History
The Hug (portmanteau word) dog is a designer dog, it is a husky pug mix. It has a minimal documented history. They are primarily used for searching, guarding, and watching tasks and their behavior is also pretty hard to guess. They also have a distinct flattened face, a straight or crooked tail, hanging/flat or sharp ears and a dark mask. Their coats could either be long or short, and their size could either be big or small, depending upon the dominant genes of their Husky or Pug parents.
Temperament & Personality
Husky pug is famous for their smartness, jovial nature, and devotion. They love their owners and family members and also exhibit compassion towards children and other pets, similar to their Pug parents. A large number of these dogs could be lazy, always sleeping in the bed, or dozing off peacefully! Some could also feel uneasy living in cramped rooms, a characteristic inherited from their Husky parents, especially if its size is large enough. Hug dogs can even demonstrate rational behavior and stay focused. Being extremely attentive all the times, they make terrific watchdogs.
Exercise
These highly active dogs need physically intensive activities to drain their energy. As Hug dogs are working dogs and genetically programmed for extensive physical exercises, tie a leash around its neck and take it with you for an hour-long daily walk at least. Also, allow it to play freely in your fenced yard and engage in an interactive or retrieving game.
Grooming
Brush Hug puppies coat twice weekly if the Pug parent ’s genes are dominant. Make it three to four for the more extended version if it is more inclined on the Siberian Husky side.
Health Problems
Although considered a healthy breed, some major and minor diseases that Hug dogs suffer from are:
- Entropion
- Hip dysplasia
- Mast cell tumors
- Atopy dermatitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
- Von Willebrand's
- Obesity
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
Occasionally diagnose for deafness and go for urinalysis, allergy tests, eye examination, buccal mucosal screening (BMS), blood count, etc. from time to time.
Training
Expose a Hug puppy to an early obedience training. Tie a leash on its neck, make it sit next to you, wave the flat part of your palm very close to its muzzle and pronounce “STAY.” Follow this up by coming in front of your pet, wait for a couple of seconds and return to your previous position. Do remember to reward your dog with treats whenever it successfully follows your commands.
Lure these dogs with their favorite toys or revered foods, and engage them in fun games like hide-n-seek or anything interesting to ditch their laziness.
Introduce your pet to your friends and neighbors, to relatives and new people and to other dogs as well. Essentially, resume the socialization training throughout the lifetime of your dog.
Feeding
These energetic breeds consume nutrition-dense dog foods. Plan a diet schedule according to your pet’s size.
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