rare breeds of pugs available at the moment and you will not be able to see them with every breeder.
Q4. How are Panda Pugs As Puppies?
The most appropriate turn that we can use about them is when they are puppies. Because they are extremely adorable. They look cute however, you have to be extremely careful about their maintenance. If they are not taken care of in the right way, there is a high chance they can fall miserably sick.
Q5. What Are Blue Panda Pugs?
The blue panda pugs usually refer to those panda pugs which have blue eyes. Usually, if the father and the mother of the puppy have blue eyes then there are high chances that the baby will also have blue eyes.
Q6. Is It Difficult To Maintain Panda Pugs?
No, it is not difficult to take care, however you have to be very clear about the maintenance. Always get in touch with a professional who will be able to give you more information about taking care of your Panda Pug.
Q8. Can I Train My Panda Pug?
Yes, you can very easily train them. But, it is extremely important to be aware of how to train them and start from an early age. If you think that you cannot do it alone, get in touch with a professional trainer.