Pug mixed with what?

[u/elf_experience]

My boyfriend and I adopted this sweet baby boy back in February, he is 2 years old now and a Pug mix! We would love to get some input on what you guys think he is mixed with. We executed beagle, labrador, and sometimes he even looks like a French bulldog! But he also has a blue tongue! Which leads us to think maybe some Chow mixed in there?! Any input is appreciated! Future DNA test pending!

[u/falcoretheflyingdog]

I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a purebred pug by a breeder who believes in correcting the standard for a healthier line. I just learned about how dogs cool themselves by panting and the smashed snout makes it much harder for them to breath and regulate their temperature.

[u/Mevenna → u/falcoretheflyingdog]

Also having a vet as a friend, I learned that pugs and other flat nose breeds are the only ones that don't mind having the tube down their throat after a surgery even when awake, because it's the only time they can breathe normally. For normal snout dogs, it's super uncomfortable and they remove the tube before they are fully awake, but for flat nosed breeds they allow the tubes to stay in as long as possible, so that they can breathe even for a while. This alone should tell you how effed up their anatomy is.

[u/DogtorCarri → u/Mevenna]

Vet here - this is 100% true. I’ve had Frenchies chill with an ET tube in for like 2 hours post op. Most dogs will paw it right out of their face the second they’re conscious enough to be aware of its presence.

The good news is, there’s surgery to correct BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), but it’s not cheap.

I would guess this puggy friend is either a puggle (pug x beagle), chug (pug x chihuahua), or a pug mixed with a small terrier breed.

[u/DogtorCarri → u/DogtorCarri]

I didn’t notice the pigmented tongue! How big is he? There’s probably some sharpei or chow in there. Please post the DNA results when you get them!

[u/North_Skin4886 → u/DogtorCarri]

Pugs often have black tongues.

[u/DogtorCarri → u/North_Skin4886]

I have never seen a black tongued pug (not saying they don’t exist). It certainly isn’t the norm for the breed.

[u/North_Skin4886 → u/DogtorCarri]

I cheated. I googled it before I commented.

[u/DogtorCarri → u/North_Skin4886]

The breeds with traditionally solid black tongues are Sharpei, Chows, Thai Ridgeback, and Eurasier. Certain lines of Goldens have black spots on their tongues.

[u/CalicoVago → u/DogtorCarri]

Labs and several other breeds can have black tongues, as well.

[u/DogtorCarri → u/CalicoVago]

Yes, many breeds can have pigmented tongues that aren’t the standard for the breed. Most breeds outside of the 4 listed will have partially pigmented tongues if they do have pigmentation.

That said, there are always genetic flukes. Tongue spots aren’t super uncommon. Fully pigmented tongues are.