Pugalier Dog Breed

Overview

The Pugalier is a small hybrid dog which is bred by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Pug. As a hybrid dog the this dog will inherit the physical and behavioral traits of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Pug dog breeds. However, not all will inherit the same characteristics (even if from the same litter). It is recommended to familiarize yourself with both the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you are planning on adopting a Pugalier as the breed can have more characteristics of one parent breed than the other.

These dogs generally look a lot like the Pug though breeders have deliberately bred them to have a longer muzzle to make breathing easier. These dogs are affectionate and easy-going; they do not require a lot of exercise and are happy in smaller living situations, making them a great fit for families with children, elderly people, and busy individuals in urban environments.

Pugalier Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Hybrid9-15 yrs.10-14 in.10-20 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are details and specs of the Pugalier dog breed:

Pugalier Breed Description

The Pugalier is considered a small sized dog breed. You can expect an adult to weigh between 8-18 pounds and stand 12-15 inches tall from ground to shoulder. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living or for travelling owners.

The breed is about as friendly as they come. Both the Pug and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel love being around people and have passed their affectionate demeanor on to the Pugalier. These dogs are wonderful with kids and get along well with other pets as well.

You can expect this to be a low maintenance dog breed. Their coat (depending on which it inherits) will need very little to no brushing, and this dog's exercise requirements can be met with a short walk and indoor play.

Pugalier Breed History

The Pugalier is a fairly new dog breed and because of this the breed does not have a very detailed history. It is likely that they were first intentionally bred in the United States during the last few decades when the popularity of hybrid dogs increased. In the last 10 years these dogs have seen a large increase in popularity as a healthier alternative to small purebred breeds like the Pug.

Pugalier Appearance

As a crossbreed, the Pugalier will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Not all will inherit the same traits which means some may have more Pug characteristics, others may have more Cavalier King Charles Spaniel characteristics, and some may show a mix of both parent breeds.

Pugaliers have a round skull shape similar to the Cavalier's, but still retain the short muzzle of the Pug. Most breeders try to keep the muzzle of these dogs longer than that of the Pug to help avoid the breathing issues that often challenge the Pug. Some have the protruding eyes often seen in Pugs, though many breeders are also trying to weed this trait out due to its health concerns. These dogs' ears are soft, floppy, and generally longer than those of a Pug due to the Cavalier's genetics. Pugaliers almost always have a short coat, but a select few may have some length to their coat also due to the Cavalier's influence.

Pugalier Coloring

Both the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel come in a variety of colors so the Pugalier will have many coat color possibilities. Among the colors found on these dogs are apricot, black, brown, ruby, gray, white, black & tan, and tricolor.

Pugalier Size

The Pugalier is considered a small sized dog breed. You can expect an adult to weigh between 8-18 pounds and stand 12-15 inches tall from ground to shoulder. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living or for travelling owners.

Average Adult Height

10-14 in
*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.

Average Adult Weight

10-20 lbs

Pugalier Temperament

The temperament of this breed is dependent on the behavioral traits inherited from its parents. Some Pugaliers will inherit traits from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, others the Pug, and some will have a mix of behaviors inherited from both parent breeds.

You can expect these dogs to have behavioral characteristics common in both the Pug and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both these breeds have a very friendly disposition and are known to get along well with children and other pets, and the Pugalier is no exception. These dogs are personable, always entertaining to have around the house. Dogs of this breed are intelligent and curious but some can be stubborn at times. They will understand training and what is being asked of them but they may need consistent reinforcement if they are of the stubborn type. The Pugalier is happy to play indoors and has proven to be an outgoing, fun-loving dog that would make a fit for any variety of owner, whether a young family or an elderly couple.

Pugalier and Children

Members of this breed are known to be very good with children. They are playful, affectionate, and small, making them an ideal playmate for even smaller kids.

Pugalier and Other Pets

Pugaliers shouldn't have an issue getting along with other pets, especially dogs. If they are to be living around small pets just make sure to properly socialize them to minimize any unwanted behavior or roughhousing.

Pugalier and Strangers

These dogs are welcoming of new people and should present no threat to any unfamiliar face. This breed is good for owners with many guests but very poor as a guard dog.

Pugalier Photos

Below are pictures of the Pugalier dog breed.

Tan Pugalier
Pugalier Dog Breed
Pugalier
Pugalier
Pugalier

Pugalier Maintenance

You can expect the Pugalier to be a low maintenance dog breed. Unless the coat is inherited from the Cavalier, it won't require any serious grooming. Puppies with many wrinkles will require a wipe-over with a damp, clean cloth every now and then to prevent skin infection. These dogs are active indoors and do not require lots of outdoor exercise, making them ideal for apartment dwellers and elderly people.

Grooming Requirements

The Pugalier can inherit the coat from either the Pug or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most will inherit the Pug's short coat which will require very minimal brushing (at most once a week), while those who inherit the Cavalier's may need brushing 2 - 3 times a week.

These dogs do shed year round so owners may want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner to help keep fur off furniture and clothes.

Exercise Requirements

Pugaliers do require some daily exercise, though owners should be careful not to make it too strenuous. A short walk or visit to the dog park should be fine; a long jog or hike will probably be too much for this small dog to handle.

Living Requirements

These make great companions that are well-suited for small homes or even apartments. These dogs don't require extensive walks or outdoor playtime as they are active indoors so a yard is not necessary.

Pugalier Health

Breeders say that the long snout and reduced wrinkles make it a healthier breed than the purebred Pug. These alterations reduce the likelihood of skin problems and alleviates some of the breathing problems plaguing the parent breed. Eye problems may still occur in Pugaliers with protruding eyes, and Cavaliers are prone to suffer slipping knee caps, congenital eye defects and heart problems. You can expect this designer dog to have a lifespan similar to its parent breeds, about 10-12 years.

Below are common health issues found in Pugaliers:

  • Dry Eye
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

Pugalier Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Pugalier as a dog breed:

  • American Canine Hybrid Club
  • Designer Dogs Kennel Club
  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • International Designer Canine Registry