A Westie and Pug mix is sure to be your child’s best friend, especially once they become older. As a breed that is known for learning tricks relatively quickly, they’re fun to train but are also known for an intense stubborn streak.
If there’s one thing to be said, it is that being a Pugland owner is an exciting and ever-changing experience for pet parents.
The History of the Pugland
The idea of breeding a West Highland terrier with a pug is a rather modern concept, as the origins of a pugland are within the 2000s. However, both of the parent breeds can be traced back to as far as 200 B.C. Pugs were the favorite pet of the Han Dynasty during 200 B.C., and they are a breed derived from Pekingese, bulldog, and the French mastiff.
One of the most exciting aspects of the history of pugs is that they were referred to as royalty, and only emperors were allowed to own them in China. Their royal presence knew no bounds, as they were even given individual guards to protect them. In the 15th century, however, the pug was brought to Europe and eventually divided into two breeding lines.
Knowing the ins and outs of Westie and pug parents can help you to understand the personality of your Pugland better, as well.
You can find references to pugs in ancient artworks, especially in art during the 1800s. They are frequently featured in paintings, journals, statues, and postcards. West Highland terriers had a far more active history, as they were once used for hunting fox and vermin. Bred in the Scottish Highlands, these terriers were essential to everyday tasks in villages and farms.
What Is the Pugland’s Personality?
It is true when they say that some dogs tend to act like they are much bigger than they are, and this is the case for the pugland. Although they are quite small in size, they have confidence that knows no bounds. They are also fiercely protective of their family when it comes to any other pet or stranger they perceive as a threat.
Your pugland isn’t likely to start a fight, but you can guarantee that they won’t back down if they are attacked. You’ll find that this breed enjoys playing with other dogs, but it’s not recommended that you enable them to play with smaller animals, such as rabbits or kittens.
You’ll also find that they have a relatively stable prey drive, which means that they should be supervised around any other pets in the home.
One of the unique attributes of a Pug and Westie mix is their independence and stubbornness. Although this can make training a little longer than anticipated, it’s one of their most endearing characteristics. Training will take a lot of consistency and patience to work through the headstrong nature of your pet.
The Health of a Pugland
There are a moderate number of health concerns to consider before adopting a pugland, though not as much as other Westie hybrids. The three major concerns with this breed are brachycephalic syndrome, craniomandibular osteopathy, and Addison’s disease.
Puglands may also experience occasional diagnoses of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, selective IG A deficiency, pug dog encephalitis, and Malassezia dermatitis.
When it comes to minor concerns, there are five issues your vet will keep an eye out for. These ailments include entropion, skin-fold dermatitis, glaucoma, seborrhea, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Sometimes, Puglands will have to undergo skin evaluations, eye examinations, internal imaging, and blood analyses.
What Do Puglands Look Like?
When you look at a pugland for the first time, it’s easy to see all of the traits it has inherited from both pet parents. With that said, some puppies will have more Westie traits, and some will resemble their pug parent more.
Overall, this breed is known for its short torso and short legs with a medium-length tail. Their coat will typically have an average density and may feature medium to long hair.
The pugland’s undercoat is incredibly soft and fluffy, which means that you may have to put in a little extra work when it comes to maintaining their coat. You’ll also love the different colors you may find on their body, such as black, brown, or white with patches.
How to Maintain a Pugland
As earlier mentioned, maintaining your pugland is going to take a little bit more effort than you may have expected. This point is especially true if you have owned a pug in the past. You’ll find the Westie traits are what determine the maintenance of this breed.
On average, you will need to brush your dog at least four or five times weekly. It’s always best if you have access to a pin brush and comb, as you’ll want to make sure any tangles and mats are gone.
The brush you use will need stiff bristles, as this can quickly spread oils through the follicle for a healthier coat. You will also want to take special care to clip their nails at least twice a month, depending on growth.
Puglands have skin that is quite sensitive, so it’s best if you rely on shampoo that is recommended by a veterinarian. Special shampoos can help to prevent itchiness and irritation. You will also want to ensure that you regularly inspect their eyes and ears for any signs of infection.
Tips for Exercising Your Pugland
Luckily, puglands seem to get most of their energy levels from West Highland terriers. With a pug temperament, you might find that getting your pet exercise could be a little more complicated. You’ll want to make sure your pet has at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day until they are sufficiently tired.
If you don’t take the time to exercise this breed thoroughly, they are quite prone to destructive behavior. This feat can be attributed to the breed’s general boredom, but it is also a part of its hard-headed temperament. Your best bets for exercise can be agility training, playing catch, or even getting them to swim.
A good idea is to also invest in high-quality products, such as the best dog bed for chewers, to help combat any destructive behavior.
One of the things to love the most is that puglands can entertain themselves, as long as you provide the venue. By merely taking them to a dog park, they will enjoy playing with their friends or chasing squirrels until they’re tired enough to go home.
Westie and Pug Mix: Final Thoughts
A Westie and pug mix is a great family pet, especially if you are searching for a breed known for its loyalty and protective nature.
With the right training, you’ll be able to cut back on their overconfidence and tendency to nip at others when intimidated. You’ll surely appreciate their need for exercise, as it can help you to spend more time together as a family.
