Panda Pug: History & Facts (With Pictures)

The Panda Pug, in the eyes of kennel clubs and registries at least, is not an official purebred Pug. It typically comes about as the result of breeding a Pug with another small dog breed, such as a small Spaniel, or a Pekingese, to create a Pug that has similar markings to that of a Panda.

The Panda Pug shares many of the same characteristics and traits as the Pug so it makes a good pet but it does require a lot of attention.

Breed Overview

The Panda Pug is a color variant of the Pug that likely came about as a result of mixing a Pug with another breed. It has the physical markings of a Panda, especially with the black and white coat that matches that of a Panda. The breed is intelligent and makes a good pet, but it is not officially recognized by kennel clubs and registries because it does conform to breed standards and because it is not a purebred Pug dog.

Panda Pug Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Panda Pugs in History

The exact history of Panda Pugs remains somewhat unclear, but it is likely that they originated in China in the 1990s when the Pug was bred with the Tibetan Spaniel. The aim of the cross was to create a Pug that had the black and white markings of a Panda. However, as this is not a purebred dog, other breeders have also attempted to create their own Panda Pugs, breeding a Pug with other small breeds to achieve the same result.

How Panda Pugs Gained Popularity

The Panda Pug is still very rare and has not really gained much popularity as yet. There is no doubt that the cross looks cute, combining the features of the Pug with the markings of a Panda, but because it is not purebred and is not accepted by kennel clubs, it has yet to gain popularity with potential owners. The Pug, in general, though, is a very popular breed that is famed for its fun and loving nature. As well as being popular in China, where it originates, the Pug’s popularity has spread throughout the world and it has become one of the most popular companion breeds of dog available.

Formal Recognition of Panda Pugs

Panda Pugs are not formally recognized by kennel clubs or registries, and there are two reasons for this. Firstly, if the Panda Pug markings are naturally occurring, it doesn’t meet the color requirements of the Pug. Black Pugs are accepted and are permitted a small amount of white marking on the paws, but they are not permitted more white than this on their body. But, if the Panda Pug was created by breeding Pugs with other breeds of dog, they are not purebred Pugs and would therefore not be accepted by registries. The breed would have to be bred for many generations before it had a chance of becoming officially recognized.

Top 3 Unique Facts About The Panda Pug

1. They are Very Rare

For now, at least, Panda Pugs remain very rare. Most Pug breeders attempt to ensure their dogs are purebred which means not crossing them with other breeds, even to create appealing markings. Despite this, some breeders do market them as being exotic or rare and put a hefty price tag on them. You can expect to pay up to $1,500 for a Panda Pug if you can find a breeder that sells them.

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2. They are Not Usually Purebred Dogs

Because they are not an official breed, very little is really known about Panda Pugs, but it is generally accepted that they came about as a result of breeding Pugs with one or more other breeds of dog to achieve the unique markings. This means that they are not purebred Pugs and it means that they are not accepted by kennel clubs.

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3. They Can Do Very Well In Agility Competitions

This isn’t specific to Panda Pugs but Pugs, in general, can do very well in agility classes and courses. Although the breed struggles with respiratory problems as a result of their face and skull shape, they enjoy the challenge of agility. And agility doesn’t necessarily require fast running, so Panda Pugs and other Pugs can do very well in this canine sport discipline.

Does a Panda Pug Make a Good Pet?

Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and there is no reason to think that a Panda Pug would be any different, although it may take on some attributes of the other breed used in its inception.

Pugs are small and don’t require a lot of exercise which means that they can live in apartments. This is further supported by the fact that the breed is not typically known for being very vocal. They are also caring and loving, getting along with their humans as well as other people and potentially other animals as well.

There are a couple of potential cons to the Pug breed, though. First is the fact that they are prone to breathing and eye problems because of the shape of their head. Second is the fact that they are quite demanding of time and attention from their humans and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Conclusion

Pugs in general make good pets that can be great companions for people of all ages. They are intelligent and so can be trained, don’t require excessive amounts of exercise, and they are loving and attentive. The Panda Pug is a hybrid or mixed breed that combines the Pug with a Tibetan Spaniel or other breed to give the dog the physical markings of a Panda.

Not recognized by kennel clubs or registries, the Panda Pug is a rare dog that has yet to really pique the interest of breeders or owners around the world.

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Featured Image Credit: Chelle129, Shutterstock

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