The pug-zu is a mixture between a pug and a Shih Tzu.
The mixed breed pug-zu is a cross between a purebred pug and a purebred Shih Tzu. When mixing purebred dogs, it is impossible to determine how much of each breed the resulting puppy has in it, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. While some pug-zus may be an equal mix of pug and Shih Tzu, this is not always the case. The way to determine the possible appearance, size and temperament of a mixed breed dog such as the pug-zu is to look at each breed in the mix as any number of traits could carry into the puppy, says the Dog Breed Info Center.
Identification
The pug-zu could have any or all characteristics typical of the pug or the Shih Tzu, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Pugs are recognizable from their large, squashed black faces, their heavy set appearance and their tightly curled tails. Pugs come in two colors--fawn or black. Shih Tzus are long-haired dogs, with a thick double coat and a long tail curled over the back. This dog's coat is so long that it is often necessary to tie its hair over its head to enable it to see. The American Kennel Club allows all coat colors in Shih Tzus.
Size
Both the pug and the Shih Tzu belong to the American Kennel Club's toy group, so it is likely that a pug-zu would be a smaller dog. The pug typically weighs 14 to 18 lbs. at adulthood, and the Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 lbs. fully grown. The pug does not have a typical height required for the American Kennel Club for showing, but the Shih Tzu is typically 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
Temperament
The pug-zu could have any personality traits of the pug and the Shih Tzu. The pug is a playful, charming, outgoing, loving, stable and even-tempered breed, according to the American Kennel Club. The Shih Tzu is a lively, happy, affectionate, trusting and outgoing dog. Both breeds require minimal exercise and are often popular choices for apartment dogs.
Grooming
The pug-zu likely has at least mid-length hair because of its mix. While the pug's short hair makes it easy to maintain and grooming requirements are minimal, the Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat makes it a more high-maintenance breed, grooming-wise. A daily brush is required to prevent knots and tangles in the dog's fur, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. An owner might choose to trim the Shih Tzu's coat to make caring for it more manageable. The Shih Tzu often does well with allergy sufferers because it does not shed, but a pug-zu may not inherit this trait.
Considerations
While many breeders sell mixed breed "designer" dogs such as the pug-zu, potential owners often overlook the fact that there are plenty of homeless mixed-breed dogs in local animal shelters. Most pet stores offer at least one type of mixed breed dog for sale that could be from a puppy mill, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A puppy mill is a mass-breeding operation that exists for profit rather than for the welfare of the dogs.
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