Muggin (Miniature Pinscher & Pug Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

The adorable and affectionate Muggin is a hybrid dog. A cross between a Miniature Pinscher and a Pug, this mix is loving, playful, and good with children. Older children may be best, though, as young toddlers may have too much energy for this dog to handle.

The Muggin is a people dog, wanting to be stuck like glue to their owners’ sides at all times. Separation anxiety can occur if they are left alone for long periods. They are ideal family pets but tend to bark frequently. They are suited for apartment living because of their size and exercise needs, but their noisiness is something to consider first.

Although small, this breed loves to play and will happily do so indoors or outdoors. Frequent playtime and cuddling with their family on the couch are all this dog needs to be happy.

Muggin Characteristics

Muggin Puppies

The Muggin is a relatively new designer hybrid on the scene, so finding responsible breeders of this dog may not be easy. If you’re looking for this mix and don’t mind welcoming an older puppy into your life, Pug and Miniature Pinscher rescues may take in litters of Muggins that were accidentally created from a pairing of the two parent breeds. The price will be significantly lower. Rescue adoption fees are lower than buying a dog and your pup will come with age-appropriate vetting, including a spay or neuter surgery.

When you welcome a Muggin into your home, be sure you can dedicate enough time to your dog. Muggins don't like to be left alone and are prone to suffering separation anxiety. As long as you give your dog enough play and cuddle time, they'll grow into happy and healthy dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Muggin 🧠

The Muggin lives for human interaction, so as long as you include your dog in your activities, they’ll be content hanging out in the backyard or joining you on the couch for a movie night. They love to snuggle and have an affinity for burrowing under blankets.

Training is possible for Muggins because they are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly. That doesn’t mean they will want to be trained, however. Muggins can be stubborn and slow to cooperate. Even if they understand what you want them to do, they may still refuse to do it if they don’t feel like it.

Consistency is important to make sure these dogs understand the rules.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Muggins make wonderful family pets because they love being around people. More people mean more chances for playtime, affection, and attention.

They are also good dogs for a couple or a single owner. The Muggin just wants someone to love and will be content getting attention from anyone.

Muggins do well with children but not young toddlers. Older children who are gentle and calm around the dog would be best. The Muggin is small and can get scared of loud noises, sudden movements, and rough play. If they become too scared, they may nip at young kids.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Muggins are friendly with other animals and will love them as part of their family, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They enjoy playing with other dogs and are comfortable with other animals in the house if they are friendly too.

Things to Know When Owning a Muggin

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Muggins require high-protein dog food that’s not too high in calories. They are small dogs that enjoy food, and this combination can lead to obesity if their diets aren’t monitored. They love treats, especially during training sessions. Since they’re stubborn, their food motivation may be the way to get them to cooperate. It’s important to limit these treats, though, and not give them too many.

Breaking treats into pieces or using bits of carrot or apple instead will keep the calories low.

Exercise 🐕

Muggins love to play and enjoy running around in an enclosed area, chasing a ball or toy. They will also require two good walks a day. They have moderate energy levels and will stay healthy and happy with regular exercise.

Each session should last about 30 minutes twice a day. Muggins also love to lounge and snuggle, but don’t let this fool you. Once they get outside, they’re happy to be active. Even if it seems like your Muggin is content to sleep the day away, they can get bored and unhealthy without proper activity.

Training 🎾

Muggins usually have stubborn streaks, but these can be worked through with proper training methods and positive reinforcement. The Pug is the more stubborn parent breed, so your dog’s personality will depend on the traits that they inherited from each parent.

Obedience classes early on will help your dog become familiar with general commands. Socialization is also important because this dog is usually wary of strangers and new environments.

Grooming ✂️

Muggins have short coats but still require grooming to keep them clean and healthy. They shed heavily, so brushing their coats daily or every other day will help remove the dead hair from them before it winds up on your furniture and floors.

Bathing should be done when your dog needs it. If they're dirty or starting to develop an odor, it's time to throw them in the tub. Be sure to dry the insides of their ears thoroughly afterward and check for signs of ear infections at this time.

Daily teeth brushing will keep your Muggin’s teeth clean and strong. Small dogs tend to develop dental diseases more frequently than large dogs. Part of keeping them healthy is to remember to tend to their oral care.

Nail clipping is important and should be done every 4–6 weeks to keep them from becoming overgrown.

Health and Conditions ❤️ 🏥

Male vs. Female

Whether you choose a male or female Muggin, you’ll get a loving dog that will keep you entertained with their antics. There isn’t much noticeable difference between the two, except the males tend to be a little larger than the females.

Both sexes are sweet and affectionate, with the same chance of having that notorious stubborn streak. The temperaments of the two are similar: They are playful dogs that love their owners.

While they are both wary of strangers, females may take a little longer to warm up to new people, especially if they’re feeling particularly protective.

If you don’t plan to breed your dog, getting them spayed or neutered is best for their overall health.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Muggin

1. They don’t all look alike.

Since a Muggin is a cross between a Miniature Pinscher and a Pug, they can take on the characteristics of each. Some Muggins may have curly tails, while others may not. They can have different colors, faces, snouts, and body shapes. Some may even resemble purebred Miniature Pinschers or Pugs while still being a mix.

2. They are protective of their families.

Their barking proves this. This dog may be small, but they are quick to let you know if there's a stranger around. While they love their families, they are unsure of new people and take a while to warm up to them. They may not be good guard dogs, but they are definitely good watchdogs. If something is happening that this dog thinks you should know about, they will make you aware of it.

3. They will shed more than you think.

Both the Pug and the Miniature Pinscher are heavy shedders, and their offspring are no different. Whichever coat your Muggin inherits from either parent will shed frequently. Their coat is short, but brushing is still required to keep the shedding under control.

Final Thoughts

Muggins are cute, clever, playful dogs that are full of love and personality. Wherever you go, your Muggin will be right there with you. This is a dog that likes to stick close to their people.

Though they may be stubborn, they can be trained with the proper methods and consistency. The payoff is a happy, obedient dog that will make a wonderful addition to your home.

This dog is great with other animals and children if they are older. Young kids can frighten them, and they may nip if they get scared.

If anything around your home is happening, your Muggin will be the first to let you know. They make good watchdogs and are always on alert.

Whether you choose to get a male or female Muggin, you will get a loving family companion for many years.

See Also:

• Pugmatian (Pug & Dalmatian Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care

• Affenpug Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

Featured Image Credit: Cori Cornejo, Shutterstock