The Pug dog breed are robust, small dogs that belong to the American Kennel Club’s Toy breed.
Many people refer to them as the clowns of the canine world because they are full of fun and enjoy strutting their stuff.
Pugs are lap dogs and enjoy being around people. They are pretty sensitive, and while they can make wonderful apartment pets, they don’t like spending much time alone at home.
These puppies are playful, affectionate dogs. Also, they easily get along with even inexperienced pet parents.
Additionally, they have a stubborn side, especially when it comes to housetraining. This breed might be the one for you if you’re seeking a kind, laid-back friend.!
Table of Contents
Breed Overview Of The Pug Dog Breed
| Breed group | Companion dogs/ toy breed |
| Height | 10 – 14 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 14 – 18 pounds |
| Life span | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Coat colour | Black, fawn, silver fawn, apricot |
| Temperament | Outgoing, independent, stubborn, smart, intelligent |
| Trainability | It can be challenging to train |
History Of The Pug Breed
Pugs were first domesticated in China during the Han era. According to some historians, they are connected to Tibetan Mastiffs. The Chinese Emperors treasured them and lived in lavish homes, occasionally even with troops on duty to protect them.
Pugs are one of three breeds of short-nosed dogs produced by the Chinese, along with the Pekingese and the ancestor of the modern Pug, the Lo-Sze.
Some people believe that the famed Chinese “Foo Dogs” are depictions of the prehistoric Pug. There is proof that pug-like dogs existed in ancient Tibet and Japan.
China started conducting business with European nations in the latter half of the 1500s and the early 1600s. According to legend, the Dutch traders introduced the first pugs to Europe, naming the breed Mopshond, which is still used today.
Personality And Temperament Of The Pug Dog Breed
A pug cannot hunt, guard, or retrieve. Breeders created Pugs as companions, and they excel at providing companionship. The Pug gets quite upset if his loyalty isn’t returned and demands your lap.
It is typically a passive dog and is pleased to watch a movie or read a book while sitting on your lap. This does not imply that the Pug is a dull dog. On the contrary, Pugs are humorous canines who enjoy having fun and make their owner laugh with goofy actions.
Numerous elements, including training, socialisation, and heredity, impact their temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested, playful, approachable, and want to cuddle all day.
Like any dog, Pugs require early socialisation or exposure to various sights, noises, and experiences when young. Socialisation is essential to guarantee that your Pug puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.
Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, and dog-friendly shops, and strolls to meet neighbours will help him hone his social skills.
Health Issues Prevalent Among The Pug Dog Breed
Pug Dog Encephalitis
PDE is an incurable, inflammatory brain condition that only affects Pugs. There is no way to diagnose or treat this ailment in Pugs, and doctors are unsure why it occurs.
Only after the dog has passed away can tests be performed on its brain tissue to determine whether it has PDE. Young dogs are typically affected by PDE, which results in seizures, circles, blindness, coma, and death.
Epilepsy
They are prone to idiopathic epilepsy, which causes seizures for no apparent reason. Take your Pug to the doctor if he experiences seizures so that they can identify the best course of action.
Nerve Degeneration
This condition can cause older Pugs to lag, wobble, have problems jumping up and down, or even become incontinent. Pugs with this ailment don’t seem to be in discomfort and typically worsen gradually.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal Ulcers When treated, corneal ulcers typically improve. Still, if untreated, they can tear the eye or possibly result in blindness.
Dry Eye Is Common Among The Pug Dog Breed
A dry eye develops when the eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay moist. If this is the cause, your veterinarian can test whether he can treat this condition with medicine and extra care.
Hemi-vertebrae
Short-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs may have abnormally formed vertebrae. In other cases, only a few vertebrae are impacted, allowing the dog to lead an everyday life.
Some stagger between 4 and 6 months and exhibit an unsteady, weak walk. Some dogs’ conditions worsen over time and can result in paralysis, and the condition’s origin is not known.
Hip dysplasia
Studies show various factors contribute to this hip dysplasia, including nutrition, environment, and heredity. With the proper veterinary care, affected Pugs typically enjoy everyday, healthy lives.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is a painful condition in which the knee joint—often of the back leg—slides in and out of position. Although it can be crippling, many dogs with this illness lead very everyday lives.
Care For The Pug Dog Breed
Despite being boisterous and lively, the Pug is a low-maintenance pet perfect for seniors. They also make an excellent choice for apartment residents because they are a petite, quiet breed and are not very active indoors.
If your Pug doesn’t receive a walk or some playing, be prepared for silly antics to keep you interested. Disregard their small size, which hides a lot of activity.
However, because they are sensitive to heat and humidity, ensure your Pug doesn’t spend too much time outside if you live in a hot or humid area.
Feeding
you should feed your pet Half to one cup of premium dry food every day, split between two meals.
These dogs enjoy eating. They are more likely to become obese because of this and their short stature. You need to exercise enormous restraint if you own a pug. Avoid spoiling him with food. Feed reasonable amounts, keep treats to a minimum, and promote exercise.
Grooming The Pug Dog
Pugs are a double-coated breed, despite their coats being short. Do not be fooled by the short, silky coat. Pugs shed a lot, especially during the summer.
You can keep the coat in good shape and shedding to a minimum with regular brushing and bathing. Although some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently, a monthly bath is plenty.
Since these house dogs typically don’t wear down their nails outside as active breeds do, regular nail cutting is necessary. Every few weeks, it’s also a good idea to clean the Pug’s ears.
The Pug’s facial creases need special attention. These wrinkles create breeding grounds for infections if you allow them to get unclean or damp.
After bathing, you should let the wrinkles dry correctly and remove them between baths. Some owners wipe out the wrinkles with a dry cotton ball, while others use commercial baby wipes.
The Pug’s large eyes also require extra attention. Because of this, the protruding eyeballs are more prone to harm and irritation from soaps and chemicals.
The Pug Dog Breed With Children And Other Pets
Pugs adore children. The Pug is a suitable breed option for families with children since, despite being small, he is not sensitive like certain toy breeds.
A Pug won’t satisfy kids who want an energetic companion to play soccer or fetch balls. Children and pets should never interact without adult supervision.
When taught and socialised appropriately, the Pug enjoys the company of other dogs and is dependable around cats, rabbits, and other animals.
