When searching for a small dog to add to your family, you’ll find vast numbers of small dog breeds. This can make finding the perfect dog more challenging, so we’re here to help you narrow your search by introducing you to a breed you may not have considered—the Bugg! If you’re unfamiliar with this designer dog breed, these pups are small (but not too small), adorable, snuggly, and tons of fun.

You should know as much as you can about a breed before adopting a dog, though, so here’s what you should know about the Bugg. From how much exercise they need each day to what health problems they’re prone to, we have all the information you need below!

Breed Overview

If you’re looking for an adorable dog, you need not look any further than the Bugg. This designer breed was created by mixing the Boston Terrier and the Pug, and the result is a sweet, affectionate, always happy-to-play pup. This breed makes a wonderful pet for almost anyone and is pretty laid-back and low-key, making them a relatively easy pet to own.

Bugg Characteristics

Bugg Puppies

Because this dog breed has been around since the 1980s, they aren’t uncommon. So, while you could go through a breeder to acquire a puppy, we’d suggest checking your local shelter or a rescue organization first. Doing so could help you save money on the adoption, but more importantly, it would save a life! If you do decide to get a Bugg from a breeder, ensure the breeder you’re using is an ethical one. Ask plenty of questions about the puppy’s lineage and the kinds of health testing done.

Once you get your Bugg puppy, you’re in for a world of fun! This breed will be small, adorable, and always ready for a good time. Don’t forget to train your dog in between all the fun, though, as puppyhood is the best time for training (and socializing) your pet.

Bugg Breed Origin & History

The Bugg has been around since the 1980s when breeders began crossbreeding Boston Terriers and Pugs to make an incredibly cute designer canine. Though we don’t know for sure where this breed began, it’s thought to be North America. Other than that, this breed doesn’t have a lot of history. However, the Bugg’s parent breeds do!

The Boston Terrier originated in England in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t long before they made their way across the pond to America. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893, this breed became a lady’s companion for a while due to their small size and eventually was dubbed “American Gentleman.”

The Pug is one of the older dog breeds in the world with roots going back to at least 400 B.C. Hailing from China, they’re believed to have been designed as companions for the wealthy. These days, the breed is a companion to all and one canine who is sure to delight!

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bugg 🧠

This small breed is incredibly clownish (a trait they get from their Boston Terrier parent) but also sweet and cuddly (a trait from their Pug parent). Whether your Bugg will be more hyper and goofier or sweet and cuddly will depend on which parent breed they take after most. Overall, though, these dogs love to play and are moderately energetic, loving, laid-back, and generally excellent as companions. The Bugg is also a fairly intelligent dog, which will help make training easier.

However, these pups can also have issues with barking a lot and being territorial at times. If they’re properly trained, though, these issues shouldn’t get out of hand. They also tend to pick a single person in the house to Velcro onto (though they’ll still be happy interacting with everyone!). Finally, these dogs may experience a bit of separation anxiety at times; as dogs who love to be the center of attention, not having any attention can be a challenge for them.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Buggs are fantastic as family pets! Even if they might choose one especially favored person in a home, they’re friendly with basically everyone they meet. Plus, the more people around, the more attention this dog gets, and since they want attention constantly, that works out well. Because of their size and love of play, they make wonderful playmates for children, too. Just make sure they don’t become territorial, or issues could arise.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Because of their need to be the center of attention at all times, Buggs may not get along well with other pets in the home, whether those pets are dogs or cats. That said, if a Bugg is raised in a home with other pets, trained, and properly socialized early on, they can learn to get on with other animals and share the family’s attention. Without early training and socializing, though, these pups are more likely to become territorial, which can lead to aggression toward the other animals in the home.

Things to Know When Owning a Bugg

You should know much more about Buggs other than how cute and playful they are before adopting one, of course. Here’s more information on the breed, such as how much exercise they need daily and what grooming them entails.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Like all canines, the Bugg requires a high-quality diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Your best bet is feeding them food specifically designed for dogs of their size. Speak with your dog’s vet about how much food they should consume daily; every dog has different caloric needs, so your vet can better help you determine what your dog needs. This breed is prone to becoming overweight (and it’s easy for them to do so), so you want to ensure you aren’t overfeeding your pup.

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Exercise 🐕

The Bugg is only moderately active, so daily walks and plenty of playtime should suffice to meet their energy needs. Take your dog out for a couple of 15–20-minute walks a day and engage them in play whenever they’re up for it! A good game of fetch in the backyard or an intense game of tug-of-war should keep these pups happy and entertained.

Training 🦮

This breed should be fairly easy to train, as they’re intelligent and generally eager to please. However, if you hold off on training for too long, a Bugg could develop a stubborn streak, making training more challenging. Only use positive reinforcement when training a Bugg; this breed will not respond well to negative reinforcement, and using this method could inhibit your pet’s training.

Grooming ✂️

Buggs are one of those dogs that don’t require much grooming. Because they have short coats, you’ll only need to brush them once a week. These pups will only need to be bathed when exceptionally dirty, and other than that, you just need to trim their nails and keep their teeth brushed. This is one low-maintenance breed!

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Bugg is fairly hardy (although they are a brachycephalic breed, which can cause health problems). Even the healthiest dog breeds are prone to certain health conditions, though. Here are a few you should be aware of when owning a Bugg.

Male vs Female

There aren’t many significant differences between male and female Buggs. Males will be slightly larger and may be a bit less relaxed during their “teen” years than females. Female Buggs may also live slightly longer than male Buggs (though not by much). Whether a female or male Bugg is right for you depends on your preference.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bugg

What else makes this dog breed so fantastic? Here are three more things you may not know about the Bugg.

1. Buggs sometimes go by other names.

Though this dog breed is most often called the Bugg, you may see them also called the Boston Terrier Pug or Pugin!

2. The Bugg can be prone to resource guarding.

Remember when we mentioned this breed can be territorial? Well, this particularly applies to resources. Because they’re smaller canines, Buggs may be more likely to engage in resource guarding, wherein they snap or bark at other animals, getting near what they consider theirs. This is something you’ll need to work on with them during training.

3. There’s a good chance your Bugg will be a snorer.

If you’re adopting a Bugg and plan on having them sleep in the same room as you at night, be aware they will likely snore. Canines with short faces are more prone to snoring (and snorting), so earplugs may be required!

Final Thoughts

The Bugg is an adorable designer dog breed that has existed since the 1980s. Bred explicitly to act as companions, these pups are cuddly, fun, and often silly. They make wonderful pets for anyone, especially those living in smaller spaces and families. This breed is fairly low maintenance, too, which makes them easier to own for those who are single or have limitations in how much they can exercise or move around. If a small dog is what you’re looking for, we highly recommend the Bugg!