For many dog lovers, owning a panda Pug might seem like a dream come true. The black and white markings on a panda Pug’s coat are unique and known for resembling China’s national animal, the panda bear.
Many people are still dubious about the existence of a panda Pug despite its charming and cuddly appearance that mimics panda bears. This is partly because of its rarity and lack of acceptance by any kennel association.
Do panda Pugs really exist? Learn more about this unusual but well-liked Pug color by reading this article!
What Is a Panda Pug? Are Panda Pugs Real?
A panda Pug is a Pug variety with a unique coat coloring that resembles panda bear markings. This cute and distinctive dog is known for its dazzling white fur with black or dark rings around the eyes.
The origin of panda Pugs is unknown, but it is thought that they came from China by mating a Pug with a toy or miniature Poodle to create a hybrid that has the most outstanding qualities of both the Pug and the Poodle.
Panda Pugs are well-known for having blue eyes that stand out against their dark circles. Prospective Pug owners also prefer them due to their friendly temperaments.
Despite being uncommon, panda Pugs exist, and their coat color quickly becomes popular among Pug lovers.
You may check the video below to visualize a panda Pug in action:
Are Panda Pugs Purebred?
Panda Pugs are not purebred dogs. The distinctive hue of panda Pugs is a product of cross-breeding a Pug with a different breed, much like any other distinct color variation among dogs.
Further, panda Pugs are typically the offspring of a Pug and a toy or small Poodle, Pekingese, miniature Border Collie, Boston Terrier, or toy Australian Shepherd.
In addition, there are just four basic hues available for Pugs: apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, and black. Also, the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC) only accepts the colors black and fawn.
This indicates that a panda Pug’s white markings cannot possibly be the result of its Pug genes alone. These markings will result from a Pug’s cross with a different breed.
What Does a Panda Pug Look Like?
A panda Pug is a little dog weighing between 12 and 20 pounds and has an average height of 10 to 13 inches. This distinctive hybrid is distinguished by its smooth coat and black-and-white markings.
Panda Pugs are small-sized breeds with round heads, shorter muzzles, wrinkled brows, wide chests, and short legs, just like Pugs of other colors. They have huge, far-spaced eyes that may be black or blue.
Additionally, a panda Pug has short, floppy ears that are frequently black. They have a double coat that, depending on the traits of their parent breeds, can be more black or white.
For instance, a panda Pug’s markings might range from white fur with black blotches to a white body with black ears and eye circles.
Finally, their thick necks go well with their stout, compact bodies. Their feet are rounded, and their legs are short and straight. Their tails can be straight or curved.
How Do You Get a Panda Pug? Panda Pug Color Genetics
A panda Pug might be challenging to obtain due to the complex genetics of its coat.
The S locus gene, which also affects other dog breeds, codes for white markings on the fur of panda Pugs. This gene can be dominant, recessive, or piebald.
The genes can be expressed using the following symbols: S (dominant), s (recessive), or sp (piebald).
It’s crucial to note that this specific trait is distinctive since it demonstrates incomplete dominance. This indicates that the trait is expressed as a diluted dominant allele rather than a dominant or recessive allele.
In this case, for a Pug to exhibit a panda color, the other parent breed should carry a gene for white markings. Panda Pugs will have the following genetic combinations: S-s, s-s, or sp-sp.
The Irish spotting gene is thought to give pugs their panda-like coloring. However, the specific location of the allele in the genetic coding of a Pug is still unknown to geneticists.
A Pug with one copy of the Irish spotting gene will have white accents, while a Pug with two copies will have white on its face, neck, chest, legs, and tail tip.
Overall, it’s important to note that panda Pugs have the Irish spotting or piebald genes in their lineages, even though precise knowledge on the genetics of a panda Pug’s hue is still lacking.
Panda Pug Temperament and Personality
Panda Pugs are typically playful animals that enjoy interacting with people. Additionally, they are affectionate, simple to teach, and show their owners a lot of loyalty.
Pugs are devoted to their families, much as those with other coat colors. They can play simultaneously with both kids and adults with ease. Also, panda Pugs are highly adaptable, especially when meeting new people.
These dogs can be trained easily because they enjoy discovering new things. However, owners should be aware that panda Pugs require regular activities to stay motivated, just like other dog breeds.
Although panda Pugs are affectionate, they tend to be vigilant towards strangers. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take long for them to warm up around other humans, dogs, and pets.
In general, panda Pugs are a wonderful addition to families seeking a terrific source of affection and fun.
Panda Pug Lifespan and Health Issues
The typical lifespan of a panda pug is 13 to 15 years. Some panda Pugs may live longer based on the breeds they are crossed with.
Panda Pugs often live a little bit longer than purebred Pugs because they are mixed. However, this does not shield them from potential health problems that a Pug can experience in its lifetime.
The following are some of the most prevalent health conditions that panda Pug owners should be aware of:
- Obesity: Panda Pugs are prone to gaining too much weight and becoming obese, which raises their risk of heart disease, heat stroke, and generally poor health. Because of this, it’s critical to monitor their nutrition carefully and ensure they’re eating nutritious food.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): A respiratory condition known as BOAS is prevalent in dog breeds like panda Pugs with short muzzles and shorter skulls. This condition results from exercise intolerance, loud breathing, impaired thermoregulation, regurgitation of food, and sleep disturbances.
- Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (BOS): BOS is an eye disorder common among panda Pugs. Affected Pugs may exhibit excessive tear production, photosensitivity, inflammation and redness of the eyes, or corneal damage that may result in partial or total blindness, depending on the kind and degree of the illness.
Panda Pugs are prone to health problems that could compromise their well-being. Despite owners’ best efforts, it is not always feasible to stop their dogs from getting the listed illnesses.
Feeding your panda Pug a good diet, caring for its skin, and taking them to the vet regularly will help them live a long life and prevent the consequences that may arise from the aforementioned health conditions.
How Much Does a Panda Pug Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Prices for panda Pugs normally range from $600 to $1,600 based on pedigree and lineage, among other things. Those that have been crossed with designer breeds are more expensive and can cost up to $6,000.
A panda Pug owner may also incur upfront costs for food, toys, and veterinary care. These expenses could mount up over time.
See the table below detailing the initial expenses associated with having a panda Pug:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Owners can use the table above as a benchmark to gauge their financial capacity and determine whether or not they can afford to bring a panda Pug home.
Places to Find Panda Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption
It can be challenging to locate a panda Pug for sale or adoption due to its rarity. To find a rare panda Pug in the market, extensive research and loads of patience are required.
Check out our list of the most reliable breeders to help you search for a panda Pug:
- Bundles of Love Puppies – Bundles of Love Puppies, based in Iowa, is dedicated to breeding high-quality, healthy, and happy Frenchies and Pugs. Their panda Pugs range in price from $1,100 to $3,500, including a 2-year health guarantee, AKC registration paperwork, the first set of vaccines, microchipping, and a physical checkup.
- My Pampered Pugs – My Pampered Pugs is a nonprofit organization. They are ethical Pug breeders who care about making sure their puppies are placed in loving homes. Prices range from $2,500 to $5,000 for their panda Pugs, depending on the ownership type and registration.
- Tipping Point Farm – Ohio-based Tipping Point Farm sells Pugs in various hues, including fawn, pink, merle, and panda. Their panda Pugs start at $3,500, which includes immunizations and deworming.
It may take a while to wait for a panda Pug from the breeders mentioned above because it is an unusual color for Pugs.
As such, you may consider checking the reliable panda Pug rescue organizations and animal shelters below if you want to adopt instead:
- Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue – Serving North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Eastern Tennessee, Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue is an organization dedicated to providing for the short and long-term needs of abandoned and surrendered Pugs of different colors, including panda.
- Pugs N Roses – California-based shelter Pugs N Roses is devoted to taking dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California. They take in both purebred and mixed Pugs, such as panda Pugs, while prioritizing urgent cases.
- Pacific Pug Rescue – Pacific Pug Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Portland run entirely by volunteers. Their center is committed to providing the necessary medical care for all their rescues, such as spaying/neutering, dental checkups, and vaccinations.
If you want to find panda Pugs locally, try driving around the neighborhood to look for breeders or rescues.
Best Dog Names for Your Panda Pug Puppy
Choosing a name for your panda Pug is one of the most fun aspects of dog ownership. With so many names available, this experience is both enjoyable and challenging for owners.
Every panda Pug is different and has its personality, which may have an impact on name choice. It’s crucial to keep in mind that shorter names with distinct sounds are preferable to avoid confusion for your Pug.
Taking that into consideration, the following is a list of creative names for panda Pug puppies:
- Cookie
- Domino
- Milo
- Oreo
- Panda
- Pepper
- Rocky
- Snoopy
- Soccer
- Spot
The most important factor is that saying your panda Pug’s name should feel natural every time. Make sure your dog enjoys responding to its name as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Panda Pugs Rare?
Panda Pugs are rare. They are thought to be among the most distinctive and unusual Pug hues in the world. The primary cause of their rarity is the absence of conclusive knowledge of their color’s genetic makeup.
Do Panda Pugs Have Blue Eyes?
The majority of panda Pugs have blue eyes, which interested owners prefer above other eye colors. It’s important to remember that not all panda Pugs have blue eyes.
Blue-eyed Panda Pugs are thought to have been bred with Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, or Dachshunds, among other blue-eyed dog breeds.
Are Panda Pugs Pied?
Panda Pugs are not pied. Most breeders believe that the DNA of panda Pugs is not pied and that these unique pups are not pied gene carriers.
However, there is insufficient standard information regarding a panda Pug’s exact color genetics. Hence, we still can’t accurately pinpoint the genetic makeup of a panda Pug’s color yet.
What Is the Rarest Pug Color?
The rarest Pugs are thought to be silver-fawn ones. Additionally, most silver-fawn Pug owners classify their dogs as fawns rather than silver ones.
There are also additional uncommon hues for Pugs, including white, brindle, chocolate, pink, and panda.
Do Panda Pugs Shed a Lot?
Panda Pugs shed a lot, even though they look like a breed with short hair. Their double coats, which are more prone to shedding than other dogs, are the reason behind this.
While excessive shedding cannot be avoided, it can be reduced with the right diet, grooming, and vitamins.
Final Thoughts
Panda Pugs are distinctive and unquestionably one of the cutest versions of this breed. They are a popular choice on the market due to their endearing black and white markings and cool blue eyes.
Panda Pugs are affectionate, devoted, and sociable, just like most Pug breeds. They are a terrific addition to any family because they get along well with children and other animals.
Make sure they come from a trustworthy breeder if you’re interested in getting this unusual panda-looking pet. Don’t forget to inquire about the pup’s background, especially the breed that contributed to its lineage.
Do you think a panda Pug would make the ideal pet for you? Comment below and let us know!
