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Brindle Pug: The Dog Behind the RARE Striped Coat

Many historians reported that Pugs have been around since 400 BC and were first seen in China and nearby Asian countries. But have you heard about the Brindle Pug? 

A Brindle Pug is simply a Pug that is brindle in color- brown fur with dark flecks. Brindle pugs are extremely rare, difficult to find, and not recognized by the AKC. The brindle pug remains somewhat mysterious among pug owners. 

 Brindle Pugs are popular with enthusiasts, but fawn is more common and especially favored of the breed.

But today, we’re going to lay rest on some of this mystery and bring you the facts behind the rare coat. We will talk more in-depth about the Brindle pug answering common questions like:

  • Brindle Pugs and other colors
  • What is Brindle Pug’s genetics?
  • What is the temperament of a brindle Pug?
  • Do Brindle Pugs have any known health concerns?
  • How can you care for your Brindle Pug?

And so much more – so let’s not waste another minute!

Brindle Pugs And Other Colors 

brindle pug standing against a white background

Pugs can range in hues from light apricot to dark tan. To date, the AKC also recognizes black pugs.

They can also come in platinum and white though the AKC recognizes neither as colors.

But brindle itself isn’t a color, it’s more of a pattern. Brindle is a pattern of tiger-like stripes, usually grey and brown.

brindle pug puppy sleeping

Though they aren’t usually found in brindle patterns, some dogs are. Boxers, Daschunds, and Pit bulls are all commonly brindle coated.

Aside from their unusual coat, brindle pugs are pretty similar to other colored pugs.

Like other pugs, brindles typically have a black mask around the muzzle, a black mark on their forehead (known as the “thumbprint”), and a dark line of hair that moves down the pug’s back as they age.

Must Read Article – What is a Retro Pug?

That said, though they have the same markings as other pugs, they may be more difficult to spot.

What Are The Brindle Pug Genetics?

brindle pug genetics illustration

Many people think that brindle is not a color that appears in the Pug’s natural bloodline.

Indeed, this is not a normal color pattern for this dog, nor does it meet breeding program standards.

It’s also true that most breeders would never strive to create a brindle pug, as it does not meet these standards.

With that being said, brindle very well could have existed in a pug’s bloodline somewhere in history.

Unfortunately, it isn’t known exactly where it came from or which type of dogs were used for breeding the Pug.

However, what is known is that pugs were originally developed in China.

With that being said, during the reign of Emperor Chin Shih Huang, all this breed’s documents were destroyed to keep the breed’s secrets.

What does this mean?

brindle pug puppy close up photo

We cannot trace exactly where the brindle in pugs came from.

What we do know, however, is that paintings from the 1700s depict brindle pugs, thereby demonstrating that somewhere in history, the genetic line did exist and eventually just died out.

But how did the brindle get there in the first place?

The bloodline of some other breed is used to create the Pug.

It’s likely that this gene was introduced dozens of generations ago, which means that brindle pugs today can be purebred (despite the widespread belief that they cannot).

Brindle Pugs Temperament

brindle and fawn pugs on white background

When it comes to the temperament of a brindle pug, you should expect much the same as other pugs.

Remember, brindle pugs can be just as purebred as other colors, so their temperament doesn’t differ in terms of the breed.

With that being said, like all dogs, each Pug will have their personality traits and characteristics, and no two dogs will ever be exactly alike.

With that being said, there are some things that most pugs have in common regarding temperament.

They have often considered a little mixture of everything in terms of personality. Sometimes they are outgoing and playful, while others are calm and relaxed.

brindle pug puppy on grassy background

Their owners often describe them as being humorous, thereby making excellent companions.

Don’t expect the brindle pug to be an excellent guard dog. While these dogs make good family dogs, they aren’t overly protective or territorial.

They are very friendly and love people. For this reason, brindle pugs need a lot of love and attention and will sit on your lap anytime you allow them to do so. They are also good with other pets.

Do Brindle Pugs Have Any Known Health Concerns?

pug encephalitis illustration

Brindle Pugs have long lifespans with an average of 12-15 years.

That said, they are prone to a condition known as Pug Dog Encephalitis.

This condition is a neurological (brain) disease only found in the pug breed. When a pug has Encephalitis, the brain tissues become inflamed, resulting in pain, seizures, and eventually death.

Though the causes of Pug Dog Encephalitis are unknown, veterinarians believe it may be hereditary.

It can occur in pugs of any age and may be accompanied by changes in behavior, stiff neck, disorientation, loss of coordination, depression, weakness, and blindness. In almost all cases, the disease will eventually become fatal.

pug being examined in a Vet Clinic

Of course, Pug Dog Encephalitis isn’t the only concern of Brindle Pugs.

They may also be susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, entropion, obesity, skin infections, and more.

When buying a brindle pug, it’s always important that you purchase from a reputable breeder.

Brindle pugs can be 100% purebred, but some breeders also mix pugs with other breeds to establish the brindle color.

When brindle pugs are not purebred, they may also be susceptible to other diseases and illnesses that regular pugs are not.

Taking Care Of Your Brindle Pug

brindle pug and owner

Pugs are a breed of dog that requires a great deal of love and attention.

If you’re looking for an independent dog that can entertain itself, a brindle pug probably isn’t the right choice for you.

On the other hand, a pug could be a perfect choice if you are looking for a great companion and lap dog.

That said, while pugs make excellent companions, they also require a lot of care, especially in grooming.

Firstly, pugs have deep folds of skin on their face that need to be cleaned regularly. A pug’s wrinkles can hold onto dirt and debris, becoming easily irritated and smelly.

To prevent irritation, folds should be cleaned at least once a week. If your dog already suffers from irritation, it should be cleaned 2-3 times per day.

brindle pug puppy on white background close up photo

In addition to cleaning the folds, brindle pugs also require regular grooming.

Even though pugs have short fur, they tend to shed a lot.

In return, they require daily brushing and regular bathing (about once per month) to keep down on fur loss. Brindle pugs also require regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and eye cleanings.

In terms of exercise and food, pugs don’t require much compared to some other breeds, but consideration needs to be taken.

They require about 1 cup of dog food per day (as full-grown adults) and approximately 20-30 minutes of exercise twice daily.

Because pugs are brachycephalic, it’s important that you closely monitor food intake and exercise.

Breathing problems can be exasperated when a pug becomes overweight.

Are You Looking For a Brindle Pug Puppy For Sale or Adoption?

You Can find Registered Brindle Pug Breeders in the US Below:

Final Thoughts On Brindle Pugs

brindle pug standing on the lawn

In conclusion, many speculations and rumors surround the Brindle Pug, some of which are true, others not.

People have been asking this question: Are brindle pugs purebred?

Let’s clear up a major falsification – while many brindle pugs are not purebred, this is not the case for all. In other words, purebred brindle pugs do exist.

Brindle pugs are much like other pugs in appearance and temperament when purebred.

With that being said, due to their rarity, brindle pugs can be difficult to find, and careful consideration should be taken when purchasing one – we should all do our best to avoid supporting puppy mills that sadly take advantage of this beautiful and unique Pug.

dog paw prints

About the author: Driven by his lifelong passion for dogs and an insatiable curiosity about their diverse breeds, Pablo Pascua founded dogbreedsfaq.com. Through this website, he seeks to expand his knowledge and share his findings with fellow dog enthusiasts. Having owned several dogs throughout his life, Pablo’s experiences have fueled his interest in learning more about these beloved animals. His mission is to provide accurate and comprehensive information to help pet owners make informed decisions about their furry companion.