Pugshire: What to Know Before Adopting

The Pugshire is a newer designer mix — a cross between a Pug and a Yorkshire Terrier. With such different parent breeds, each Pugshire can be a little different from the next, but most make affectionate companions who thrive on being close to their people. These pups range from being playful and energetic to laid-back and cuddly.

And while you might not stumble across this exact mix of breeds at your local rescue or shelter, chances are you’ll meet a Pug or Yorkie mix whose personality, looks, and energy level are just the right fit for you. Find out more about Pugshires and how they might fit your home and lifestyle below.

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Why we love Pugshires

These Pug mixes can make great family dogs. They thrive in active households where they are the center of attention, enjoying plenty of interaction and affection from their people with a playful attitude, making them lively companions for families who include them in daily life. Here are a few other reasons why they make great pets.

• Pug-Yorkie mixes are good companions. These pups are often between five and 15 pounds — small enough to be a great lap-dog, but sturdy enough to keep up. Their sizes can vary quite a bit depending on their parents. Some may be lighter-weight, like a Yorkie, but most will have the sturdier, more solid build of a Pug.

• Pug-Yorkie mixes can come in a wide range of colors. Many tend to be black, tan, or brown from both their parent breeds, but you’ll also see lighter fawn or silver tones from the Pug side. And some end up with a blend of those shades in unique patterns.

• Pug-Yorkie mixes can be very friendly. This is even true with strangers or other pets. Their mix of a Pug’s sociability and a Yorkie’s boldness often makes them outgoing little companions. Early socialization will help them become confident and well-mannered in any situation.

• Pug-Yorkie mixes are easily trained. Treats, praise, and play work best when teaching new cues, with lots of patience and consistency. Harsh punishment can backfire, so keeping training fun and gentle is key.

• Pug-Yorkie mixes can be quite smart. These pups are good at picking up cues from their people, but their smarts may show in different ways: Some might be quick learners when it comes to tricks, while others excel at reading moods or problem-solving.

Things to consider before you adopt a Pugshire

Before you adopt a Pugshire, Pug mix or Yorkie mix, here’s what you need to know.

Pugshires shed more than you might think

Yorkie Pugs shed, but how much is the real question. Pugs have short, dense coats and shed a lot, while Yorkies have long, silky hair that’s more like human hair and tends to shed very little. So this mix could land anywhere in between — some might shed noticeably, while others barely at all. The good news is that their coat should be pretty manageable. Regular brushing goes a long way in keeping their shedding under control, preventing tangles, and reducing the time you spend vacuuming. 

Pugshires come from two very different breeds

Pugs have roots in ancient China as adored lapdogs, while Yorkies were developed in England during the 1800s as tough little ratters, so expect these mixes to have a wide range of behaviors and personalities. These two might seem like an odd pairing, but breed crosses like this are actually pretty common. Many adorable “super mutts” in shelters and rescues carry the DNA of these beloved breeds, but each dog is unique and special.

They can be pretty vocal

This is especially true if they take after their Yorkie side, but, as with most dogs, the amount they bark will vary from pup to pup. The good news is that training can help reduce unwanted barking, and a good trainer can go a long way to get you there.

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Pugshires do best with older kids

Pugshires can be good with kids, but they might do best with older children who understand how to be gentle with a dog of their size. Teaching kids kindness and respect for their new BFF is key though. With slow introductions and vigilant supervision, they may do well with younger, respectful children.

They’ll need help to get along with other animals

Pugshires can do well with other animals, but it really depends on the individual dog and how much early socialization they’ve had. With other dogs, a well-socialized Pugshire can be a friendly, playful companion. Consistent training helps them learn boundaries and good manners, and learning to read their body language (such as when they’re feeling playful versus overwhelmed) goes a long way toward keeping their interactions safe and happy.

Cats are a slightly different story. Some Pugshires are totally chill around feline housemates, while others (thanks to that Yorkie prey drive) may be more inclined to give chase. If you’re going for a multi-species household, early socialization and careful introductions are your best bet for keeping the peace.

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Pug have some health considerations

Pug-Yorkie mixes often enjoy the longer lifespan typical of small breeds, usually living 12 to 15 years. These pups tend to be healthy, thanks to the genetic diversity that often comes with mixed breeds, but they might still inherit some issues from their parent breeds. Pugs come with a health risk of respiratory and spinal problems, while Yorkies can be prone to dental issues and patella luxation. With good care, regular vet checkups, and plenty of love, many will thrive well into their senior years.

Ready to adopt?

There are many Pugshire dogs waiting for someone special to adopt them. Many breed-specific rescue organizations have Pug and Yorkie mixes available for adoption. These mixes also end up in animal shelters and rescues. A great place to start looking for a dog is on Adopt a Pet.

Commonly asked questions

Are Yorkie-Pug mixes hypoallergenic dogs?

Yorkie-Pug mixes aren’t a hypoallergenic dog breed — no breed truly is — but they might shed less if they inherit the Yorkie’s silky coat. Even so, most still produce enough dander that people with allergies should spend time with a Pugshire first, to see how they react.