If you’ve ever seen a dog that looks like it was assembled from leftover parts in a cartoon workshop, you might have met an italian greyhound and pug mix. They call them Puggians. Or sometimes, more hilariously, "Puggies." Honestly, it’s one of the most bizarre genetic mashups in the canine world because you’re essentially crossing a Ferrari with a baked potato.
You’ve got the Italian Greyhound, which is all legs, speed, and nervous energy. Then you’ve got the Pug. The Pug is basically a living, breathing footstool that enjoys snacks and snoring. When these two worlds collide, you don’t get a "perfect" dog. You get a quirky, high-contrast companion that defies most traditional breed logic. It’s a gamble. Sometimes they’re fast. Sometimes they’re lazy. Usually, they’re just very confused about whether they want to run a marathon or take a four-hour nap on your neck.
Why the Italian Greyhound and Pug Mix exists at all
Most people assume designer breeds are carefully engineered for specific tasks. They aren't. Not really. The Puggian likely started because someone wondered if they could create a dog with the Pug’s hilarious personality but with slightly fewer breathing issues. By introducing the long, refined snout of the Italian Greyhound, breeders hoped to lengthen the airway. Does it work? Sorta.
It’s about moderation. The Italian Greyhound brings a deep chest and a tucked-up waist. The Pug brings density and muscle. When you look at a first-generation (F1) cross, the silhouette is fascinating. They usually have the "deer-like" legs of the Greyhound but the barrel-shaped ribcage of the Pug. It’s an aesthetic that only a dedicated dog lover could truly appreciate. If you want a dog that looks "normal," keep moving. If you want a dog that looks like a prehistoric creature trying its best to fit in at a suburban park, this is your breed.
The physical reality: Legs for days and a curly tail
Size is the first thing that catches people off guard. Italian Greyhounds are incredibly fragile. Their bones are like porcelain. Pugs, on the other hand, are sturdy little tanks. A mix usually lands somewhere in the 12 to 20-pound range, but the height can vary wildly depending on which parent’s genes took the driver's seat.
Their coat is almost always short and satiny. You won't be dealing with much grooming, which is a massive plus. However, both parent breeds are notorious for shedding in their own way. Pugs shed like it’s their full-time job. Italian Greyhounds have very little dander but still lose hair. Expect a moderate amount of "glitter" on your black leggings.
Colors? They’re all over the place. You’ll see fawns with black masks (very Pug-heavy), solid grays, or even brindles. The ears are the best part. They might be the rose-shaped ears of the Greyhound or the "button" ears of the Pug. Usually, they end up somewhere in the middle—floppy, expressive, and prone to flying backward when the dog catches a burst of speed.
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Temperament: The "Velcro Dog" on steroids
Let’s talk about the "Velcro" factor. Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pug are obsessed with their humans. If you value personal space, an italian greyhound and pug mix is going to be your worst nightmare. They don't just want to be in the same room as you; they want to be inside your shirt.
The IG (Italian Greyhound) side is sensitive. They’re prone to "the shivers"—a mix of being cold and being emotionally overwhelmed by a loud sneeze. The Pug side is much more robust and "clownish." A Puggian typically balances this out. They have the confidence of a Pug, meaning they aren't as easily spooked as a purebred IG, but they retain that deep, soulful attachment that sighthounds are known for.
They are surprisingly fast. If a Puggian sees a squirrel, that Pug-shaped body will move at speeds you didn't think were physically possible for something that round. It’s called the "zoomies," and in this mix, it’s a high-velocity event.
Training challenges you’ll actually face
Don’t expect a Golden Retriever. These dogs aren't living to please you. They’re living to see what they can get away with.
- Potty training is a nightmare. This is the honest truth. Italian Greyhounds are notoriously difficult to housebreak because they hate cold and rain. Pugs are stubborn. Combine them, and you might be using puppy pads for a lot longer than you planned.
- Recall is hit or miss. Because of the sighthound heritage, if they see movement, they are gone. Their brain switches off, and the chase instinct takes over.
- Separation anxiety is real. Because they are so bonded to their owners, they can become destructive if left alone for eight hours a day. They need a lifestyle where someone is around, or at least a very solid routine.
Health concerns: What the experts say
Mixing breeds can sometimes lead to "hybrid vigor," but it’s not a magic shield against disease. You have to look at the overlap of the parent breeds. Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, often notes that while crosses can dilute some breed-specific issues, they can also inherit the worst of both worlds.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Even with a longer nose, a Puggian can still have a shortened airway. They might snore. They might overheat in the summer. It’s better than a pure Pug, usually, but you still have to be careful during July and August.
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Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Both breeds are susceptible to this hip issue where the head of the femur spontaneously begins to die. It’s painful and usually requires surgery. When looking for a puppy, you have to ask about the orthopedic history of the parents. No excuses.
Dental Woes
Small dogs have crowded mouths. Pugs have famously bad teeth because their jaws are so short. Italian Greyhounds also struggle with early tooth loss. You will be brushing this dog’s teeth. If you don't, you'll be paying for expensive extractions by age five.
The Bone Fragility Factor
While the Pug genes add some "sturdiness," the long, thin legs of the Italian Greyhound are still a risk factor. I’ve seen this mix break a leg just by jumping off a high sofa. You have to be mindful of the "launch pads" in your house.
The exercise paradox
How much exercise does an italian greyhound and pug mix need? It depends on the hour.
In the morning, they might want a vigorous 20-minute walk where they can sniff everything and perhaps sprint in a fenced-in area. By noon, they will be a decorative pillow. They don't need miles of hiking. In fact, they’d probably hate it. They are "sprint and sprawl" animals.
Because they lack a significant fat layer (thanks to the IG side) but have the respiratory limitations (thanks to the Pug side), they are "indoor dogs." They don't do well in extreme temperatures. If it’s below 50 degrees, they need a sweater. If it’s above 80 degrees, they need A/C. They are the Goldilocks of the dog world.
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Living with a Puggian: A day in the life
Imagine waking up to a dog that is literally sleeping on your head. That’s the Puggian experience. They are incredibly affectionate and surprisingly intuitive. If you’re sad, they’re there. If you’re eating cheese, they’re really there.
They are generally quiet dogs. They aren't "yappy" in the way a Terrier might be, but they do make weird noises. They "talk." It’s a mix of the Pug grunt and the IG whine. It’s endearing until it’s 3:00 AM and they’ve decided they want a snack.
Socially, they tend to get along well with other dogs, provided the other dogs aren't too rowdy. They thrive in "multi-dog" households, especially with other small breeds. They also tend to be okay with cats, though the Greyhound's prey drive might cause them to occasionally "point" or chase if the cat runs.
Where to find one (and why it's hard)
You won't find a Puggian at a reputable AKC breeder’s kennel because they aren't a recognized breed. This means you’re looking at two main avenues:
- Specific Rescues: Search for Italian Greyhound rescues or Pug rescues. They often take in mixes. This is the most ethical way to find one.
- Designer Breeders: If you go this route, be incredibly skeptical. A "breeder" selling these for $3,000 without health testing the parents on their hips, eyes, and hearts is just a glorified puppy mill.
Real talk: Most people who have an italian greyhound and pug mix stumbled upon them by accident at a shelter. They are the "happy accidents" of the dog world.
Is this dog right for you?
This isn't a dog for everyone. You have to be okay with a certain level of chaos. You have to be okay with a dog that might never be 100% reliable off-leash. You have to be okay with buying a whole wardrobe of tiny dog sweaters.
But if you want a dog that is funny, loyal, and looks like a cryptid, the Puggian is unmatched. They are "personality dogs." They fill a room with their presence despite their small size.
Actionable Steps for New Puggian Owners
If you've just brought home an Italian Greyhound and Pug mix, or you're seriously looking for one, here is how you set yourself up for success without the fluff:
- Invest in a harness immediately. Do not use a standard collar for walks. The Italian Greyhound’s neck is often wider than its head, making it easy to slip out of a collar, and the Pug’s trachea is too sensitive for the pressure. A "Y-front" harness is your best friend.
- Pet insurance is mandatory. This isn't a suggestion. Between the potential for broken legs and the respiratory issues, a Puggian can be an expensive roommate. Get a policy early before anything is labeled a "pre-existing condition."
- Create "Safe Launch" zones. Use doggy stairs or ramps for high beds and sofas. Preventing that 3-foot vertical jump can save you $5,000 in orthopedic surgery later.
- Focus on "High-Value" potty training. Use boiled chicken or freeze-dried liver. These dogs are smart but stubborn. They need a very good reason to go outside when it's slightly drizzling.
- Socialize with "Big Dogs" carefully. Because they look sturdier than they are, people often let them play with Labs or Shepherds. A single "playful" paw-swipe from a 70-pound dog can break a Puggian's ribs. Keep playmates roughly the same size.