Designer dogs have been increasing in popularity in recent years because they combine the best qualities of each parent breed. One of these is the Golden Retriever Pug Mix, or the Golden Pug – a crossbreed that will surely be a great addition to any family.
In this article, I will discuss their food and grooming requirements as well as their health, history, and characteristics of each parent breed and how they influence the physical and temperamental qualities of the Golden Pug.
Similar to any Pug mix, like the Great Dane Pug Mix, the Golden Retriever Pug Mix has many inherent traits of the Pug that many people find adorable and charming.
So, without further ado, let us learn about the Golden Retriever Pug Mix and see if this is the right dog for you.
Table of Contents
Golden Retriever Pug Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Pug Golden, Golden Pug Mix |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 30 – 50 pounds |
| Height | 15 – 25 inches |
| Coat Colors | Golden, Fawn, Brown, Yellow |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Canine Friendliness | High |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 11 – 15 years |
| Puppy Costs | $900 – &2,500 |
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What is a Golden Pug?
The Golden Pug is a Pug mixed with a Golden Retriever. They are a designer breed that is a cross between two purebreds, which studies suggest makes them healthier than their parent breeds due to increased hybrid vigor.
Golden Retriever & Pug Mix: Parent breeds
Being designer dogs, the Golden Retriever Mix Pug will have a combination of each parent’s qualities. It is useful to look into each of the Pug and Golden Retriever characteristics to give us a good idea on how they will develop.
The Pug is a small, muscular toy dog that has often been described with the Latin phrase “multum in parvo,” meaning “a lot of dog in such a small package” due to their mischievous and comical temperament.
They have a square and stocky bodies with a rounded heads and flat muzzles. Pugs also have that characteristic wrinkly face, especially around their forehead, which gives them unique expressions.
The Golden Retriever is one of the most well-loved dog breeds in the world because of their gentle and kind nature. They got their name from their lush, golden coat and their mastery in finding and retrieving game birds.
They have a broad head, a straight muzzle, floppy ears, and comely, intelligent eyes. Golden Retrievers are prized for their smartness and have been greatly used to assist people with disabilities and also as therapy animals.
Golden Retriever history
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks started developing the Golden Retriever in the 1840s in Scotland with the goal of creating a gun dog that could withstand the wet climate and rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
He succeeded in doing this for nearly 50 years by crossing a Yellow Retriever with the Tweed Water Spaniel, the Bloodhound, and the Irish Setter.
The breed was first introduced in a dog show in 1908 as the “Flat-coated Retriever” with the golden shade being a color variety.
It was in 1913 that the “golden” variety was registered as a separate breed.
From then on, the Golden Retriever’s popularity spread across Europe and North America and eventually the world.
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Pug history
Pug history dates back to ancient China where they were kept as companion dogs by the nobility and even the Buddhist monks.
They were prized for their flat faces and also their wrinkly forehead which some say resembles the Chinese character for good luck.
They were introduced to Europe by Dutch traders during the 16th century and became popular as well with the royalty and the nobility.
Queen Victoria of Great Britain famously became an enthusiast of the breed and helped in the establishment of The Kennel Club in 1873.
The breed was soon afterward introduced in the US and became recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.
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Golden Retriever vs Pug
The main difference between Golden Retriever and Pug is that Golden Retriever has a broad head with straight muzzle while Pug has a rounded skull with a short muzzle.
Do Pugs and Golden Retrievers get along?
Yes, Pugs and Golden Retrievers get along pretty well since both are known to be easygoing and friendly.
Golden Retrievers, in particular, has a mellow and even-tempered nature which makes them one of the friendliest dog breeds around.
Can Pug breed with Golden Retriever?
Yes, a Pug can breed with a Golden Retriever. However, this can be difficult to achieve due to the size difference.
This is why breeders may resort to in-vitro fertilization wherein the sperm of the male Pug is injected into the female Golden Retriever.
Pug and Golden Retriever Mix physical appearance
Golden Retriever Mixed with a Pug will have varying physical characteristics since they are not the purebred dog which has a standard look.
Typically, Golden Pugs will have a muscular-looking body with a somewhat rounded head and globular eyes similar to the Pug.
They also have a slightly longer muzzle compared to the Pug but shorter than that of a Golden Retriever.
The ears may have a soft fold that stands out a bit, but it may also lie close to their cheeks. Wrinkling on the brows and around the muzzle may also be evident.
READ ALSO: Border Collie Golden Retriever Mix (Complete Guide)
Pug Golden Retriever Mix size, height, and weight
Pug Mix Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog that stands at around 15 to 25 inches at the withers upon maturity with the males being slightly heavier and taller than the females.
| Gender | Height | Weight |
| Male | 20 – 25 inches | 40 – 50 pounds |
| Female | 15 – 20 inches | 30 – 40 pounds |
Full Grown Golden Retriever Pug Mix
Pug Mixed with a Golden Retriever will reach its adult size between 9 and 12 months and will continue to increase their chest size and weight until their 18th month.
A sign that they are still an adolescent is to look at the size of their paws. If it seems oversized in relation to its body, then your Pug Golden is still growing.
Various Pug & Golden Retriever Mix coat colors and types
Golden Retriever Pug cross has a short to medium-length double coat that can come in various shades of gold from light fawn to brown while some may also sport a black coat. Many will have the characteristic black mask on their face similar to the Pug.
Golden Retriever Mix with Pug temperament and personality
Golden Retriever x Pug is a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent dog which are traits that both the Pug and the Golden Retriever share.
They love the company of their family and enjoy the interaction they receive from them.
They are, overall, even-tempered showing the right amount of playfulness and charm with no aggressive nature whatsoever.
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Is Pug Golden Retriever a good family dog?
Yes, the half Pug half Golden Retriever is a good addition to any family. They are comfortable in the presence of children and revel in their company that can spend many hours of play.
Both the Pug and the Golden Retriever can get along with just about any pet, so it would not be far-fetched to predict that the Pug Golden will have a similar trait.
Golden Retriever Pug ideal living conditions
Golden Retriever Pug can get pretty attached to their family which makes it important to note that they must not be left alone for long periods.
They get stressed when this happens which could lead some to resort to constant barking, whining, or destructive behavior (like chewing) around the house.
HELPFUL HINT: If your Golden Retriever Pug suffer from separation anxiety, it is a good idea to give them an all-natural dog bone for them to chew. This will not only distract them while you leave the house to run a quick errand, but it will keep them occupy for many hours.
Sometimes, excess build-up energy can stress out a dog. Many canine owners, in this case, will allow their furry family members to roam freely in their backyard so they can play and expend some of that energy.
If you do allow your precious pups to play outside, make sure your backyard is fully fenced to keep them safe.
However, we are aware that some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit the installation of physical fences.
If you’re in this situation, don’t fret! A great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which will also keep your four-legged friends safe and contained within your yard.
What’s great about the invisible doggy fence is that it is cost-efficient, flexible, and adaptable to any and all types of terrains, including hilly, mountainous, and flat grassy terrains.
Many pet owners may find it annoying to open and door for their pups every time they need to head outside or come back into the house. If you find this annoying, a good solution would be to install an electronic dog door.
What’s great about the automatic doggy door is that it is easy to install and is easily programmable. You can set the curfew hours so your pooch can play and enjoy the outdoors during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
So whether you work from home or at the office, your K9 friends can now head outside and come back into the house without having you to open and close the door behind them all the time.
Pug Retriever Mix training
Pug Retriever Mix is a smart breed and training them as early as possible can have great benefits such as increased confidence and stronger human-dog bonding.
You can introduce basic training cues like “sit”, “come”, and “stay” when they are 8 weeks old.
Early socialization is also important to get them used to different people and situations.
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Golden Retriever Mixed with Pug exercise requirement
Golden Retriever Mixed with Pug needs around an hour of daily exercise that can be split into 2 to 3 sessions.
Daily walks around the neighborhood, a short round of frisbee throwing, and even swimming are great exercises for this breed.
However, Golden Pugs with shorter muzzles must not be overly exerted to prevent breathing difficulties and overheating.
HANDY HINT: When walking your Golden Retriever mixed with Pug, be sure to use either a retractable dog leash or a rope dog leash, or whichever one that is most comfortable for him. These types of leashes will give you full control while still allowing your pup the space he needs to walk and explore.
Pug Mixed with Golden Retriever grooming and cleaning
Regularly grooming and bathing your Fido has many benefits. Aside from controlling shedding, grooming and cleaning allow you to check for fleas and to detect any unusual skin growth or bumps.
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We have some tips for you on how to clean your Pug Mixed with a Golden Retriever.
Bathing
Who doesn’t want a clean and fresh-smelling dog? You can achieve this by giving your dog a bath at least once a month.
But, sharing your human shampoo with your Fido is not a good idea because dogs have a different skin pH level than humans.
This means that your shampoo is too harsh for your furry friends. Instead, purchase a mild and lightly-scented shampoo made for dogs.
If your Pug & Golden Retriever Mix dog starts to smell and you don’t have the time to bathe him, it’s a good idea to use doggie wipes to remove the dirt and odor from his skin and coat.
These doggie wipes are so mild that they won’t cause skin irritations even to pooches with sensitive skin.
Brushing
A Pug with Golden Retriever Mix dog sheds his coat almost daily. The amount of shedding can be problematic to most of you because of the loose fur that sticks on furniture and even on your clothes.
To solve this problem, brushing the coat is the best way to deal with shedding.
Choose a brush that is proven to reduce shedding such as the FURminator de-shedding brush.
You can also use a slicker brush or undercoat rakes because these tools penetrate the undercoat and helps remove loose fur.
Nail Trimming
Trimming your dog’s nails has health benefits.
For one, long nails tend to break easily which may lead to skin infections.
Second, unkempt nails may hinder a dog’s movements.
That said, make manicure/pedicure a regular part of their grooming.
If you’re confident that you can control your Fido and that you will not accidentally cut the quick, then use nail clippers for dogs. If not, it’s safer to use a dog nail grinder for a more precise trim and to avoid cutting the quick.
Teeth Brushing
Just like humans, dogs also need to have a regular oral care regimen. Use a dog toothbrush to clean his teeth and gums.
Some dog owners find it easier to use a finger toothbrush, so choose whichever product works better for you and your dog.
Don’t use your toothpaste for cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums. Instead choose an enzymatic dog toothpaste to protect his teeth from decay and gums from inflammation.
If you want, dental water additives can also help to keep the teeth and gums in good condition.
Ear/Eye Cleaning
Have you checked your dog’s ears lately? If not, you may not know it but there might already be an accumulation of earwax.
Failure to clean your dog’s ears may possibly cause ear infections.
The same is true with its eyes. Be sure to remove any eye boogers, otherwise, these can irritate your dog’s eyes. To clean the eyes, use moistened cotton balls and wipe gently.
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For the ears, you can safely use a dog ear-cleaning solution which does not contain synthetic ingredients.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Brushing | 3x weekly |
| Bathing | 1x monthly |
| Teeth Brushing | 3x weekly |
| Nail Trimming | As needed |
| Ear Cleaning | Check weekly |
| Eye Cleaning | Check weekly |
Is a Golden Retriever Pug Mix hypoallergenic?
No, Golden Retriever Pug Mix is not hypoallergenic. Dander and dried saliva can stick to their loose hairs which could trigger an allergic reaction in those that are sensitive to canine allergens.
If you or anyone in your family has canine allergies, it’s a good idea to get air purifiers and place them all throughout your home.
Many choose air purifiers that have a HEPA filter because it helps remove germ, odor, mold, pollen, dog fur, dander, dust mites, and dust from the air.
Do Pug and Golden Retriever Mix shed?
Yes, Pug and Golden Retriever Mix moderately sheds throughout the year which escalates during the fall and spring months when their undercoat falls off to adapt to changing temperatures.
During the fall and spring seasons, if you’re annoyed by the amount of fur and dander sitting all throughout your home on the sofa, furniture, carpet, and hardwood floor, it’s best to get a vacuum cleaner that is durable and high-quality.
We highly recommend the Miele Vacuum Cleaner because it is durable, quiet, and powerful. It features various crevice tools that allows you to vacuum hard to reach places.
Golden Retriever and Pug food and diet
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat meat and plants like vegetables and fruits.
So, when you are choosing which dog food is best for your puppy or adult Golden Retriever and Pug Mix, look at the ingredients.
You want to see meat of any kind as its main ingredient and then with added plant-based ingredients.
A lot of dog owners are asking if puppies can be fed with adult dog food. To make it easier, dog food manufacturers are producing dog food for all life stages, meaning, it can be eaten by dogs regardless of age.
Regarding quantity, we suggest that you seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding the correct proportion of dog food. Dog treats like peanut butter are okay but do so in moderation.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix health issues
While crossing two purebreds together may result in healthier offspring, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are immune to the same health diseases common with a particular breed.
It just means that the chances of a crossbreed dog inheriting those diseases are lessened.
One way to detect a dog has inherited a particular disease is to have it genetically tested for certain types of health risks which can be done with a simple at-home DNA test kit.
These modern test kits claim to have a 95 to 99% accuracy rate which will give you an insight into your Golden Pug’s possible health risks.
Listed below are 8 of the common diseases that a Golden Pug may acquire.
1. Eye Ulceration
Golden Pugs with prominent eyes can suffer from eye trauma by progressive scarring and pigment formation in the cornea that can lead to painful ulcers.
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2. Skin fold Infections
Skin fold dermatitis can result from irritation due to the skin and hairs rubbing together in addition to the moisture accumulation in these areas.
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3. Hip Dysplasia
Larger dogs such as the Golden Retriever are susceptible to hip dysplasia wherein there is loosening in the hip joints during their growth stage resulting in the wearing down of the cartilage in the hip.
4. Epilepsy
A common neurological disorder found in Golden Retrievers characterized by recurrent seizures with no apparent cause. Reducing stress and providing them with a healthy diet can lessen the chance of this disease.
5. Respiratory Problems
Golden Pugs that inherited the elongated soft palate and narrow nostrils of the Pug may develop breathing problems.
Excessive panting and drooling are typically the first signs of distress that could lead to collapse if there is not enough oxygen.
6. Lipoma
A skin tumor as a result of the accumulation of fat cells just under the skin. They are typically harmless but may require surgical removal if it causes pain and hinders their movement.
7. Patellar Luxation
A condition wherein the kneecap gets misaligned due to developmental abnormalities in the bone and muscles of the knee joints.
Lameness, skipping, and limbs locking up in odd angles are early signs of the disease.
8. Hypothyroidism
A disorder in the endocrine glands wherein hormones needed for metabolism are not produced normally. Signs include sudden weight gain, thinning of the fur, and decreased energy levels.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix lifespan
On average, a Golden Retriever Pug has a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix breeder
The best place to get your Pug cross Golden Retriever is from a reputable breeder. By doing so, you can rest easy knowing that your Pug x Golden Retriever puppy or adult dog is healthy and is properly socialized.
These are the traits of a responsible breeder to look for:
- Check the websites for feedback from their previous patrons.
- Responsible breeders welcome buyers to their breeding facilities.
- Responsible breeders will provide the results of health screening tests as well as the temperament tests of the parents and the puppies.
- Responsible breeders are more than willing to answer all your questions which should include how often they breed their female dogs and at what age are puppies weaned from their mothers and if the puppies are allowed to socialize with them.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix puppies
A lot of you may be asking when can I take my Pug and Golden Retriever puppies to the park.
It’s a good practice to introduce puppies to various places as soon as possible but with one major condition and that is if the Golden Retriever Pug puppies have gotten their vaccinations already.
What are the vaccinations puppies need? There are 2 types of vaccines, these are core and non-core dog vaccinations.
The core vaccines are distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies while some of the non-core is Lyme disease and leptospirosis vaccines.
Ask your veterinarian which of the non-core vaccines your puppy needs before taking him to the park to avoid contracting communicable diseases.
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Golden Retriever & Pug Mix price
The average price of a Golden Retriever & Pug mix ranges from $900 to $2,500.
But, you can bring home a puppy or an adult dog at a lower price in adoption or rescue centers.
Regardless of where you get your dog, there are expenses that you need to prepare for as shown in the table below:
| Types of Expenses | Average Price | Find it here: |
| Feeding bowls | $20 – $30 | Doggy bowls |
| Collar & Leash | $20 – $50 | Dog collar |
| Crate | $50 – $350 | Dog Crate |
| Doggie Bed | $30 – $150 | Doggy beds |
| Grooming Tools | $30 – $100 | Grooming Supplies |
| Neuter/Spay fees | $40 – $500 | |
| Initial Veterinary Examination | $100 – $250 | |
| Microchipping | $45 – $55 | |
| Veterinary Expenses (vaccinations & deworming) | $100 – $250 | Canine Dewormer |
| Dog Food & Treats | $60 – $120 | Puppy/dog food & treats |
| Dog Shampoo | $5 – $15 | Doggy shampoo |
| Dog Licensing | $10 – $20 | |
| Total | $510 – $1,890 |
Pug and Golden Retriever for adoption
There are a lot of dogs being given up for adoption, so it may also interest you to look for Pug and Golden Retriever mix for adoption in these 2 places.
Giving these dogs new people to love them is a very worthy cause.
Check out Pug Partners of Nebraska (pugpartners.com) if Pug mixes are available for adoption.
You can also visit the website of Muffinpug Rescue (muffinpugrescue.co.uk) located in the UK.
Places to find Golden Retriever Pug Mix puppies for sale
There’s nothing more rewarding than having a cute puppy that is in its pink of health and has a sound temperament.
Here is a list of 3 breeders who may have Golden Retriever Pug mix puppies for sale.
Sapphire Goldens (sapphiregoldens.com) in Massachusetts is undoubtedly a good place to find Golden Retrievers. The breeder is a member of Bred with H.E.A.R.T and Golden Retriever Club of America.
If you are a resident of UK, the breeder at Bonsaviour Retrievers (bonsaviour.uk) might be able to help you find Golden Retriever Pup mix puppies for sale.
If it’s your lucky day, you may find Pug mixes at Green Valley Pugs (greenvalleypugs.com) located in Arkansas.
Finding a healthy Golden Retriever Pug Mix for sale
Adult dogs are as fun to have in the home, so we have listed 3 breeders who could be looking for permanent homes for their retirable yet healthy Golden Retriever mix dogs.
Golden Meadows (goldenmeadowsretrievers.com/golden-retrievers/young-adult-golden-retrievers-for-sale) in California may have the dog you are looking for. Call them to get additional information about adult dogs for sale.
Hopefully, the breeder at Mountain Aire Pugs (mtnairesporthorses.com/pugs) can help you find breeders with Pug mixes for sale.
Syrah Goldens (syrahgoldens.com) in Georgia is a small-scale breeder whose breeding females are retired at the age of 5.
Various Golden Retriever and Pug Mixes
We have a short list of designer dog breeds that you’ve probably never heard of. Each of them has its own quirks but is definitely delightful and who knows, might even steal your heart.
Goldendoodle Pug Mix
A Pug and Goldendoodle mix is a sweet and cuddly medium-sized dog. A Pug Goldendoodle mix is a devoted pooch that is smart and fairly easy to train in basic commands and dog tricks.
CHECK OUT: Teacup Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
Puggle Golden Retriever Pug Mix
The Pug Beagle (Puggle) with Golden Retriever and Pug Mix is definitely an outgoing and moderately active designer dog breed. This pooch is eager to please its family and is a good playmate for children.
Pomapug Golden Retriever
What do you expect from a mix of a Pomeranian, a Pug, and a Golden Retriever? Expect an unmatched loyalty and a big, loving heart for its human family.
Golden Retriever Pug Mix: Pros and Cons
Here is a table that summarizes the good sides and the not-so-good sides of a Golden Retriever Pug mixed dog.
| Pros | Cons |
| Playful | Sheds almost all year round |
| Comical | Not hypoallergenic |
| Very affectionate | Needs at least 30 minutes of exercises daily |
| Smart | Prone to breathing problems |
| Apartment-friendly dog | Prone to obesity |
| Easy to groom | May suffer from separation anxiety |
Is the Golden Retriever Pug Mix right for me?
A Golden Retriever Pug is one of the sweetest and friendliest designer dog breeds. He is a good family member and is not too territorial so he has no problem welcoming visitors into his home.
If there’s one thing potential owners need to deal with is the shedding problem which can be resolved through the right use of grooming tools as well as vacuums with HEPA filters.
Thus, people of all ages can enjoy the company of a Golden Retriever & Pug mixed dog.
Related Questions
Pug Tzu or a Pug mixed with a Shiz Tzu because both breeds are almost of the same size. Plus, Shiz Tzus are minimal shedders so crossing these 2 dogs can lessen the shedding problem associated with Pugs.
Absolutely! They are not aggressive and can live in harmony with rowdy kids and other animals in the house.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0269425
https://www.pugdogclubofamerica.com/pug-health-research.html
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
