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Origin: China
Height: 10-11 inches at
the shoulder
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Exercise Needs: Low
Grooming Needs: Low
Life Expectancy: 12-15
years
Good With Kids: Yes
Trainability: Medium
Difficulty
Common Misspellings:
Alternate Names:
One of the oldest known breeds of
domesticated dog in the world, the Pug has long
been a favored pet of nobility and standing.
With his noticeably round head, double-curled
tail, and wrinkled face, he has charmed the
world for centuries and continues to do so.
While he may be built like a little bruiser, all
it takes is one look in those soft brown eyes to
tell you that this little guy is definitely a
lover, not a fighter.
While the ancestry of this popular little
breed remains a mystery, it is believed that the
Pug is of Asian descent, and most likely
originated in China as far back as 700 B.C.
Bearing similar characteristics to the
Pekingese, he was a favored pet of the Buddhist
monks and could commonly be found in the Tibetan
monasteries. Later, a few select individuals
would make their way into Japan and, with time,
the Pug would eventually journey across the
seas, to take Europe by storm.
It was a Pug who saved the life of William,
Prince of Orange, in 1572. By drawing attention
to the approach of the Spaniards, he would earn
his place as the official dog of the House of
Orange. Additionally, when William II was
crowned King of England, his entourage would
include several Pugs. In no time, it was all the
rage in England, to have a Pug as a companion.
Pug popularity was not limited to the English,
however. In fact, it was a Pug by the name of
“Fortune,” that carried secret letters from
Josephine to her husband, Napoleon, when she was
imprisoned at Les Carmes.
While it is a common misconception that the
Pug is related to the Bulldog, this is pure
fallacy. He does, however, share a similar body
type. The Pug is best described as a cobby
breed, square in symmetry, and very compact.
Standing a mere 11-12 inches tall at the tallest
point of his shoulder, he is a surprisingly
muscular and solidly-built dog, for such a tiny
breed. In fact, at first glance, he may even
appear a pint-sized bruiser. Surprisingly,
however, the Pug is not a testy nor quarrelsome
breed.
Pugs come in four distinct colors - Apricot
Fawn, Fawn, Silver Fawn, and Black. The markings
on fawn varieties are very noticeable and
well-defined, including either a muzzle or mask
of black, moles on either cheek, a diamond or
thumb print on the forehead, ears and,
preferably, a stripe down the back, otherwise
known as a trace. Ideally, these markings should
be black, but dark brown is also acceptable.
Pugs are wonderful even-tempered little dogs.
While their Dutch name, “Mopshond,” means “to
grumble,” the Pug is actually a very friendly
and charming little individual. Most Pugs tend
to be very playful, even well into adulthood,
where they love wrestling with toys and “boxing”
with their feet.
Pug puppies should be closely monitored both
with adults and children. As with any small
puppy, the Pug can be seriously injured if
dropped or stepped upon. He should also be
observed with larger dogs and testy cats as well
- the Pug doesn’t always realize that he’s
taking on more than he can chew and can be
seriously injured if the play gets to be too
rough.
The Pug is the ideal pet for those who don’t
have a lot of time to spend taking their dog on
long walks or down to the dog park every day.
Short of leg, a brief walk to go do his business
is generally sufficient for the Pug, though he
will most likely try and engage you in a game of
tug-o-war with a sock when he gets home.
Exercise requirements for the Pug are minimal,
as he’s more fun being carried about or laying
on your lap all day. Do make sure that you
engage him in some playtime every day, however.
Not only will it help the two of you bond, but
it will also keep him from becoming a portly
puppy.
Pugs need very little grooming in order to
keep them looking sharp. A brief brushing once
or twice a week will feel good to relieve the
itchies and free any loose hairs or dander, but
he’s generally a low-maintenance dog. It’s
important, however, to keep an eye on his little
wrinkles, however. Sometimes, food or debris can
become trapped there and become an irritant.
Wiping his face after meals and bathing is a
good idea to keep those wrinkles clean and dry.
Aside from that, keeping his nails neatly
trimmed and teeth brushed will also help him to
stay happy and healthy.
Plainly put, the Pug doesn’t truly enjoy
being the dog that jumps through hoops. While
intelligent, they can have a stubborn streak and
prefer play over any serious kind of schooling
that you might try and force upon them. For best
results, use a lot of patience with your Pug
pup, and give serious consideration to enrolling
him (and yourself) into a basic obedience
course. This will help the two of you understand
one another better, and help make teaching your
Pug much easier.
- Obesity
- Wrinkle infections
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Elongated soft palate
- Birthing Problems
The Pug is an incredible little breed of dog,
They are very open, friendly, and simply
charming, making them an instant favorite of
most who meet them. Additionally, their low
exercise requirements and easy grooming makes
them an ideal companion for the elderly or those
who cannot keep a high-maintenance dog. One
thing that a Pug puppy does require, however, is
a lot of love. These adorable little guys want
nothing more than to love you and be loved in
return.
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There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn
more about the Pug dog breed. We've compiled a list of Pug
information sites to assist you in quickly locating quality
information about the Pug dog breed, while avoiding the "garbage"
sites that are nothing more than poor attempts to capitalize on the
popularity of dog breeds in general. If you know of a Pug
information site that offers unique, quality information and photos
of the Pug breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief
description so that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our
list below.
Pugs are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at Pug pictures,
you can usually gain more insight into what these dogs and puppies
are like as a breed, and this can help you decide if you really want
to become a Pug owner. The following sites below offer pictures of
Pug dogs, Pug puppy photos, funny Pug photos and more. Enjoy!
 Now
that you have decided that the Pug is the right breed for you, it's
time to start the process of finding a responsible Pug breeder from
which to buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Not all breeders are
alike; there are good breeders - and bad breeders. Don't be in a
hurry to buy the first Pug puppy you find at the cheapest price
available! To buy a puppy from a responsible Pug breeder, you may
need to pay more and wait longer. The additional money and waiting
time will be well worth it. Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper
ad, pet store or "backyard breeder", and you'll likely also purchase
a great deal of additional expense and heartache, since you will
likely end up falling in love with a puppy with health and
behavioral problems that will likely need special care, plenty of
veterinary visits, regular medication - or even euthanasia. But do
your homework and find a responsible, caring Pug breeder who
home-raises their puppies with love, screens their breeding dogs for
health problems, offers a health guarantee and post sale support,
and who genuinely loves the Pug breed and is in it for the love of
the breed, rather than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of
getting a healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family
companion that will provide you and your family with many years of
joy, laughter and companionship.
Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...
Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These
sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders
listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Pug puppies to
carefully screened buyers. There are many, many sites now online
that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for puppy mills and
backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear of these
resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the breeders
whom they allow to advertise.
We Highly Recommend:
Pug clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn even more
about the Pug dog breed, help you locate a responsible Pug breeder,
or help you find a Pug dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a
loving, forever home. We've compiled the following list of Pug clubs
and Pug rescues web sites for your convenience:
Choosing a name for your Pug puppy can be a daunting task! There
are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot of thought
and research to find just the right name for your Pug. Usually, it's
best to get to know your puppy for a few days or weeks. Often your
puppy's personality will help you decide on just the right name to
choose. Does he have a sense of humor? A serious side? A goofy way
of cocking his head to one side? A strange love of cantaloupe? By
observing your new Pug puppy over the first days or weeks, you
should at least have a clue about what type of name you want to
give. There are a ton of dog names and pet names web sites on the
internet. Some are wonderful information resources, while others,
unfortunately, are just "garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose
of cashing in on visitor hits for this popular subject.
We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name
for your new Pug puppy. These sites offer inventive, unique,
original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped
thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for
their new baby!
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