Pug Dalmatian Mix (Pugmatian): A Guide to Their Personality and Care

Pugmatian is a mixed or designer breed originating from the blend of the Pug and the Dalmatian. It’s no surprise that it shows this in its appearance and physical characteristics, but does it also inherit the traits of the two?

Regardless of the fact that the behavior of a dog highly depends on how you raise it, there is still some genetic play taking place. Your mix may lean toward the Pug when properly trained and vice versa.

No matter which parent it takes after the most, it’s always important to know everything not only about the mixed breed but also its purebred parents to make a better decision. 

So, let’s know about the Pug Dalmatian Mix (Pugmatian).

Pugmatian Traits

Weight	20 – 25 lbs
Height	13 – 14 in
Coat Colors	Black, grey, fawn, pied, white, silver, sable, liver-colored spots, or black spots on a white coat
Behavior With Children	Friendly when trained
Behavior With Strangers	Welcoming after training
Behavior With Other Pets	Friendly when trained
Adaptability	High
Nutrition	1.5 cups to 2, depending on the dog’s individual activity level
Grooming	Once a week
Trainability	Moderate to Hard
Intelligence	Moderate to high
Exercise needs	Low to moderate
Shedding	Low
Barking tendency	Low
Biting tendency	Low
Personality	Affectionate, loyal, alert, maybe stubborn

Pug and Dalmatian Overview

Before delving into the details of Pugmatians, you should first get to know their parentage to better understand their inherited traits.

Pugs

The Pugs are small compact dogs with a muscular build, possessing deep wrinkles on their faces, especially around their eyes and noses. You’ll find them in shades of fawn and black with a personality that exudes affection, adaptability, and sometimes mischievousness. 

Since they are small dogs, they tend to be quiet when indoors, thus making them suitable for apartment living. However, with their playfulness and sometimes boisterous energy they’ll still light up even a small space.

These dogs require regular grooming, especially in the summer when they shed more. In terms of other grooming requirements, their face wrinkles need careful cleaning to prevent infections and their bulging eyes need to be checked and cleaned regularly. 

They easily get along with strangers and children with a gentle demeanor. As an easygoing breed, they will also make fewer problems with other dogs and pets when properly introduced.

When it comes to their exercise requirements, Pugs can be content with short walks and indoor games. However, their short muzzles are less efficient in removing excess heat during hot and humid conditions. So care should be taken there.

Much like other breeds, Pugs are also prone to various health conditions, including eye problems, skin conditions, and some allergies.

Dalmatians

Compared to a Pug, Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs that are recognized by their unique black or liver-colored spots scattered across a white coat. They have a lean and muscular frame that indicates their long history as coach dogs. 

These dogs are lively, energetic, and highly intelligent with a playful nature and a dash of stubbornness.

While Dalmatians have short fur, they shed consistently throughout the year. Therefore, regular brushing is necessary to help reduce the amount of hair around the home.

Just like Pugs, Dalmatians are also friendly. Compared to them, however, they are more outgoing. The enormous amount of energy that they possess makes them susceptible to toppling over small children or other pets.

Therefore, their interaction should always be supervised. To get along well with strangers and other dogs, they need proper socialization.

As you might have guessed, these dogs are active with a lot of energy to expend through regular exercise, including long walks, runs, and interactive play sessions that are essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Besides other health conditions that are common in dog breeds such as hip dysplasia, Dalmatians are particularly prone to deafness. They also can go through urinary issues because of their unique metabolism.

Credit: FB / Kelly Goldstein

Pug Dalmatian Mix [Pugmatian] – Appearance And Physical Characteristics

When the affectionate and compact Pug meets the energetic and streamlined Dalmatian, you get a unique and captivating mix, the Pugmatian.

As it is quite obvious, this designer breed is not as common as other hybrid dogs but it does have its own set of attributes, courtesy of inheritance from its parent breeds.

Coat

Just like any other mixed breed, a Pugmatians appearance can vary between its two parent breeds. Depending on which genes are more dominant, the coat may lean towards the solid shade of the pug, or the distinct spotted appearance of a Dalmatian or anything in between them.

You may also find the mixed breed with a lighter base coat adorned with faint spots, effectively showing the blend of both characters from the parents. 

In terms of its length, the coat is somewhere between short to medium, requiring regular brushing.

Size

Akin to the coat variance, the size of a Pugmatian will also lie anywhere between the extremes where its parents lie. It could be anywhere between 20 to 25 lb with a 13 to 14 in high at the shoulders. 

This very variance makes them adaptable to different living conditions. However, you should know that they could potentially inherit the compactness of a Pug or the expansive stature of a Dalmatian regardless of the general size and weight mentioned.

Build

A Pugmatian could have the muscular frame of the Pug or the leaner athletic build of a Dalmatian, depending on its inheritance. More often, they have a medium build that’s neither too thick nor too slender.

Face

The mixed breed may sport some of the wrinkles that specify its Pug parentage. However, they will not be as prominent as a purebred pug. 

They are mostly born with the brachycephalic muzzle of the Pug with a brown or black nose, showing curiosity.

Besides that, they also inherit their human-like expressions.

Credit: IG / meow3_bhow

Eyes

Their eyes are mostly brown that lie somewhere between the bulging eyes of a Pug and the regular eyes of a Dalmatian. 

Credit: IG / meow3_bhow

Temperament and Behavior

What would the fusion of a charming and a spirited breed result into? A mixed breed that’s both affectionate and playful with never-ending energy silos and intelligence that sets it on par with a Husky. You got it right. I’m talking about the Pugmatian.

Due to its parentage and also individual upbringing, it is both loyal to its family and eager to engage in fun activities around them.

All of this alludes to only one thing: Pugmatian have a knack for human companionship but also enjoy a particular zest for life, thus making them playful but also cautious. You’ll have to provide it with ample attention in playtime for better management.

Otherwise, the breed has a chance to turn into a moody and stubborn companion that loves you with a dash of asserting its dominance over you.

Behavior With Children

Given the Pug’s world-famous patience and love for children but a Dalmatian’s propensity to assert dominance, a Pugmatian is typically gentle and affectionate around kids, requiring special attention or supervision during any interaction. 

It’s not that the dog will hurt your kids, but it may tire them out because of the constant need for play.

Behavior With Strangers

A Pugmatian has a cautiously friendly nature around strangers resulting from the pug’s innate social tendencies combined with a Dalmatian’s protective yet non-aggressive nature.

This combination makes the breed initially reserved when meeting someone but usually warms up quickly, especially if you introduce them in a calm and positive environment.

Behavior With Other Dogs

Both of its parents have a social personality around dogs. The Pugs are generally easygoing with other pets because there are no such traits in their personality that warrant aggression. They were bred to be lap dogs and they do that with utmost precision.

Similarly, the Dalmatians were bred to be carriage dogs, so they had a lot of interaction with other dogs as they worked.

This means that their mixed breed with proper socialization will be friendly and accommodating to other pets and dogs under the same roof, making them suitable for multi-dog houses or problem-free walks in the dog park.

Living Requirements

Pugmatians are likely to have a moderate to high energy level. Therefore, they will appreciate some space to move around. But the Pugs’ adaptability to apartment living means that the mixed breed will have no problem in staying in small spaces as long as its energy needs are met.

As a trainer, I’ve seen that they do well in a home with a yard, but it isn’t a strict necessity.

Besides access to play areas, you should also make sure that their place does not have extreme temperatures, especially heat because of their inheritance of a short muzzle from the Pug parent.

That means during hotter months, you’ll have to provide a cool environment and limit their outdoor activities to prevent overheating.

A Pugmatian thrives on human interaction and companionship. Therefore, your dog will be happy in an environment where they also receive proper attention and love from the family members, including all the social activities.

That points to the fact that the mixed breed is susceptible to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.

Nutritional Requirements

Understanding the diet requirements of a Pugmatian is crucial for maintaining its health and vitality. 

Caloric Intake

Considering the Dalmatians’ history as active carriage dogs, they generally require a high-calorie diet to sustain.

On the other hand, the Pugs’ relaxed lifestyle, and their tendency to gain weight, means they should be fed a well-regulated caloric diet. When catering to a Pugmatian’s diet, it’s essential to maintain a balance. 

As a general consideration, your dog will need approximately 1.5 cups a day divided into small meals that may cost you about 1.2 to 1.6 dollars a day with a monthly cost of around 24 to 48 dollars.

Protein Intake

This mixed breed thrives on diets rich in high-quality proteins to support muscle development and maintenance, which is vital for its lifestyle. Lean meat such as chicken, turkey, and fish are recommended if you’re considering a DIY meal for the dog.

Otherwise, dry dog food comes with the required protein content.

Purine Intake Consideration

It’s worth mentioning that Dalmatians have a high propensity for forming urate stones in the urinary tract because of purines. They have a unique metabolism that affects how they process this compound, therefore, you have to be cautious with your Pugmatian because it’s uncertain how strongly this trait may pass down to it.

I highly advise you to limit foods that contain purines such as organ meats and certain seafood.

Weight Management

Your dog may also be at risk of weight-related issues because of its pug parentage.

Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor its weight and adjust its food portions accordingly. Focus on incorporating vegetables and low-calorie treats and cut back on fatty and high-calorie snacks to help them manage their weight.

Supplement Needs

Although a well-balanced diet will cater to most of the essential nutrient needs of your dog, considering its Pug parent’s potential for joint issues, you may include joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin but not without proper consultation with a vet. 

Proper Hydration

Given the potential for developing urinary concerns because of the mixed breed’s Dalmatian parentage, make sure that your Pugmatian has access to fresh water at all times. As proper hydration dilutes the urine, it reduces any risk of stone formation.

However, make sure that you do not overhydrate the dog because doing that backfires and makes the dog lose all the important nutrients in the urine.

Grooming Requirements

It’s vital to understand the inherited trades that affect Pugmatian’s grooming requirements.

Coat Care

A Pugmatians code can vary in length in texture, depending on which parent breed it takes after. Normally, the coat is short to medium with a code density that’s near normal and a straight coat texture.

Regular brushing once a week with a slicker brush can help remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils.

Skin falls

If your dog inherits a pug’s skin folds, it will need extra care because moisture in debris can get trapped within them, leading to skin infections or irritations. Regularly clean and dry the folds with a soft, damp cloth to ensure that there is no bacterial growth.

Bathing

The Pugmatian follows the suit of its parents when it comes to bathing because of its relatively low-maintenance coat. They require bathing only when necessary every few months.

But when doing it, use a dog-specific shampoo and ensure that you thoroughly rinse the coat to prevent any residue, which can irritate the dogs’ skin.

Nail Trimming And Dental Care

Monthly checks are highly recommended to see if the nails have overgrown. Some dogs such as active Dalmatians might naturally wear down their nails, but depending on your dog’s activity level, make sure to do that as required.

Overgrown nails can be painful and they might also cause ulcer issues, so make sure you use a clipper whenever you hear the nails click against the floor or the dog licking its paws.

I highly suggest you first know how to trim the nails and which length is the most comfortable one so that you don’t hurt the dog by accidentally trimming the quick – the pinkish part where veins and arteries are present.

The Pug’s compact jaw can sometimes lead to dental issues. While it’s not proven to what extent your dog may inherit this trade, regular dental care that includes brushing and letting the dog chew dental chews can help maintain good oral health.

Ears

A Pugmatians floppy ears, particularly if taken from the Pug parentage, serve as a hotspot for infections as there’s limited airflow in them.

I advise regular ear checking for signs of wax buildup, any redness or unpleasant smell that can indicate the possible infection.

Cleaning them regularly or as required gently using a dog-specific year cleaner or as advised by your vet can help catch any issues early on.

Training and Socialization

Given the active nature of the Dalmatian in the moderate energy levels of the Pug, it’s important to note your Pugmatians energy and device training sessions accordingly. They mostly benefit from short, engaging sessions, especially if the Pug’s playful nature has been inherited.

Speaking of which, if the dog leans more toward its Pug parentage, you will need patience and consistency as playfulness and occasional stubbornness will resurface. You will also need plenty of positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, to gain their cooperation.

However, your dog may be more intelligent and eager to please if it takes after its Dalmatian heritage more than the Pugs. This will make the training process smoother. You will need to keep them engaged because they will appreciate variety as a result.

Training Tips

Before moving on, I should share some of my most trusted training tips when dealing with a Dalmatian and pug mix.

1. Start early

Begin training in socialization as early as possible to ensure that your dog grows into a well-rounded companion.

2. Be consistent

It goes for all the playful dogs with a dash of stubbornness or spirited ones with intelligence that you need to be consistent in training with them. Be consistent not only in commands but also expectations.

3. Social training

Even after early socialization, regularly introduce your population to various environments, sounds, into people to keep on refreshing their adaptability and confidence.

Health

The Pugmatian, a blend between the Pug and the Dalmatian, inherits not only their physical and temperamental attributes but also some of their health predispositions.

As an owner, understanding their health legacy can help you in their well-being and care.

Breathing Issues

Your dog may be brachycephalic like its Pug parent with a short nose and a flat face. This structure can lead to breathing problems, especially in hot and humid weather. It’s essential to be mindful of any respiratory distress signs that the dog may show after strenuous exercise.

These include rapid panting, elevated body temperature, being unable to settle, and drawing long breaths. They may stand with elbows pointed outwards and the neck extended, according to the Royal Veterinary College.

Deafness

As I mentioned earlier, one of the most debilitating situations for Dalmatians is congenital deafness that appears either in one ear or both ears. Your Pugmatian may inherit this condition.

It’s important to do a preliminary BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test to assess the dogs here in capabilities.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition is seen in both parental breeds but it is more common in Dalmatians. It is characterized by the mismatch between the hip joint and the femur bone. A dog born with such a condition will require regular checkups and the maintenance of optimal weight.

Urolithiasis

The dog may inherit this specialized condition from its Dalmatian parent, where the urinary system leads to the formation of bladder stones. Your dog will require a special diet and regular veterinary checkups if it inherits this condition.

Skinfold Dermatitis

In case your Pugmatian has inherited the adorable folds from the Pug, you’ll have to ensure regular cleaning to prevent any bacterial buildup and subsequent infections.

Eye problems

Both Pugs and Dalmatians are prone to certain eye conditions that require eye checkups for early detection in treatment. The Pugmatian, therefore, stands naturally prone to these conditions also.

I’m talking about Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) and Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome. 

Is Pugmatian Right for You? Conclusion

The Pugmatian, a designer breed that results from the pug and the Dalmatian, it’s a unique land that has the charm of both breeds, but it also carries individual traits, some of which are favorable and others challenging.

Before owning one, it’s crucial to understand how these will play in the future to fit the mixed breed in your life.

They inherit the playfulness and affectionate nature of the park coupled with the enormous energy of the Dalmatian. Their dependence on human interaction and love sometimes makes them prone to separation anxiety.

With proper early socialization and training in adulthood, they can be great with children, often protective yet gentle.

Their energy levels can vary, but if they are super energetic like the Dalmatian, do not let go of interaction between your kids and the dog unsupervised. When it comes to their interaction with strangers, they’re always cautious at first and friendly afterward.

They’ll always be good with other dogs, but again, early socialization plays a major role here.

You can raise them in an apartment as long as their exercise needs are met. However, they shine the most in a home with a backyard.

Inheriting the intelligence of the Dalmatian and the sometimes stubborn nature of the Pug, training up information can be both a joy and a challenge. Despite this, you cannot let go of early socialization enforced by positive reinforcement and led by consistency. 

Lastly, like all mixed breeds, the Pugmatian also has the tendency to inherit health issues from both its parent breeds.

For example, it may have the Pug’s breathing problems or the Dalmatian’s deafness. You will have to take the dog through regular health checkups and have a keen understanding of its health to ensure its longevity.

Pros

• Versatile dogs equally good for families, singles, and seniors
• Affectionate as they deeply bond with humans
• Highly adaptable
• Distinctive looks
• Low maintenance coat
• Low barking propensity

Cons

• High exercise needs
• Training challenges
• Health concerns
• Not a registered breed