Pushon
The Pushon is a cross between the Pug and the Bichon Frise. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Pushon. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Pug
The Pug is a small but solidly built toy breed with a distinctive square, compact body and substantial muscular development that belies its diminutive size. Standing 10 to 13 inches at the withers and weighing between 14 and 18 pounds, the breed embodies the Latin phrase multum in parvo, meaning a lot in a little. The body is well-proportioned with a level topline and broad chest, supported by sturdy, straight legs that contribute to the breed's characteristic rolling gait. The overall build reflects the breed's mastiff heritage, presenting a muscular and cobby appearance with excellent substance for a toy breed. The head is large and round with a flat face, featuring a short, blunt muzzle that creates the breed's distinctive brachycephalic appearance. The forehead displays deep wrinkles, including a vertical crease known as the prince mark, which resembles a Chinese character and was historically prized in Chinese breeding programs. The Pug possesses a short, smooth double coat that lies close to the body and has a soft, glossy texture. The breed comes in several color variations including fawn, apricot, silver fawn, and solid black, with fawn and black being the most commonly recognized in show standards. Fawn-colored Pugs display a black mask covering the muzzle and ears, along with a dark trace line running down the spine. The coat sheds year-round, with double-coated individuals shedding more heavily than those with single coats. Regular brushing helps manage the considerable shedding this breed produces. Prominent facial features define this breed's appearance, including large, dark, globular eyes that are set wide apart and project somewhat from the skull, giving the Pug its characteristic expression of concern or curiosity. The ears are small, soft, and velvety, folding either as button ears or rose ears close to the head. Perhaps the Pug's most recognizable feature is its tightly curled tail, which sits high on the hip and curls in a characteristic spiral over the hindquarters, with a double curl being particularly prized in show dogs. This distinctive tail formation results from a natural spinal deviation in the lower vertebrae extending into the tail bones.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Pugs are fairly laid-back dogs that adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. They are not typically given to extensive barking, digging, or destructive chewing behaviors. However, they do require daily companionship and can become anxious or depressed when left alone for extended periods. The breed enjoys playing games and will enthusiastically chase balls, though they may not always return them. Their brachycephalic structure limits their tolerance for vigorous exercise, particularly in hot or humid conditions, making them better suited to moderate activity levels and indoor living.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Obesity occurs at more than twice the rate in Pugs compared to the average for all dogs, contributing to joint problems, breathing difficulties, and reduced quality of life. Hip dysplasia affects the breed despite its small size, and hemivertebrae, a spinal condition related to the characteristic corkscrew tail, can cause neurological problems in some individuals. Pug Dog Encephalitis is a rare but usually fatal inflammatory brain condition that affects Pugs far more than any other breed. Regular veterinary checkups and working with responsible breeders who screen for hereditary conditions can help identify and manage these health concerns.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog with a merry temperament and distinctive powder-puff appearance that has charmed admirers for centuries. Standing 9 to 11 inches at the withers and weighing between 7 and 12 pounds, the breed presents a compact, medium-boned body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The back is level and muscular, and the chest is well-developed with moderately sprung ribs. The plumed tail is set high and carried curved gracefully over the back, adding to the breed's elegant silhouette. Movement is free, energetic, and effortless, with the dog appearing to float across the ground when properly groomed and gaited. The head is well-proportioned to the body, with a slightly rounded skull that the abundant coat accentuates into a more spherical appearance. The muzzle is not heavy or snipy, comprising about three-fifths the length of the skull when measured from stop to occiput. Large, round, dark eyes are surrounded by black or dark brown skin known as halos, which accentuate the breed's gentle, soft, and inquisitive expression. The ears are drop style, set slightly above eye level, and heavily feathered, blending into the head's rounded appearance. The nose is large, round, and black, providing a striking contrast to the white coat. The Bichon Frise possesses a distinctive double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that combines to create the breed's signature puffy appearance. The texture is often compared to plush velvet, and the coat springs back when touched. While solid white is preferred, shadings of buff, cream, or apricot on the ears or body are acceptable, particularly in dogs under 18 months of age. The coat requires considerable maintenance including daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming monthly to maintain the rounded trim that defines the breed's appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Bichon Frise adapts well to various living situations, thriving equally in apartments and larger homes, urban and rural settings. Their compact size and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for less active owners, though they do enjoy daily walks and play sessions. The breed can be vocal, alerting owners to visitors and unusual sounds with confident barking, though they are too friendly to serve as effective guard dogs. Separation anxiety can develop in Bichons left alone for extended periods, as these social dogs crave companionship. Socialization from an early age helps ensure the breed's naturally outgoing personality develops fully, creating a well-adjusted adult dog comfortable in various situations.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Allergies affect many Bichon Frises, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, ear problems, and digestive upset. Environmental allergens, food sensitivities, and flea allergies all contribute to these issues, requiring identification and management of specific triggers. Bladder stones can develop in this breed, causing urinary difficulties and discomfort that may require dietary management or surgical removal. Cataracts represent the most common eye problem in Bichons, potentially progressing to vision impairment if left untreated. Chondrodystrophy, a skeletal condition involving shortened limbs and predisposition to intervertebral disc disease, has been identified in the breed. Regular veterinary care and working with responsible breeders who health test their breeding stock helps minimize the impact of these conditions.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Pushon may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Pug and Bichon Frise to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.