How Much Does Chug Dog Cost?

Home 5 Breed Prices 5 How Much Does Chug Dog Cost?
Published on December 15, 2021
Written by Dog Pricing
Chug dog cost illustration

Chug Dogs are a new breed of dog that was developed due to “overbreeding.” Chug pups are a cross between Chihuahuas and Pugs. This popular Chihuahua hybrid, affectionately dubbed the Chug, is adaptable to practically any home. Don’t despair if you want to add a furry family member but live in a limited space! The Chug is quite content in an apartment or a modest house, with or without a yard.

While the Chihuahua and Pug are both popular breeds in their own way, purebred Chug pups can be rather costly!

Hybrid dogs are now very popular; that is why many individuals choose to adopt a mixed breed.

The Chug adores attention! This dog will take as much from you as you give to them. If you’re not interested in owning a dog that is always in need of your attention and devotion, a Chug may not be the greatest option for you.

Puppies of the Chug breed are of somewhat higher price. They cost between $600 and $800! Certain breeders will even charge up to $2600 for a champion dog pup. This is frequently due to the Chihuahua’s celebrity status, which makes them an expensive breed.

If you choose to adopt your pet, a small adoption fee of around $200 will be necessary to help the shelter recover any costs incurred.

You must consider Chug’s ongoing maintenance costs along with the purchase price. The first year of raising your adorable dog may cost twice as much as later years. You must see the veterinarian regularly to get your pet companion fixed or spayed. Even for regular examinations, a single visit to the pet veterinarian might cost up to $50.

Considering all of these hefty costs, you should budget around $2000 for the first year after bringing your Chug puppy home. This sum will gradually reduce to roughly $1000 per year, which will be spent mostly on food and medical expenses. Given Chug's estimated 15-year life expectancy, the budget is around $16,000 for regular care.

Consider these chug dog cost breakdowns in further detail.

How Much Does a Chug Puppy Cost?

Because of the breed’s popularity, expect to pay between $600 and $800 for a Chug. The price of Chug is mostly dependent on the breeder you choose.

The following table details the price of Chug puppies:

The minimum price of a Chug puppy $600
The maximum price of a Chug puppy $2600
Average Price bracket $600 to $800
The average price of a Chug puppy $700

 

Factors Affecting a Chug Puppy’s Price

Size

Chihuahua-pug hybrids typically weigh between 9.5 and 17 pounds. The chug dog stands from 5.5 to 13.5 inches tall. This indicates that the dog is compact and occupies little room. However, its size affects its pricing. The larger the dog, near to 13 inches, the more expensive it is compared to a 5.5-inch dog.

Coat Color

Chugs are available in a variety of colors. Black and brown, brown, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dark brown, fawn, spotted, merle, or speckled coat colors are common in Chugs.  The Chug dog will lack brindle, white, or blue merle coats.

Coat type

Chugs can have a single coat or a double coat. If they inherit the double coat, you will have a year-round shedder for them. Furthermore, double-coated Chugs shed substantially more in the summer and winter.

Chugs with double coatings are more expensive than those with single coatings.

Lineage

Breeders who produce litters of elite studs or female show dogs are more likely to charge a premium for these pups.

Assurances of health

Reputable breeders examine healthy pups to ensure that they do not inherit the genes that cause specific health problems like eye difficulties or hip dysplasia, among other things. These puppies are more costly in order to compensate for these expenses.

Where to Buy your Chug from?

If you decide to purchase your Chug, conduct a search for reputable breeders. Breeders of this caliber are well-known across the Chug community.

While the Net is a great place to start your search for “Chug puppies for sale,” you may come across a slew of breeders. There are a few of them that you should definitely avoid at all costs. They might be small-scale backyard breeders just concerned with making a profit.

To ascertain whether your breeder genuinely cares about the dogs’ welfare, consider the following questions to ask your selected breeders:

  • May I inspect your organization?
  • How long have you been breeding Chugs?
  • For which genetic illnesses do you do pre-breeding screenings on parent dogs? Additionally, what diseases do you screen your puppies for?
  • What form of guarantee do you provide?
  • Do you have both parents’ veterinarian records?

Additionally, you may adopt a Chug from a shelter or rescue group. The Animal House Shelter is a good place to begin your search. Furthermore, you might contact local vets or breeders to determine the availability of rescue Chugs in your area. Kept in mind that most of these dogs may be old, disabled, or ill. Regardless of these obstacles, adopted Chugs will continue to demonstrate their undying love and commitment.

Basic Dog Supplies Costs

Ensure your home is ready for your new puppy before bringing it in. The first few days with your Chug will go much more easily if you take the time to organize your possessions.

Invest in a comfortable, adjustable cotton collar for your pet that fits comfortably around his neck. For your puppy’s education, this is a must-do activity. Identification tags are also required for each dog. The price of a dog collar with ID tags is around $20.

Crate

You can keep your Chug safe and sound by providing it with a wire or plastic box to sleep in. It will also be helpful when it comes time for potty training. The price ranges from $45 to $75.

Outdoor toys and balls

Toys and balls are essential for these dogs’ emotional and physical well-being. In addition, you should get several Kong toys. A Kong stuffed with treats may keep your pet company for hours at a time. Chug toys range in price from $50 to $75.

Bed

The chewing habits of your Chug and its age both have an impact on the type of bedding you should get for him. Chew-resistant nylon bedding should be purchased for aggressive chewers. Otherwise, a comfortable mattress would do. In some cases, dog owners provide their pets with a quilted blanket or crate cushion to rest on. The price ranges from $40 to $74, depending on the type of mattress.

Dental chews and treats

All Chug puppies and adult dogs need to chew toys and dental treats in order to avoid plaque and tartar. In addition to regular brushing, you should also use this method. Your Chug can use toys to clean their teeth and gnaw on might keep them busy. These chews and treats usually cost around $50 to $70.

Grooming tools

Groom your Chug at least twice a week, if not more often. You’ll also need a flea comb, brush, grinders (or nail clippers) to trim the pets’ nails, ear cleaners, and pet wipes to clean their ears and eyes.

In the accompanying table, you’ll find the projected costs of some of the most basic Chug supplies:

Item Cost
Collar-leash set, harness $20-$50
Food-water bowls $10-$30
Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house $40
Treat dispenser toys $10
Plush bed From $40
Collapsible crate $55
Mats for containing food messes $10
Kong toy $10
Grooming tools –wipes, brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. $75
Poop bags $10
Potty pads for indoor training $10

 

Chug Training Costs

Chugs may be trained using a variety of approaches. Several types of training are available, including basic obedience, positive reinforcement, specialized training, service dog training, behavior modification, and impulse control. Fundamental obedience training is the most basic form of dog training. Depending on the trainer and the location, these training sessions might cost somewhere between $45 to $500 each session.

Each private training session may cost between $25 and $50, depending on the trainer and the location. A single session of basic one-on-one teaching may cost up to $120, depending on the trainer. Apart from private training, you may enroll your pet in a group program. On the other hand, some dogs do badly in groups due to the abundance of distractions.

Additionally, it is a good idea to begin training your Chug on basic obedience immediately commands like as come, heel, and remain. It costs between $45 to $75 each day. Working with a dog trainer will instill confidence in you and your pet to continue training at home on your own schedule.

Some dog owners take even more drastic steps, enrolling their canine companions in doggie boot camps. These packages often cover many weeks of boarding and can cost up to $1250 per week in some instances.

The following table illustrates the different costs related to dog training and behavior modification:

Group training (cost per class) $15.00 to $50 per class
Service dog training costs More than $10,000
Private training (cost per session) $45.00 to $120
YouTube videos $0.00
Board-and-train $1250.00

 

Cost of Food for Chugs

At least three meals a day are necessary for a growing Chug puppy. It’s best to stick with the dog’s diet at the breeder’s house at first. As a last resort, your veterinarian may recommend that you feed your pet the right diet.

You should decrease the number of times your pet is fed as it grows older and becomes a fully-fledged adult. Most Chug pet owners feed their animals twice a day; however, this might vary based on the weight and activity level of the Chug. It is common for Chugs to develop to a height and weight of between 5.5 and 13.5 inches at the withers. For a Chug, here are some general feeding guidelines:

  • The daily kibble needs for your tiny dog is 1 to 1.5 cups. As a guideline, divide this into two meals every day. It takes four cups of dog food to make one pound of dog food.
  • Your pet needs around 16 ounces of canned food each day for every 16 pounds of body weight. So, if your Chug weighs 16 pounds, you should feed him 16 ounces of wet food every day. For two little meals, this is more than enough.
  • Freeze-dried food can also be given to it. It’s in the shape of nuggets that you soak in water and then add to your pet’s regular diet. You should feed your 16-pound dog 32 freeze-dried food nuggets a day.
  • For a 16-pound Chug with moderate activity, you should feed at least 160g of raw dog food every day.

The monthly cost of feeding your Chug is shown in the table below.

Type of food Monthly quantity for a 16 lb. Chug Cost per month
Dry food/kibble 10 lb. $60
Canned food 28 lb. $75
Freeze-dried food 4 lb. $80-$100
Raw food 2 lb. $50

Dog Food Comparisons for Chug

The experts at Chug Health recommend feeding biologically appropriate food or homemade special foods that will help strengthen your Chug’s heart, kidney, and lungs.

There is a range of professionally prepared dog meals available that will satisfy the dietary needs of the majority of Chugs. Watch your dog’s BCS (body condition score) at all times. This will help you determine if your pet is underweight or overweight so that you can change its diet accordingly.

Chug’s favorite dog food brands are listed in the following table:

Brand name Features Cost per pound
Royal Canin Chug King Charles Puppy Dry Dog Food

 

Unique kibble shape for small jaws. It contains antioxidants and vitamin E. Has taurine, EPA, and DHA for heart health. $7.13/lb.
JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Dog Food – Fresh, Whole Food Ingredients Ready to Serve Adult Dog & Puppy Food Free from preservatives and feed-grade ingredients. It contains 100% human-grade ingredients, Made in USDA certified kitchens $0.32/lb.
Purina ONE Grain-Free, Natural Pate Wet Dog Food, SmartBlend True Instinct With Real Turkey & Venison

 

Real meat is the first ingredient. Grain-free food $1.68/lb.
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food High-quality protein, highly digestible ingredients, made in the USA with all-natural ingredients $5/lb.

 

Medical Costs of Chug

Puppies need plenty of vaccinations throughout their first year to guard against diseases like distemper, hepatitis, and others that affect dogs. Depending on where you live and your veterinarian’s recommendation, you may also need to get vaccinated against Lyme disease, rattlesnake, and other non-core or optional diseases.

If you don’t keep your pet’s weight within the recommended range, it will need to be examined by a veterinarian. You must also spay or neuter your Chug. This will protect your pup from a wide range of canine diseases. Aside from that, it will help to reduce behavioral issues like territorial aggression and excessive barking.

Regular deworming is required for all dogs. Infections including pinworm, hookworm, and tapeworm can be prevented by this method. Dogs can become infected with these potentially fatal parasites, resulting in malnutrition, bloody diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. As soon as your Chug is a few weeks old, it would help if you began deworming him or her. The vast majority of veterinarians recommend a deworming regimen that must be strictly followed to be effective.

Flea, tick, and mite protection will be required in addition to deworming your Chug. External parasites can cause skin diseases such as athlete’s foot and Lyme disease in dogs.

Following is a breakdown of vaccination costs and recommended age ranges for Chugs.

Chug Core vaccines

Core vaccine Age of puppy Cost
Distemper At least three doses are to be given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) $15 to $25
Parvovirus Same as above
Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) The intranasal vaccine may be boostered at one year. Your Chug will also need a booster one year after completing the initial series, then again, every three years. $15-$50
Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least three doses. $15-$50
Rabies 1 and 3 years It can be given as early as three months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine $35 to $50

Non-core vaccine costs

Non-core vaccine Age of puppy Cost
Parainfluenza Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every three years. $15-$35
Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) Two doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation $15-$50
Lyme disease Given at nine weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks $20-$40
Leptospirosis Two doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. The first dose is around eight weeks. $15-$35

 

Other medical costs dog owners incur

Name of test Cost
Routine checkup $50 and $250
Spaying or neutering $160-$200
Physical exam $45 – $55
Fecal exam $25-$55
Heartworm test $45-$50
Dental cleaning $70-$400
Allergy testing $195-$300

 

Emergency costs

Name of test Cost**
Bloodwork $80-$100
X-ray Up to $200
USG Up to $500
Hospitalization $600-$3500
Emergency surgery Up to $2000

 

Common Genetic Diseases in Chugs

When you purchase a Chug from a reputable breeder, your chances of receiving a healthy, sturdy dog significantly increase. It is because good Chug breeders do health testing on their dogs and avoid breeding those who are genetically susceptible to genetic illnesses.

Chug has a hereditary predisposition to a number of disorders; some of them are:

Liver Diseases

Portosystemic shunt is a liver disease that is more common in Chugs than in other breeds (PSS). As a result, a portion of the liver’s blood supply is diverted away from the liver, preventing it from growing and functioning normally. Having PSS means your friend’s liver cannot adequately eliminate poisons from his bloodstream. A liver function test and a regular pre-anesthetic panel will be conducted every time he goes under the knife. Seizures or stunted development will prompt blood work. In some circumstances, surgery may be required, but in many, a particular diet and medicine may be all that is necessary. Surgery on the liver might cost anything from $5000 to $7,000.

Chylothorax

Chylothorax, a rare but deadly condition in which the chest cavity fills with a milky material called chyle, is more frequent in Chugs. An abnormal lymphatic drainage system termed the thoracic duct leads to an accumulation of pus in the chest cavity of afflicted dogs. Even though chylothorax is uncommon, it is life-threatening and must be treated immediately. In many cases, surgery is required to treat the illness. The early symptoms of this condition are trouble breathing, coughing, and a lack of energy. It’s going to cost $4000 to get it fixed.

Hip and Elbow dysplasia

Hip or elbow dysplasia will change Chug’s stride and cause him to experience pain when walking and running. The animal may also be able to walk unconventionally. Depending on your dog’s age and health, the treatment for this condition will differ. $3000 is the average cost of surgery.

Eye diseases

Very few things have a bigger impact on your dog’s quality of life than his eyes. As a result, it’s possible that Chugs might be born with or acquire a wide range of eye problems, some of which could lead to blindness if not treated quickly enough.

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common hereditary condition that changes the eye’s fluid consistency and causes discomfort. If left untreated, it might cause blindness.

Cataracts are the most frequent cause of blindness in Chugs over the age of six. Look for his eyes regularly. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore eyesight might possibly be an option for certain patients

Diagnostic testing may or may not be included in the price of canine eye therapy, which ranges from $3000 to $4,000.

Patellar Luxation or Knee Problems

Your Chug’s patella (kneecap) may come out of position from time to time (called patellar luxation). You’ll see that he dashes, then jumps or skips a few paces with one of his hind legs. Chug kicks his leg out in a sideways motion to fix the kneecap. If your friend’s issue is small and only affects one leg, anti-inflammatory medication may be all that’s needed. An operation to reposition and stabilize the kneecap, which can cost as much as $3000, maybe necessary when the symptoms are severe.

Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea for Your CHUG?

Veterinarian treatment is required for Chugs within a year. Because of this, the vast majority of Chug’s parents believe that pet insurance is a need.

The bulk of expenditures may be covered by pet insurance, which provides peace of mind. If your Chug isn’t too old and has any pre-existing conditions, the right plan can cover different actual costs.

Pet owners who plan for their Chug’s old age may choose to save a small amount of money each month. However, this isn’t always sufficient. You may save hundreds of dollars on unexpected medical expenditures for your pet if you get a good pet insurance policy.

Here are three of the best pet insurance firms in the United States, along with their perks and downsides and anticipated cost:

Name Pros Cons Plans
Figo 100% reimbursement option, short wait periods for accident coverage No dental coverage Starting from $20 a month
Farmer’s Pet Insurance Received excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. Some users have paid higher premium rates Start at $16/month
Embrace Pet Insurance Short waiting periods for accident coverage, optional wellness plans, 24×7 tele-pet helpline Hidden fees Basic coverage starts at $14 a month.

 

Additional Costs of Raising your Chug

While Chug owners may have to spend money on food, training, and medicine, they may also have to pay extra for dogs’ welfare.

The following activities cost you extra in the case of Chugs:

Travel costs

Traveling with your Chug will cost a one-way aircraft ticket between $125 and $250. You’ll also need a crate that’s certified by the airline for travel.

If you cannot bring your Chug with you, there are options for boarding or hiring a dog sitter. Between $30 to $75 a night is typical for a night at a pet hostel. Between $50 to $100 for each visit, pet sitters charge for various services, such as dog walking and litter box cleaning.

Microchipping and registering a dog

Up to $45 may be charged for this service, depending on where you live.

Grooming for dogs

Your Chug’s coat is stunning but prone to shedding especially double-coated breeds.  Therefore, regular grooming is necessary. Your pet needs to be brushed and shampooed regularly. Between $35 and $50 is the price range for basic grooming packages that include nail trimming, washing, ear cleaning, and expressing the anal glands.

Paws-on-the-Work

In order to preserve your dog’s mental and physical health, you should exercise him twice a day for 30 minutes each time, at a minimum. This lively dog may grow anxious and even dangerous if not given regular exercise. You can employ a dog walker if you’re unable to walk your pet regularly. For a 30-45 minute walk, expect to pay anything from $20 to $50, depending on where you live.

Key Takeaways – What Is the Average Cost of a Chug?

In terms of price, chugs are somewhat costly as compared to the bulk of small breed dogs. There are some things to keep in mind while budgeting for your pet’s care, including:

The initial year’s expenses

Chugs are around $700 in price. The breeder is the one who sets the price. Puppies from champion dogs can cost as much as $2600. Vaccinations, essentials like spaying or neutering surgery, toys and bedding, and other medical fees will be incurred in addition to the purchase price. You’ll also need to supply your dog with high-quality food and treats. As a result, your first year’s tuition may be as high as $2,000.

Monthly expenses

Veterinary and food costs and flea and tick treatments are all part of dog ownership’s monthly costs. Grooming, dog walking, and training are all options you have. Depending on your lifestyle, you should expect to pay between $200 and $500 for these services.

Annual expenses (after the first year)

Chug will cost between $500 and $1000 a year after the first year, according to the ASPCA. Dental cleanings and routine medical costs, as well as food and treats, grooming, and pet sitting, might be included in this category of expenses.

The Chug (Pug Chihuahua Mix) may anticipate living for about 15 years. Thus, the overall cost of owning a dog like this one may be anywhere from $14000 to $16000.

We expect this Chug’s price information to aid you in budgeting for Chug’s expenses.

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