Pug: Your Complete Guide
The charming and cheerful pug is an adorable toy-sized breed that originates from as far back as the Song dynasty in China. A dog that has become beloved for its quirky behavior and hilarious antics, pugs have some of the most devoted enthusiasts across any breed. Unfortunately, outside of their larger-than-life personalities, some issues make them a hard sell to certain dog lovers.
Pugs have numerous potential health complications that can occur throughout their life due to their flatter faces, making regular vet checkups a recurring part of an owner’s schedule. Additionally, their diet must be strict to avoid the breed’s predisposition towards obesity. Read the following paragraphs to learn how to own a pug, what goes into raising the breed, and whether or not they are a good fit for you.
Quick Look at the Pug
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
Weight/Height | 14 – 18 pounds, 10 – 13 inches |
Coat Type | Short, shiny, and silky |
Grooming Needs | |
Shedding | |
Temperament | Funny, Friendly, Affectionate |
Good With Kids | |
Good With Other Animals | |
Intelligence | |
Easy to Train | |
Energy Level | |
Barking Habits | |
Lifespan | 13 -15 years |
What Is the History of Pugs?
To find the origin of pugs, we have to go back to its ancestral breed, the Lo-Chiang-Sze. Now commonly known as the “ancient pug,” this breed was loved by royalty and was a popular sight throughout the imperial court. Pug popularity spread in the 1500s when the Dutch East India Company brought a litter back to Europe.
Everywhere the small dog seemed to go, people fell in love with it immediately. Chinese royalty adored the chunky charmers, Tibetan monks were known to have them, and Europe adopted the breed immediately. It wasn’t long before pugs became a status symbol among the European aristocracy. Before long, there wasn’t a European country without a few dozen pug enthusiasts.
The United States caught onto the pug craze late in the 1800s, when the breed became a common addition to the average American home. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and remain one of the most beloved breeds in the United States to this day.
What Do Pugs Look Like?
A short, thickly built breed, pugs are round and wrinkly with smooth coats that can come in hues of fawn or black. Pugs have an iconic snout that is pushed in and black around the mouth and nostrils, with large dark eyes and a wrinkly forehead separating folded ears. They have stout bodies and stumpy legs with a tail that typically curls upward onto the back of the dog.
What Size Is a Pug?
A regular favorite of the toy group, pugs are compact canines that can still be swept up with relative ease. A full-grown pug weighs between fourteen and eighteen pounds and typically measures between ten and thirteen inches. Due to the likelihood of weight problems, monitoring the animal’s diet is essential for their long-term health.
What Is a Pug’s Coat Type and Length?
While they may shed far more than anyone would ever predict, pugs have a very manageable coat that is tight to the body, short, and somewhat bristly. They will need to be brushed regularly to keep their shedding in check, and the folds of their coat can attract dirt and germs. Their coat will not require a professional groomer often as long as owners look after it.
What Is a Pug’s Temperament?
A dog that fits the motto “man’s best friend,” you will never have to wonder if your pug likes you. They are hilarious animals with an emotional empathy that will make you wish your friends were more sensitive to your moods. They are one of the more affectionate and devoted canines available and will warm several laps through the colder months.
Are Pugs Good With Kids?
If you are a family looking to bring a dog into a house with children, pugs are an excellent first choice. They are very kindhearted animals and one of the more stoic breeds around younger children, which can make early introductions much more productive. While parents should always keep an eye on their dog around kids, pugs are one of the safest bets to pick for families with children.
If you want a dog that will play with your children, there may be better candidates than the pug. While they may have enthusiasm, they do not have the stamina to collect a frisbee or engage in high-energy activities for extended periods.
Are Pugs Good With Other Animals?
Every dog will have their own quirks, cons, and drawbacks, though most pugs can get along with other dogs fine. The best method to ensure that your pug gets better with other dogs is by providing them plenty of time to socialize with other dogs. While it may be rocky at first, the process of getting them around other dogs can help lessen territorial tendencies.
For smaller animals, the pug may chase after them, though they can live with cats, lizards, and other pets without too much trouble. The biggest hurdle will be getting both animals comfortable, and some pets may need to stay at a distance if they are more skittish than usual.
Are Pugs Aggressive?
Those worried about a dog snapping at them will have little to worry about with pugs. They are amiable animals that will rarely, if ever, nip or growl at a person or dog unless they feel threatened. Pugs will still need to be around people and pets to get used to new faces, but those looking to avoid a dog with a violent streak can safely rely on most pugs to be docile.
Do Pugs Bark?
If you live in an apartment complex or near noise-sensitive neighbors, a pug is a great alternative for a smaller home. They can adapt to the limited space and are less likely to bark than other breeds of a similar stature. Some may get vocal if they hear an unfamiliar sound or see a new face in their home, but this will stop as they get used to your home.
If you want a class on stopping barking, Dog Academy has a great, affordable course available.
Are Pugs Affectionate?
If you plan on adopting a pug, you will need to know that it will spend most of its day attached to your hip. They are very loving dogs that don’t require a great deal of exercise, but they do require a massive amount of attention from their owners. Expect a dog that will find every excuse to sit on your lap and work its way onto your bed nightly.
Are Pugs Intelligent?
While they will not solve any advanced equations, they are not a dim breed of dog by any stretch. Pugs are competent, capable dogs that can master a number of basic commands and a few more advanced tricks. They do have a ceiling to their aptitude, however, and some tricks may be outside their physical and intellectual capability.
Are Pugs Energetic?
One look at a pug will give most people all they need to know about the breed’s personal workout regimen. The aloof animal is happy to wind away the day, staring out of rain-soaked windows or perched near their owner. Despite this, they require daily exercise, like a decent-length walk or some time at a dog park.
Are Pugs Easy to Train?
A certain percentage of pugs will bend over backward to try and make their owners happy, while the others will spend most of their training trying to make their owners laugh. The breed splits the line for whether or not they will be accommodating during training, though all will eventually come to master common commands given enough time.
While most pugs may not show an aptitude for agility training, it isn’t unheard of for the breed to participate in agility courses. If you have a pug that shows potential, it could absolutely excel in agility training as others have in the past.
Are Pugs Good Watchdogs?
While some pugs may be a bit more paranoid and protective than most, there are far better dogs to recruit for a watchdog position. Pugs are a breed that has existed for centuries as nothing more than a companion dog. Because of this, they make excellent friends and family members. Unfortunately, they cannot be relied on to fend off potential intruders.
Are Pugs Good Service Dogs?
Pugs could absolutely perform as service dogs in specific roles. They are deeply empathetic and devoted to their owners, making them great for tasks that require fetching medicine or looking after an owner’s mental well-being. A pug must be attentive, intelligent, and driven to perform in a service role, and training is required to become a service animal. That being said, these dogs cannot perform tasks like mobility assistance and support due to their smaller size.
Pugs may be one of the best candidates for an emotional support animal that a person could think of. They tend to be friendly and affectionate, and they will dote on the people they care about. If a pug has the proper disposition, it would be an incredible asset for someone requiring an ESA.
How to Care for a Pug?
If you want a dog that is going to be low maintenance, few will be better than a pug. They don’t require much exercise throughout the day, get along with most people, are relatively quiet, and are uniquely entertaining. However, that doesn’t mean that owners do not have their work cut out for them.
Pugs have several health complications they can get over their life, making vet visits an essential part of owning the animal. Similarly, they will need to have a diet that is monitored and portioned to avoid obesity and medical issues stemming from weight gain. Finally, limit their time outside in hot environments, as they do poorly in higher temperatures.
Do You Need to Groom a Pug?
Though their coats may seem thin, they are deceptively dense and prone to shocking amounts of shedding. This breed must be brushed daily, if possible, every other day at a minimum. Pugs have looser skin than other dogs, producing several facial wrinkles. These wrinkles can get infected if left wet, so ensure they are dried after every bath.
For the dog’s nails, they should be clipped regularly. Whenever you start to hear the tapping of claws on the floor, when your pug trots along a hard surface, it is time for a trim. Like their wrinkles, their ears should be examined occasionally to prevent growing infections or dirt collections.
While it may be a chore, dental hygiene is a massively important part of your dog’s overall health. Try to get the pug used to toothbrushing early and often so the process becomes smoother over time. At the minimum, try to brush your pug’s teeth three times a week.
Do Pugs Shed?
Pugs may look like a breed that may work for someone with canine allergies, though their appearance is deceiving. They are not hypoallergenic and shed enough to create a sibling entirely from discarded fur. There is no avoiding the fact that dog hair will be found on couches, cushions, clothing, and carpets, and regular brushing is essential during the shedding season.
What Health Problems Do Pugs Have?
Pugs are a breed known to have several common health problems. If there is a downside to owning a pug, it is the numerous medical concerns that can arise throughout their life. Despite this, a healthy lifestyle and a good medical background can see a pug living well over a decade.
The most common medical issues that a pug will face are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Demodectic Mange
- Allergies
- Dry Eye
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Corneal Ulcers
- Hemi-vertebrae
Because of the numerous medical issues a pug can have, either through time or genetics, it is essential to check that you are adopting a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ensuring that a dog has a clean bill of health could save thousands in vet fees and massively lessen the chances of severe illnesses down the road.
How Long Do Pugs Live?
The previous section may have scared off a couple of people, but the truth is that the average pug will have a happier, longer life than most pets. Pugs typically get between 13 and 15 years on average, with some outliers in both directions. Keeping your pug exercised, properly fed, and well-washed will go a long way to ensuring its long-term health.
What Should a Pug Eat?
A lot will go into your dog’s diet, especially considering the pug’s increased likelihood of weight gain. To avoid health risks, try to shoot for ½ to 1 cup of nutrient-rich dog food for a smaller, sedentary breed. The food should be split across two different feeding times, and the amount will depend on how active and big the pug is.
For a more in-depth idea of what to feed your pug if it has dietary requirements, reach out to the breeder or a local veterinarian.
Is a Pug the Right Dog for Me?
It isn’t hard to wonder why pugs have become so universally loved over the last few centuries. The breed is low-maintenance, quiet, and able to live in just about any home, apartment, or solar-powered van you can think of. They are brilliantly funny and friendly to just about everyone, making them one of the best companions among the smaller breeds.
They can prove to be a handful when it comes to shedding, making them a hard sell for people with jobs requiring clean, blemish-free outfits. Because of their size, they are not great for children looking for a friend to follow them through sharp inclines and winding paths. For everyone else, however, it’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want a pug.