The Frug – Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide 

Have you ever heard of the Frug before? This sounds like some kind of reptile or amphibian, but actually, the Frug is a new type of designer dog quickly taking the world by storm.

This crossbreed cutie is a mix between the purebred French Bulldog and the purebred Pug, and the result is nothing less than adorable.

Of course, like many mixed-breed dogs, the Frug does come with his fair share of controversy. Furthermore, Frugs can be costly and they even come with some unique health issues.

This is why it’s important to do your research when deciding if a Frug dog is the right dog for you. So, if you’re wondering if you should invest in a Frug, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk about the Frug!

What In The World Is A Frug?

The Frug is a popular mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog.

Type: Crossbreed, Designer Dog, Mixed Breed, Hybrid Dog

Also Known As: The Frug, The Frenchie Pug

Parent Breeds: The French Bulldog and the Pug

Height: 10 to 13 Inches Tall

Weight: 14 to 28 Pounds

Temperament: Affectionate, Confident, Funny, Spunky, Playful

Best Suited For: Families, First Time Dog Owners, Dedicated Dog Owners, Singles, Seniors, and Retirees

Lifespan: 12 to 15 Years

Common Health Issues: Atopic Dermatitis, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Allergic Skin Disorder, Ear Infections, Demodectic Mange, Obesity, Diabetes, Retained Baby Teeth, Narrowed Nostrils, Eye Issues, Hip Dysplasia, Conjunctivitis, Deafness, Cherry Eye, Tracheal Collapse, Elongated Palate, Patellar Luxation, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Cataracts, Thyroid Problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy

The Frug Dog Overview:

The Frug may sound like some kind of wild hybrid out of this world, and to many people, he is just that! This alien-looking crossbreed is the adorable mix between two of the world’s most coveted purebreds.

The offspring of the purebred Pug and the purebred French Bulldog, the Frug is an endearing cross perfect for first-time dog owners, seniors, singles, retirees, families, and even those who live in apartments.

On paper, it might even seem like the Frug is the perfect dog for any kind of owner! And while for the most part this might be true, it should be noted that the Frug can come with its share of pros and cons.

This is a hybrid dog that could be riddled with health issues. He is also quite expensive to invest in due not only to breeding costs but also to costs associated with health issues as he ages.

Furthermore, the Frug requires dedicated owners who are willing and able to spend plenty of time with their Frug to ensure he is happy, healthy, and well-rounded. Are you wondering if you are the right owner of a Frug?

Before you decide, it’s important to do your research. And part of understanding the Frug is understanding where he comes from. This brings us to the designer dog debate.

What You Should Know About The Designer Dog Debate

Although designer dogs are popular, they are also controversial.

The Frug is a crossbreed, which in itself is nothing new. Crossbreed dogs are simply the offspring of two purebred parent breeds. In the Frugs case, he is the offspring of the purebred French Bulldog and the purebred Pug.

Crossbreed dogs are different from purebreds for obvious reasons, but they are also different from mutts in that they are not the offspring of several different breeds. In fact, their lineage is specifically chosen, leading many to consider dogs like the Frug to be “designer dogs”.

While crossbreeding dogs like the Frug is nothing new, the recent trend of designer dogs being bred and sold has stirred some debate. This is especially true when it comes to aspects like temperament and health in the mixes.

What Is Hybrid Vigor?

As you likely noticed above, the Frug dog has a long list of health issues. This is because he comes from two-parent breeds who both have a long history of serious health problems due to generations of improper breeding.

However, there are those that claim crossbreed dogs like the Frug have the opportunity to be healthier than their purebred parent dogs thanks to a concept known as hybrid vigor.

Hybrid vigor refers to the improved characteristics of crossbreed animals when compared to their parent breed. This can occur due to a reduction in genetic diversity, or it can occur naturally thanks to the crossbreeding of dogs with positive health and behavioral results.

The original designer dog debate began with the creation of the Labradoodle — a cross between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle — in Australia in the 1980s. Since then, many other designer dogs have been created by mixing different breeds of purebred dogs.

In general, there are two camps on this issue: those who believe that mixing breeds will lead to healthier dogs and those who believe that mixing breeds can cause health problems and behavioral issues. Fortunately for dog lovers everywhere, there are plenty of studies that show that hybrid vigor is a promising concept!

So, what does this mean for you and your Frug?

The best way to know what you are getting with a Frug mix is to look into the history of his parent breeds and to get a good understanding of the average Frug temperament, needs, and health requirements.

So, without further ado, let’s learn more about the Frug!

The Origin Of The Frug – Meet The Parents!

While hybrid vigor does sound promising, it’s important to remember that genetics are genetics and it can be difficult to determine which health issues or temperamental traits your Frug could inherit.

Many people hope that their Frug will be the perfect mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog, however, keep in mind that your Frug could be more like one parent breed over the other.

For this reason, we recommend looking into the basic temperamental traits and physical qualities of the individual Pug vs the French Bulldog. Let’s start with the Pug.

Meet The Pug

Pugs are known for their sweet and goofy temperaments.

Height: 10 to 11 Inches

Weight: 14 to 18 Inches

Temperament: Charming, Affectionate, Calm, Social

The Pug is a wildly popular purebred dog originating from China. He is intelligent, affectionate, and a great companion. The average life expectancy of the Pug is 12-15 years.

The Pug is a small to medium-sized dog with a thick body and short legs. The eyes are round and prominent, with droopy eyelids that cover most of the eye area. The ears are large, low set, and hang down close to the head. The tail is curled over its back and carried over the back edge of its rump when excited or happy.

The coat of the Pug has two layers: an outer coat that is straight and flat with small hair curling up at the tip of each strand (known as “furnishings”), and an undercoat that is soft, downy, and dense.

Meet The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular family dogs.

Height: 11 to 12 Inches

Weight: 16 to 28 Pounds

Temperament: Playful, Athletic, Spirited

The French Bulldog is a bred companion dog hailing from France. Also known as the Frenchie, French Bulldogs are coveted and beloved amongst owners for their appearance and personality.

The breed was developed in England by crossing the English Bulldog with terriers of various kinds. This cross produced a smaller, more athletic dog that was easier to keep in an apartment than its ancestors.

The breed was first shown in 1885, but it did not become popular until after World War I when returning soldiers brought them back from Europe as gifts for their families. In 1925, the breed was recognized by the AKC in America and has since become very popular.

French Bulldogs come in all colors and patterns including brindle, fawn, black & tan, or tri-colored (black mask). Their coats are short and smooth with a soft undercoat. They have round heads with wide-set eyes and large bat ears that hang down over their eyes when they’re relaxed (but perk up when they’re excited). Their small size makes them ideal companions for older people or those who have limited mobility.

Let’s Talk About The Frug – What Is The Frug’s Temperament?

Frugs make great dogs for first time owners.

The Frug has many wonderful qualities. He is affectionate, attentive, and playful. This dog makes an excellent companion for children and adults alike. He does best with devoted owners who have a flexible schedule to be around him often. The Frug can also be trained to use a doggy door, which will make potty training easier on everyone involved!

If you’re looking for a good watchdog, don’t look at the Frug. These dogs are extremely friendly and social and are more likely to greet strangers with a tail wag than a bark. For this reason amongst many others, the Frug makes an excellent family dog and apartment dog. They also do well with kids and other pets in their household as long as they have been properly socialized with them from a young age.

The Frug is very intelligent and can learn new tricks quickly but often needs to be bribed with treats in order to get them to perform. These pups tend to be somewhat stubborn and independent so training them early on is important to help establish good manners.

How To Exercise Your Frug And Keep Your Frug Mentally Stimulated

Social and playful, Frugs will enjoy having other dogs to keep them company.

The Frug is a small dog and as such he doesn’t require as much exercise as some larger hybrids or breeds. Still, that’s not to say the Frug won’t need daily walks or dedicated playtime.

Frugs are curious, excitable, and love to play! They enjoy cuddling on the couch or on your lap, but they certainly are not content just lounging around all day.

As a puppy, your Frug will need a lot of exercise. This is because they have an active mind and body, which needs to be worked out in order for them not to get into trouble.

If your French Bulldog and Pug Mix is not getting enough exercise, they can easily become bored, which could lead to destructive behaviors in the long run.

Frugs are also prone to obesity if their exercise routine is not properly monitored. This means that you need to make sure that they get enough quality exercise every day in order for them not to become overweight or obese.

When you are walking your Frug, it’s important to walk him on proper walking equipment. We recommend a front clip harness to help reduce the chances of tracheal collapse and not worsen brachycephalic airway syndrome.

PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness

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The PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness is ideal for small dogs like the Frug and especially dogs that are susceptible to breathing issues and tracheal collapse.

The harness has three different configurations including a walking harness, a car restraint, and an over-the-head leash attachment.

The harness is made of sturdy nylon with reflective stitching for night-time visibility. The straps are adjustable so you can get the right fit for your dog’s body shape and size. This harness clips in the front which not only helps protect your Frug from damage to his throat, but it also helps reduce pulling and makes walks easier for everyone.

Along with routine exercise, mental stimulation is also important when it comes to keeping your Frug happy and healthy. The Frug is going to need plenty of toys to keep him from becoming destructive when left at home alone for several hours at a time. These toys could include KONG toys or puzzle toys that will use treats to keep him busy and engaged.

When you are home, there are many ways that you can keep your Frug mentally stimulated while also giving him the physical activity that he needs in order for him not to become bored or obese.

Playing with your Frug in the yard is an excellent way to get both of you moving and having fun at the same time! Simple games like fetch are great ways to bond with one another while also getting some exercise in!

Take your Frug on walks around the neighborhood or even for runs or walks on trails or jogs around parks. A well-socialized Frug is also a great candidate for dog parks and he will enjoy playing with other dogs of his same size.

And speaking of socialization, let’s talk about how important it is in helping ensure your Pug is happy and well-rounded as he grows up with you.

The Training And Socialization Needs Of A Frug

As with all dogs, Frugs do best with positive reinforcement training.

The Frug dog, like all dogs, requires routine training and socialization beginning at an early age to help him grow up happy, healthy, and well-rounded.

The Ideal Training For A Frug Dog:

Training your Frug should begin as early as possible, though it’s never too early or too late to begin training any dog. When you are training your Frug, avoid using aversive training techniques like punishment, fear, or scolding. Instead, use positive training techniques like treats and praise.

The ideal training for a Frug is to use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. This means that when the dog does something correctly, he is rewarded with something that makes him happy such as treats or praise. When you are using treats as a method for training, we suggest using high-value treats like the Zuke’s Minis Training Treats we listed below.

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Zuke’s Minis Training Treats are considered high-value treats because they are small, smelly, and very palatable to dogs. These make them excellent training treats for dogs like the Frug, who can be stubborn from time to time during training.

The treats will help hold your Frug dog’s attention, and they are also made with quality ingredients you can feel good about like real salmon, chicken, or beef. These treats are also free of gluten, grains, corn, soy, wheat, or byproducts, so you can feel good about giving them to your pup routinely.

The other key to successful training is consistency and patience. Be sure to keep training short, fun, and game-like, and allow your Frug breaks between training sessions to just run around, rest, or be a Frug.

How To Properly Socialize A Frug Dog:

Early socialization is also essential for a Frug dog and can help reduce anxiety, stress, fear-based aggression, and many other behavioral issues as your Frug ages.

The more you expose your puppy to different people, places, and situations while they are still young, the more comfortable your Frug will be in different situations and environments as they get older.

Socialization starts with exposing your puppy to different people & environments from an early age. You should try taking your Frug with you on walks or errands, or even better, go shopping with your Frug (especially at pet stores).

It’s also important that your Frug gets used to other animals, strangers, and children, and learns how to interact with them safely.

While socializing your Frug early on is an important way to ensure he grows up to be outgoing and friendly, it’s also just as important to advocate for your Frug and to teach those around you, (especially children), basic canine body language so they know when your Frug is ready for a break.

If you plan on raising your Frug with children, be sure to work with children on the appropriate ways to handle and play with the family dog to ensure everyone is getting along happily.

Tips On Grooming Your Frug So He Looks His Best

Frugs are relativley easy to groom.

Grooming your Frug is generally simple so long as you keep it up and ensure you are paying special attention to your Frug dog’s folds.

For the most part, the Frug has a short and smooth coat that sheds moderately year-round. He requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair and bathing once every four to six weeks.

Do not over bathe your Frug, as this could damage his delicate skin. Bathing too often can also strip away natural oils from his skin and coat, which will cause them to dry out. If you bathe him too often, he’ll need more frequent baths to keep him clean and smelling fresh.

The fur on your Frug’s legs also tends to get dirty quickly, so be sure to wipe his paws with a wet towel after walks or outings.

Frugs can be especially prone to dental disease, so we suggest you brush your Frug’s teeth at least once a day using a dog-safe toothbrush designed specifically for dogs as well as a toothpaste that is safe for canine use. If brushing seems too daunting, you can try canine dental wipes as well as dental drops that go in your dog’s water, or other methods of dental hygiene like dental chews.

Frugs should also have their nails trimmed often to keep them from cracking or splitting, and their ears should be kept clean and free of debris, moisture, and waxy buildup to help avoid ear infections.

Last, it should be noted that Frugs can be sensitive to infections and irritation in their skin folds. This is often known as skin fold dermatitis.

It is important to groom your Frug often and pay special attention to these skin folds to help keep your Frug healthy. You can do so by investing in the proper equipment, like the highly recommended wrinkle wipes listed below.

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Because the Frug is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug, it should come as no surprise that the Frug is going to have wrinkles in his skin that need tending to.

PetPost Wrinkle Wipes for Dogs are specially formulated for your wrinkly friend. They work by removing excess oil from your pet’s fur without drying out their skin. They also help reduce dandruff and control odor. The formula contains aloe vera, menthol, and other natural ingredients that will leave your dog feeling fresh and clean.

PetPost Wrinkle Wipes for Dogs are easy to use! Simply wet a wipe with water or a towel with warm water and gently wipe down your pet’s face, neck, and body. If you have an extra oily dog, try using only one side of the wipe at first, then replace it with a new one when finished.

Health Issues And Average Lifespan Of A Frug

Frugs can have a long list of health issues owners should be aware of.

The Frug is a crossbreed dog, and as such he can have the added benefit of hybrid vigor when it comes to his health. However, hybrid vigor is not guaranteed, and it should be noted that the Frug can be susceptible to any of the same genetic health issues as his purebred parent breeds.

The following are some of the most common health issues you may encounter with your Frug:

Cataracts – This is one of the most common eye problems in Frugs, and it can occur at any age. It is caused by an excess of lens proteins in your dog’s eyes which causes clouding over of their lenses, leading to impaired vision. As with many other genetic conditions, there are multiple types of cataracts and they can be either congenital or acquired later in life.

Patellar Luxation – This is another very common condition in Frug dogs that involves a dislocation or slipping of one or both kneecaps outwards from their normal position. This causes pain when walking or jumping and causes lameness if left untreated for too long.

Skin Fold Dermatitis – As we discussed briefly above, skin fold dermatitis occurs when your Frug has excessive skin folds around their neck or armpits due to obesity or simply having too much skin for their body size. These folds trap moisture and bacteria which can lead to infection, itching, and even hair loss.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a condition that affects brachycephalic breeds with flat faces such as pugs, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese, or any of their hybrid offspring. The shortened muzzle and compressed nose passages can cause breathing difficulties which can lead to many other health issues you should be aware of including sensitivities to heat or cold, exercise exhaustion, heatstroke, and more.

Of course, this is not the full list of health issues the Frug can come up against. With a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, Frugs can be susceptible to:

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
• Allergic Skin Disorder
• Ear Infections
• Demodectic Mange
• Retained Baby Teeth
• Narrowed Nostrils
• Eye Issues
• Hip Dysplasia
• Conjunctivitis
• Deafness
• Cherry Eye
• Tracheal Collapse
• Elongated Palate
• Patellar Luxation
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Cataracts
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Thyroid Problems
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• And Degenerative Myelopathy

While you may not be able to 100% guarantee the health of your Frug just based on hybrid vigor alone, there are several steps you can take to ensure your Frug is as happy and healthy as possible.

First, Get Your Frug From A Reputable Source

The first step in ensuring a healthier life for your Frug is to go through a good breeder when obtaining your puppy. There are many breeders out there that claim to have the “best” puppies but don’t always use the most responsible breeding methods.

You should research any potential breeders before buying from them so that you know exactly what type of experience you’ll have once receiving your new Frug. You should also ask around about any potential breeders so that other people can give their opinion on whether or not they should buy from them or not.

Keep in mind that reputable breeders should be able to provide you with certificates proving the health of your Frug, and you should be able to ask for references and perhaps even meet your Frug’s parents in person.

Make Sure You Keep Your Frug On A Healthy Dog Food

Your Frug should be kept on the best diet possible, as Frugs, in particular, can be prone to a number of health issues related to their weight and digestive system. There are many different types of dog food available in stores today, but what is right for your Frug will depend on your unique situation and recommendations from your vet.

For most dogs, the best dog food is a dog food specified for the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Choose a dog food that is made with quality ingredients like real meat protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Avoid dog foods that contain by-products, fillers, dyes, corn, soy, wheat, gluten, or other ingredients your dog does not need in order to thrive.

Keep Up With Routine Vet Visits

Last, one of the very best way to ensure that your Frug stays in good health is to make sure that he gets regular vet visits. Most veterinarians recommend that small breed dogs like the Frug be seen at least once a year for an annual wellness exam and then twice a year after they reach the age of seven.

So, Do You Have The Ideal Home Type For A Frug?

The Frenchie Pug makes a great dog for dedicated dog owners ready to commit!

The Frug is an energetic, intelligent, and friendly dog that does well with a variety of owners. If you’ve fallen in love with the Frug on paper, chances are you’ll love him even more in person.

And while the Frug certainly isn’t the ideal choice for everyone, he could fit in seamlessly in the right environment and with the right family.

Let’s summarize what you should know in order to decide whether or not this pup could be a good fit for your home!

1. The Frug is a small but energetic dog who needs exercise every day.

2. The Frug does great in apartment living so long as his needs are routinely met.

3. The Frug is very social and loves spending time with his family. If left alone for too long, he can become bored, destructive, and even suffer separation anxiety.

4. Though adorable, the Frug can be prone to a number of serious and costly health issues. If you are considering a Frug, be prepared for the extra expenses you may incur when it comes to keeping him healthy and happy.

So, do you think the Frug is the right dog for you? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us about the Frug in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading!