# The Pugshire: The Ultimate Guide to This Adorable Pug Yorkie Mix - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-pugshire-the-ultimate-guide-to-this-adorable-pug-yorkie-mix/ - Published: 2024-02-24 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- Are you looking for a small, spunky, and totally adorable companion dog? Look no further than the Pugshire! This designer breed crosses a perky Pug with a feisty Yorkshire Terrier to create the ultimate lap dog with a big personality. Whether you call them a Pugshire, Porkie, or Yorkie-Pug, these pint-sized pooches are sure to steal your heart. As a veterinarian who adores both Pugs and Yorkies, I‘m excited to share everything you need to know about the Pugshire mix breed. We‘ll cover their history, characteristics, care needs, and what makes them such wonderful companions. By the end, you‘ll be ready to welcome one of these charming little furballs into your life! Let‘s dive in. ## The History of the Pugshire Like many designer dog breeds, the origin of the Pugshire is a bit of a mystery. Most likely, the first Pug-Yorkie mixes occurred accidentally when the two parent breeds crossed paths. But once people saw how cute the resulting puppies were, they started intentionally breeding Pugs and Yorkies together. The Pugshire mix started gaining popularity in the early 2000s as demand for small companion dogs grew. People loved the idea of combining the comical looks and laid-back nature of the Pug with the portable size and spunky spirit of the Yorkie. Of course, to really understand the Pugshire, it helps to know a little history about the parent breeds. The Pug is an ancient breed that originated in China, where they were treasured as companions by Chinese emperors and nobility. These wrinkly, flat-faced charmers made their way to Europe in the 1500s and have been beloved pets across the globe ever since. The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, was developed much more recently in 19th century England. These tiny but tough terriers were bred to catch rats in factories and mines. Over time, they worked their way up the social ladder to become fashionable lapdogs among English high society. Fast forward to today, and both parent breeds consistently rank among the most popular dogs in the US according to AKC registration statistics. It‘s no wonder their adorable offspring are so in demand! ## Pugshire Characteristics So what happens when you mix the stocky, wrinkly Pug with the petite, silky Yorkie? Let‘s take a look at some key Pugshire characteristics. ### Size As a toy-sized mix, the Pugshire usually stands 8-12 inches tall and weighs just 7-12 pounds. Compared to purebred Yorkies, which typically weigh 7 pounds or less, the Pugshire may pack a few extra ounces thanks to their more substantial Pug parent. And while purebred Pugs often weigh 14-18 pounds, the influence of the tiny Yorkie parent scales the Pugshire down to a more portable, apartment-friendly size. ### Coat When it comes to their coat, Pugshires can vary quite a bit depending on which parent breed they favor. Some may have the Pug‘s short, smooth, glossy coat that sheds moderately. Others may inherit the Yorkie‘s long, silky, fine hair that sheds minimally but requires more grooming. And still others sport a combination coat with a longer, fluffier texture that falls somewhere between the two parent breeds. Colors range from black, fawn, and apricot to parti blends. ### Face and Features Many Pugshires inherit the signature flat faces and wrinkles of their Pug parent, but usually to a lesser degree. They tend to have rounder heads, shorter snouts, and more pronounced nose rolls compared to a purebred Yorkie. However, not all Pugshires have flat faces. Some may have the longer muzzles and more proportional features of the Yorkie parent. Either way, expect a pair of big, dark, expressive eyes to melt your heart! ### Temperament The Pugshire is an affectionate, playful, and adaptable companion. They inherit the laid-back and comical nature of the Pug, but with an added dash of terrier feistiness, confidence, and spark. This mix loves being the center of attention and aims to please their owners. While they may have a stubborn streak at times, Pugshires are generally eager to learn and respond well to reward-based training. As highly social dogs, Pugshires thrive on human companionship and don‘t like being left alone for long periods. They tend to get along well with older children and other dogs, but may view small pets as prey due to their Yorkie heritage. Like many small breeds, Pugshires can be prone to yappy barking without proper training. Frequent socialization from an early age is key to helping these smart, alert dogs develop into well-adjusted companions. ## Pugshire Care Pugshires may be small in stature, but they still require proper care, training, and veterinary attention to thrive. Let‘s go over their exercise, grooming, training, and health needs. ### Exercise Despite their petite size, Pugshires have moderate exercise needs and can be surprisingly energetic. Daily walks plus some indoor playtime and brain games are a must to keep these smart, active dogs healthy and happy. Of course, flat-faced Pugshires are prone to overheating and breathing difficulties, so be sure to keep exercise sessions short and sweet, especially in hot weather. Limit strenuous activity and always supervise your Pugshire around water due to their top-heavy build. ### Grooming Pugshire coats are relatively low-maintenance, even for the longer-haired individuals. Brushing a few times a week will keep shedding under control and prevent tangles. Occasional trims around the face, ears, and paws help longer coats stay neat and tidy. Don‘t forget other grooming basics like regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental care. Small breeds are especially prone to dental disease, so brush those tiny teeth daily and schedule professional cleanings as needed. It‘s also important to keep any facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent skin irritation. ### Training The key to training a Pugshire is to start early, keep sessions short and fun, and use plenty of positive reinforcement. These intelligent dogs respond well to reward-based methods but bore easily with repetition. Mix it up and challenge their brains with puzzle toys and games. Socialization is especially important to help Pugshires feel confident and comfortable in a variety of settings. Expose them to new people, animals, places, and experiences from an early age. Puppy classes are a great way to jump-start socialization and pick up basic obedience and manners. Pugshires can be a bit challenging to housetrain due to their small bladders and stubborn streaks. The key is to establish a consistent routine, supervise closely, and reward your puppy for going in the appropriate place. Consider indoor potty options for those in apartments or with limited outdoor access. ### Health As a mixed breed, Pugshires are prone to health issues that affect both Pugs and Yorkies. The most concerning are brachycephalic syndrome and tracheal collapse, which are directly related to their flat faces and narrow airways. Symptoms like snoring, snorting, coughing, and exercise intolerance require immediate veterinary attention. Other health problems to watch for include dental disease, luxating patellas, eye issues like corneal ulcers, and skin fold dermatitis. Obesity is also a major concern for these small dogs, so monitor their weight and food intake closely. The best way to catch any health issues early is to schedule regular vet check-ups. This is especially important for flat-faced Pugshires who may need specialized care. With proper veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle, Pugshires can enjoy a lifespan of 12-16 years. ## Finding a Pugshire Think the Pugshire might be the perfect companion for you? The first step is to do your research and find a reputable breeder or rescue group. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores at all costs, as these sources often prioritize profit over animal welfare. A good breeder will health test their dogs, provide a written contract and health guarantee, and allow you to visit their facility and meet the parents in person. They should also be willing to answer all your questions and provide lifetime support. Adopting a Pugshire from a rescue group is another great option. Many Pug and Yorkie rescues also take in mixes like the Pugshire. Adoption fees are usually lower than buying from a breeder and often include vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Whether you go through a breeder or rescue, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1500 for a Pugshire puppy. While you may find individuals for less, beware of deals that seem too good to be true. A bargain puppy likely comes with expensive health and behavior issues down the road. ## Pugshire Fun Facts Still curious to learn more about the Pugshire mix? Here are a few fun facts: - The world‘s smallest living dog as of 2024 is a Pugshire named Tiny Tilly who weighs just 9 ounces and stands 2.75 inches tall! - Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Bella Thorne, and Jake Paul have all been spotted with Pugshires as companions. - The official mascot of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team is a Pugshire named Bingo. - A Pugshire named Harley holds the record for the most tricks performed by a dog in one minute, with an impressive 49 tricks! - The Pugshire is recognized by several smaller dog registries, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more. ## Final Thoughts With their adorable looks, playful personalities, and unwavering devotion, it‘s no wonder the Pugshire mix has stolen so many hearts. These portable, apartment-friendly companions are the perfect blend of comical Pug and feisty Yorkie. Of course, no breed is right for everyone. Pugshires do require moderate exercise, training, and veterinary care to thrive. Potential owners should be prepared for some snorting, shedding, and barking. Unforunately, flat-faced individuals are also at risk for breathing issues and other health problems. But for the right person, the Pugshire can be the ultimate companion. Their silly antics, loyal affection, and go-anywhere portability make them a joy to live with. If you‘re ready to add a whole lot of love and laughter to your life, the Pugshire just might be your perfect match! --- Source: [The Pugshire: The Ultimate Guide to This Adorable Pug Yorkie Mix](https://33rdsquare.com/the-pugshire-the-ultimate-guide-to-this-adorable-pug-yorkie-mix/)