Almost everyone adores a Pug and a Labrador Retriever because of their charming and friendly natures. But, what if I tell you that there is such a thing as a Pug Labrador Mix?
The Pug Lab Mix combines the best qualities of two of the most well-loved breeds, although the pairing can be a little bit unusual. They are somewhat rare and you may not find many breeders who cross these two dog breeds.
Unlike the Golden Retriever Pug Mix, which is one of the more popular Pug mixes, the Pug Lab Mix’s popularity has only risen in popularity in recent years. To learn more about this breed, I have collected some information that could guide you in your decision when adopting a Pug Lab Mix.
Table of Contents
Pug Lab Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Pugador, Pug Retriever Mix, Lab Pug, Lug Dog |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 25 – 50 pounds |
| Height | 15 – 19 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, Chocolate, Fawn, Yellow, White |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Canine Friendliness | High |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
| Puppy Costs | $900 – $2,500 |
What is a Pugador?
A Pugador, or a Labrador and Pug Mix, is a cross between the medium-to-large Labrador Retriever dog and the toy Pug.
Not much is known where it originated, but most likely, they are a result of accidental breeding that eventually made it to the growing list of Labrador and Pug mixes that have gained popularity in recent times.
What is a Pug Lab Mix called?
The Pug Lab Mix is commonly nicknamed the Pugador but also is sometimes referred to as Lab Pugs or Lug dogs.
Pug & Lab Mix: Parent breeds
The Pug & Lab Mix is a designer breed that is a product of two purebred dogs. As such, the Pug & Lab Mix doesn’t have specific physical and temperamental qualities unique to purebred dogs and would have varying characteristics depending on which parent it takes after.
So, it would be useful to look into the Pug and the Labrador Retriever separately which would give us an idea of how the Pug & Lab Mix will turn out.
The Pug is a small and compact dog with a large, round head and a flat face or muzzle. The wrinkling around their face, especially on the forehead, gives them a unique facial expression coupled with their big, globular eyes.
They are mostly kept as house pets and are known to be mischievous and playful.
Pug history
The Pug dates back to ancient times in China where they were prized by the nobility for their flat-faced nose and wrinkly forehead that resembles the Chinese character for good luck.
They were first introduced in Europe during the 16th century by Dutch traders and their popularity spread among the aristocrats as well.
During the 19th century, Queen Victoria of Britain became an enthusiast which further spread the breed’s renown.
Through the years, its breeding caused its physical characteristics to change making its face much flatter than the original Pug resulting in its susceptibility to breathing problems.
Labrador Retriever history
The Labrador Retriever was developed in Great Britain in the 1800s from water dogs employed by Canadian fishermen and duck retrievers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These water dogs were crossed with English hunting dogs and produced the first black Labradors.
The breed soon became common in Britain and other colors of the breed were introduced such as yellow and liver.
The Labrador was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1917 and became one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
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Lab vs Pug
The main difference between Lab and Pug is that Lab has a medium-sized muzzle while Pug is a brachycephalic dog with a short and blunt muzzle.
Pug Mix Lab physical appearance
It is hard to predict what a Pug and Labrador Mix would look like since the Labrador and the Pug are quite different physically. Its appearance would depend largely on which genes are more dominant.
A Pug Mix Lab has a muscular body and would typically have a muzzle that is longer than its parent Pug but shorter than that of a Labrador.
They also commonly inherit the Pug’s prominent, globular eyes and somewhat rounded skull shape. The ears are floppy and hang close to the head, while the tail can either be long or curled.
Pug Lab Mix size, height, and weight
Lab and Pug Mix is a medium-sized dog whose weight range can vary due to the size difference of its parents. As with most breeds, the males are typically heavier and larger than the females.
| Gender | Height | Weight |
| Male | 17 – 19 inches | 30 – 50 pounds |
| Female | 15 – 17 inches | 25 – 45 pounds |
Pug Lab Mix Full Grown
The Pug Lab Mix will reach its full height around 9 months of age and will continue to increase its chest size and ideal weight until its 18th month.
A good indicator to know if a Pug Lab is still growing is to check if its paws appear oversized in relation to its feet and body.
Various Lab Pug Mix coat colors and types
Pugador dog has a short, dense double coat. Its Labrador parent can come in black, yellow, and chocolate while its Pug parent can have a black or fawn-colored coat with black masking around the face. The Pug Lab Mix can therefore come in black, brown, fawn, and white.
Black Lab Pug Mix
Black Lab and Pug Mix is typically a result of a black Labrador and a Black Pug crossing. Pug black Lab Mix has a predominantly black solid coat with some black Lab Pug Mix puppies sporting a white marking or blaze on their chest or legs.
They also have black nose leather and paw pads.
Pug and black Lab Mix will also have a black mask around the muzzle but it is not conspicuous due to its black color.
Chocolate Lab Pug Mix
Chocolate Lab and Pug Mix has a predominantly rich, deep brown coat color with matching nose leather and paws. The deep brown color may lighten in color sometimes, especially during the shedding season.
Yellow Lab Pug Mix
Pug yellow Lab Mix has a light-colored coat ranging from yellow to light fawn. Black markings in the ears and a black mask in the muzzle are visible.
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Pug Lab Mix temperament and personality
Both the Pug and the Labrador are both affectionate and sociable dogs, so it would be no surprise for the Pug Labrador Retriever Mix to have the same temperament.
They love the company of their family and will show a great degree of attachment making them vulnerable to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
HELPFUL HINT: If you know your precious pups suffer from separation anxiety and you have to run an errand or leave the house for more than a few hours, it’s a good idea to get them all-natural dog bones to chew. The dog bones will also distract them as you’re leaving the house.
The Pug Labrador Mix also inherits the powerful work ethic of its Labrador parent.
They are quick learners and would do well with an owner that can provide sufficient physical and mental stimulation to them.
Is Pug and Lab Mix a good family dog?
Yes, the Labrador Pug is a great addition to any family, especially those with kids. They have a nice mixture of the Labrador’s kind personality and the Pug’s comical attitude making them adorable, companionable pets.
They are, overall, pleasant and show no sign of aggressiveness whatsoever even to strangers.
Labrador Pug also gets along well with other pets, especially those they grew up with. They may have some prey drive that they get from their Labrador heritage, but this can be corrected through early training and socialization.
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Pug Mixed with Labrador ideal living conditions
Lab Mix Pug can adapt to any type of dwelling, be it apartment living or a house with a large yard as long as they are given sufficient time to explore the outdoors.
If your Pug Lab Mix loves playing outside, it’s a good idea to install physical fences to keep them safe.
It is important to note that some towns or counties having zoning laws that prohibit the installation of physical fences. If this is the case, don’t fret!
A great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which should also keep your Pugador safe and sound. What’s great about the invisible dog fence is that it is cost-efficient, flexible, and adaptable to any and all types of terrains, including flat-grassy, mountainous, and hilly terrains.
Lab Mix Pugs that have shorter muzzles, however, should not be subjected to strenuous exercises since these can cause breathing problems for them.
Instead, allow your pup to head outside and let them roam freely. To make it more convenient for both you and your pooch, installing an electronic dog door can help.
Many canine owners love the automatic doggy door because it is easy to install, programmable, and you can set curfew hours. This way, your four-legged friends can enjoy the outdoors during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
Best of all, whether you work from home or at the office, you’ll no longer be interrupted every time your pooch needs to head outside or come back into the house.
Labrador Pug Mix training
Lab Pug Mix breed is very intelligent and can be taught basic commands easily. Start their training as early as 8 weeks old by introducing some basic training cues such as “come”, “sit”, and “stay.”
Socializing them this early, right after they received their first vaccinations, is also ideal to familiarize them with different people and situations.
The important thing to remember is to always use positive reinforcements, like dog treats and praises, to keep them motivated to learn.
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Pug Mix Labrador exercise requirement
Pug Lab Mix dogs are very playful and has a moderate energy level. One hour of daily exercise can be adequate that can be split into 2 to 3 sessions, but you can increase the amount if you think they can still handle it.
Pug Lab dogs that have shorter muzzles may be more ideally exercised with shorter sessions of physical activity to prevent overexertion.
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Pug Lab grooming and cleaning
Pug Labs are generally low-maintenance dogs because of their short coats that don’t need frequent brushing and bathing.
Brushing
The Pug Lab sheds moderately throughout the year and brushing regularly can minimize the amount of loose hair that can spread around your house.
You can use a slicker brush or a rubber dog brush to smooth away their coat. This also helps the natural oils in their coat to get evenly distributed throughout their body.
Brush them in the direction of their coat making sure the bristles reach their skin for thorough coverage.
You can also use a FURminator de-shedding brush during the heavy shedding season to properly remove the loose hairs.
Bathing
Pug Labs only need to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks or when you see dirt has accumulated too much on their coat.
Overly bathing them can lead to dry skin and further damage their coats.
Instead, simply wipe their dirty paws, skin, and coat with doggie wipes to keep them clean and fresh in between bathing sessions.
You should take care to keep the folds in the skin of your Pug Labs clean and moisture-free. Bacteria can easily accumulate in these places which may eventually lead to irritation.
When you do bathe your Pug Labs, be sure to use a mild dog shampoo with natural ingredients to prevent skin irritation.
Teeth Brushing
Teeth brushing is one of the most important aspects of keeping the oral health of your Pug Lab in tip-top shape.
Use an enzymatic toothpaste for dogs that can prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Never use human toothpaste because some contain xylitol.
Another way to support their dental health is by adding a few drops of a dental additive to their water bowls. Studies have shown that this helps in preventing periodontal diseases and keeps their breath smelling fresh.
Nail Trimming
Pug Labs needs their nails trimmed regularly every 3 to 4 weeks. Waiting too long between trims can lead to some health issues.
A Pug Lab can be nail trimmed as early as 6 weeks old. This way, they will be used to the activity without getting stressed.
Use either a dog nail grinder or a nail clipper depending on which you are more comfortable using.
Eye Care
Pug Lab mixes may have skin folds around their eyes that need to be checked regularly for excessive moisture. Bacteria can accumulate in these areas and can affect the skin around their eyes.
Use a damp cloth or eye wipes to clean the area.
Eye boogies can also be easily removed with eye wipes. Just make sure not to touch the cornea of their eyes for this can also be easily irritated.
RELATED: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
Ear Care
The ear canal should be checked regularly for any wax and moisture accumulation. A simple damp cloth or cotton ball can do the job.
Of course, overly cleaning the ears can also cause it to get irritated.
A good rule of thumb is to clean it with an ear solution every month. Apply a few drops of the solution into the ear canal and massage it gently to spread the liquid then dry it with a cloth or cotton ball.
Never use a Q-tip to clean their ears for these can accidentally damage the inner canal.
| 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 Pug Lab Mix hypoallergenic?
No, the Pug Lab Mix is not hypoallergenic since their dander, dried saliva, and drool can trigger an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to allergens.
If you or anyone in your family are sensitive to canine allergy, using an air purifier with HEPA filter throughout your home can help. The HEPA filter helps to get rid of mold, dust, pollen, dust mites, dog fur, an dander from the air.
Do Pug Lab Mix shed?
Yes, the Pug Lab Mix shed throughout the year and especially more so during the spring and fall months when their undercoat is losing hair to adapt to changing temperatures.
Lab Pug food and diet
The size difference and the activity levels of both parents are on opposite poles. That said, the amount of food that you will give your Lab Pug depends on its size and activity levels.
But we can advise you to choose the type of food for your Lab Pug. With the array of available food in the market today, it may be pretty confusing which to buy.
To make it simpler for you, always choose the ones that have met the guidelines of The Association of American Feed Control Officials or AAFCO.
This means that the dog food of your choice has the appropriate nutrient profiles such as high protein content and the right amount of fats and other minerals.
Pug Lab puppies can be fed three times a day while the adults twice a day. Consult your veterinarian regarding the correct portion. You can give your Lab Pug some treats but do it in moderation to avoid unnecessary gain weight.
Pug Lab Mix health issues
The main purpose why dog breeders mix 2 purebred dogs is to come up with healthier offspring. While that is true, it doesn’t necessarily follow that designer dogs like a Pug Lab Mix will not inherit the health problems of their parents.
They still can and the best way to find out what these diseases are is through a dog DNA home test kit.
This home test gives accurate results giving fur parents like you to learn in advance the symptoms to look for as well as prepare for the possible medical expenses.
So, here are some of the 8 health problems that your Pug Lab Mix may inherit:
1. Hip Dysplasia
Big dogs like Labrador Retriever are more susceptible to hip dysplasia, an orthopedic and congenital disease. Puppies with the condition will suffer from mobility issues as they grow older because of the uneven growth of the ball and the socket in their hip joints.
2. Respiratory Problems
The Pug parent is prone to suffer from breathing disorders as a result of its short nostrils. The signs you need to look for are excessive panting and drooling and if not addressed, it could lead to collapse due to low oxygen levels.
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3. Epilepsy
It is the Labrador Retriever gene that can pass on this neurological problem. A dog afflicted with this disease will appear normal and then suddenly will exhibit seizures or uncontrollable shaking that normally lasts for about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Wobbler Disease
Often seen among large dogs, this is a disease in the cervical spine. This is a painful condition and the common signs are difficulty getting up from bed and weakness.
5. Moist Dermatitis
Also called hot spots, is a skin condition that shows signs like moist and red lesions on the dog’s paws hip, chest, and head.
6. Over Heating
If the Pug Lab mix dog inherited the flat face of its parents, chances are, he will also be prone to overheating and dehydration due to heat and physical exertion.
7. Legg-Calve Perthe Disease
This is a developmental disease brought about by the degeneration of the femoral head of the leg bone. The warning signs are trouble getting up and walking.
8. Lipoma
These are fatty tumors that grow below a dog’s skin. The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds commonly diagnosed with this benign or non-cancerous growth. These tumors may grow large which could affect mobility and in some cases, cause pain.
Pug Lab Mix lifespan
A Pug Lab Mix is a healthy mixed breed that has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
PugLab breeder
Puppy buyers like you have a choice, it’s either you buy a cheaper puppy from puppy mills or from a responsible breeder who produces puppies in good health.
hose puppies coming from puppy mills may be sick, so this translates to higher veterinary expenses.
Plus, you are not guaranteed that puppies produced in puppy mills are well-socialized or not.
However, if you are willing to pay just a little bit more getting your Lab Pug puppy from an ethical breeder means that you will be provided with a health guarantee for the puppy of your choice.
Not only that but puppies from responsible breeders of Pug Lab have received their initial vaccination shots and have been dewormed.
Not to mention that most responsible breeders also bring up the puppies in a loving family environment, so this means that your puppy is already socialized and can adapt well to a new environment.
Lab Pug Mix puppies
If you adopted a new Pug Lab Mix puppy, you may be wondering, do I need to give my Pugador puppy replacement milk?
The answer is no because most Pugador puppies are lactose-intolerant. By the time Pug and Lab Mix puppies are released to their new owners, they are already eating solid food.
So, instead of getting milk replacement formula, it’s better to purchase indestructible chewing toys for Pug Lab Mix puppies to ease the pain of teething.
Aside from chewing toys, it’s also very helpful to place potty training pads to teach your puppy where to pee and poop.
Pug and Lab Mix puppies are bundles of joy but let’s admit it, sometimes active and curious puppies may be too much to handle.
To keep them safe without fur parents having to guard them all the time, one of the things that you can do is install an invisible and electronic dog fence around your home perimeter (as we discussed above).
Pug & Lab Mix price
The average price of a Pug & Lab Mix is $900. But, if you’d rather get a puppy from a champion bloodline, expect to shell out about $2,500.
Aside from the cost of getting a puppy, other recurring expenses go with raising a Pugador puppy.
| 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 |
Pugador for adoption
Luckily, you may get a Pugador puppy at a lower cost in adoption centers that have mixed dogs.
Here are 2 places to search for a Pug Lab Mix puppy for adoption.
Lu’s Labs (luslabs.org) in Maryland have adoptable pure and mixed Labradors puppies and adults.
Colorado Pug Rescue (copugrescue.org) in Colorado has an adoption fee of $500 for puppies and $200 to $450 for adult Pugs.
Places to find Pug Lab Mix puppies for sale
As you learned early on, the best place to search for Pugador puppies for sale is from responsible breeders.
Here are 3 websites of breeders worth checking for Lab Pug Mix puppies for sale.
The breeder at Sheffield Pugs (sheffieldpug.com) has been producing show-quality dogs since 1961, no wonder the breeder received an AKC breeder of Merit.
You can also visit the website of Michigan Elite Labradors (mielitelabs.com). This is a good place to buy AKC-registered puppies.
If you are from the UK, one of the top places to search for Pug Lab is at Crammondkirk Labradors and Golden Retrievers (crammondkirk.co.uk).
The dogs for sale have tested negative for eye diseases and hip and elbow issues.
Finding a healthy Pug Lab Mix for sale
Some dog lovers are more inclined in getting adult dogs because almost all of them have already been potty trained.
Plus, adult dogs are no longer as curious and adventurous compared with puppies.
So, here are 3 places you can visit.
Walk the Line Pug Ranch (walkthelinepugranch.org/adultpugs.htm) in New York State is a small family breeder who only produces 2 to 3 litters in a year. Feel free to inquire about the Pug mix breeding program.
Companion Pups (companionpups.com/pugs-for-sale-adults) in Tennessee sell adult dogs that are crate-trained, potty-trained, and have up-to-date vaccination records.
You can also go to Twinponds Labradors (twinpondslabradors.com/available-labrador-adults) for possible Pug Lab Mix for sale.
Various Pug Labrador Mixes
Pug Labrador mixed dogs may also be crossbred with other purebred dogs to produce offspring that not only have calm personalities but hopefully, reduced shedding coat characteristics.
Here are some examples we have for you.
Puggle Labrador Mix
Puggle Lab Mix is a mix of a purebred Pug, a Beagle, and a Labrador Retriever. The Puggle Lab Mix puppies are energetic dogs that love to play around and may also have some tendencies to dig.
The Beagle Pug Lab Mix is highly likely to be a medium-sized dog.
Fortunately, a Pug Beagle Lab Mix may not be as heavy shedder as the Labrador and the Pug parents.
Daug Pug Labrador Mix
This is a mix of a Dachshund and a Pug (Daug) plus a Labrador Mix. These dogs are affectionate but may also have independent streaks.
Schnauzer Pug Labrador Mix
A Schnug or a Schnauzer crossed with a Pug produces smart yet stubborn dogs.
But if you cross Schnug with a sweet and gentle Labrador Retriever, you’d get an even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal dog.
Bassugg Pug Labrador
A Bassett Hound bred with a Pug is also called a Bassugg. Crossing a Bassugg with a Labrador Retriever produces mildly-tempered dogs that have lovable and intelligent natures, they make wonderful family dogs.
Pug Lab Mix: Pros and Cons
In a nutshell, here’s what you can expect if you decide to care for a Pug Lab Mix dog.
Remember that the nature of designer dog breeds may be hard to predict due to the interplay of genes of both parents.
| Pros | Cons |
| People-oriented | Tend to be stubborn |
| Good as a therapy dog | Sheds a lot |
| Calm | Not a perfect dog for allergy sufferers |
| Intelligent | May be prone to overheating |
| Gets along well with other animals at home | Tendency to drool |
| Good with children | Frequent vacuuming may be necessary to remove loose fur around the house |
Is the Pugador right for me?
A Pugador comes from 2 loving and mild-tempered dogs. So, potential buyers can be assured of the loving nature of Pugadors.
But, this mixed dog may not be a good companion for allergy sufferers because it’s highly probable that a Pugador will shed all year round.
Related Questions
The Lab Pug is a medium-sized dog with the females growing from 15 to 17 inches while the males from 17 to 19 inches.
Yes, Pugadors are good dogs. They are gentle to children and have no problems interacting with other pets.
The average price is from $900 to $2,500.
A Pug-Labrador has a calm temperament making it a good family dog that is playful and loyal to its owners.
A Pug-Labrador-Retriever is a medium-sized dog that has a muscular physique. The muzzle may not be as flat as the Pug parent but shorter than the Lab parent.
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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://www.thelabradorclub.com/health-training
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.
