Hygenhund vs Chug - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Chug is a crossbreed with the Pug and the Chihuahua. It is a hybrid not a purebred. Over the past ten to fifteen years people have been developing the Chug, mostly in the United States. People were looking for a lapdog with the characteristics of both the Chihuahua and the Pug. The hybrid dog has characteristics of both breeds, both physical and behavioral. Of course, the Chug is not recognized by the AKC, but it is recognized by hybrid and designer dog clubs such as The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Kennel and the International Designer Canine Registry.

The Hygenhund is a hound from Norway that was developed in the early 1800’s by the Norwegian breeder Hygen. It was developed for hunting small game such as fox, rabbit, hare or racoon. It is known for its endurance and ability to survive travel across vast artic land without fatigue. It was developed by crossing several Norwegian hounds with ones from England and Germany. This includes basset hounds, holsteiner hounds, beagles, Bloodhounds, Scandinavian hounds and English Pointers. The resulting Hygehound is a scent hound whose popularity fell in the 20th century. Most of the remaining dogs today are located in Norway. The Norwegian Kennel Club and the UKC have both recognized the breed yet its numbers remain low. Even at that the breed today remains a great hunting dog but it is also a great companion or family dog.

The Chug can vary greatly in looks and build from one dog to another. For the most part however, Chugs are small compact dogs, sturdy and muscular. They have a very expressive and lovable face with folding ears, almond shape eyes and short muzzles. Their faces are similar in looks to that of a miniature boxer. .

Description

The Hygenhund has a solid rectangular and compact body with muscular and compact legs and paws. Their heads are shaped like a triangle with dark eyes and a broad skull. The muzzle and neck are long and the topline is even. They carry their tail high, but they do not curl it over their back. They are a medium sized dog with short hair. They have an overabundance of energy and get bored easily. They can come in black with chestnut or white markings, yellow and red, chestnut without or with black markings.

Because they are a hybrid, chugs can have a very wide range of different characteristics depending upon whether they have more from the Pug or more from the Chihuahua. But either way they are very lovable little dogs with big personalities. Regardless of whether your dog favors the clown Pug or the stately Chihuahua, your puppy will be a lovable ball of fur. He will be affectionate, friendly and aggressive to bigger dogs.

1. Children friendliness – The Hygenhund is very friendly to children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, intelligence and ability to endure cold climates.

Adaptability

Very adaptable in some ways – enduring cold climates for instance. However, they need a large yard or area to run in. They are not as adaptable in an apartment.

Learning ability

The Hygenhund is very intelligent and a quick learner. They love learning new things.

Some of the health issues that Chugs face include the respiratory issues that both the Chug and Chihuahua have to deal with. They also can have patellar luxation leading to lameness and arthritis.Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar can result in fainting or coma, confusion or seizures.

The Hygenhund is prone to a variety of health problems including:

• Kidney Stones/Chronic Kidney Infections
• Food Allergies
• Arthritis – can cause lameness
• Bloat – can be fatal if not treated
• Von Willebrands Disease
• Anesthesia sensitivity
• Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness or arthritis

Feeding

Pugs have great appetites and love to eat and Chihuahuas wont turn down a meal so be careful not to overfeed your Chug. It is important to feed a small breed formula whether you use dry or wet food.

Health issues

Some additional issues that Chugs deal with in respect to health include:

Joint issues

Both elbow and knee inflammations can lead to arthritis and lameness

Eye Issues

Chugs can have runny eyes or cherry eye. If they have cherry eye you will want to treat it immediately or there could be secondary issues with inflammation and infection.

Exercise and games

Chugs may be little, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise every day. A regular walk will do or indoor or outdoor playtime every day. They like obedience, rally and some can do small dog agility, but they would have to be on the larger size for Chugs. Chugs also make great therapy dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Since the Hygenhund is such a high energy working dog feed a high quality food. Feed 3-4 times a day for a total of 2.3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Again this is a high energy dog. Feed a high protein good quality dog food twice a day for a total of 3-4 cups.

Points for Good Health

Good speed and stamina. Good in cold climates.

Games and Exercises

The Hygenhund needs plenty of exercise to dissipate all its working energy. They will excel at field trials, lure coursing, fly ball, tracking, and agility.