Pug Dog Breed Facts Information

The Pug Dog Breed in Brief:

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: Pugg, Puggs
Alternate Names: Chinese Pug, Teacup Pug, Black Pug, Fawn Pug

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.

The History of the Pug

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.

Pug Appearance

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.

Pug Temperament

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.

Pug Exercise Needs

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.

Pug Grooming Requirements

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.

Training Your Pug

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.

Pug Health Concerns

Obesity

Wrinkle infections

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Elongated soft palate

Birthing Problems

Is the Pug the Right Breed For You?

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.

Additional Reading About Pugs

Online Pug Information Resources

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.

Pug Pictures

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!

Pug Dog Pictures

Buying a Pug Puppy

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

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:

Pug Dog Breed Rescues List

Naming Your Pug Puppy

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!

Chinese Pug Dog and Puppy Facts and Information Guide

The Chinese Pug: A Mug to Love