A pooch with truly unconditional love, the pug is one of the most charming and friendly puppies you can own. If you want a puppy who will give you non-stop attention, the pug is perfect for you! That being said, there are many reasons why it’s important to do your research before you invest in a cute little pug of your own. And that’s why today, we’re bringing you an ultimate and very detailed guide to the adorable pug! If you’re not sure whether or not the pug is right for you, keep reading and we’ll help you make not only an informed decision, but the right decision. Ready? Let’s get started.
The Origins of the Pug
Though the early origins of the Pug breed are unknown, we do know that they were bred as companion dogs for the Ancient Chinese Rulers. These pugs were of extremely high value to their owners and often had their own guards! Pugs became popular all over Asia, and in Tibet, Monks kept them as personal companions.
Eventually, they spread to Europe and became companions for not only royalty, but for peasants and nobility alike. Often, the coach drivers would dress their pugs up in matching pantaloons and shirts and they would ride along in the front of the carriage.
Pugs became the official dog for the House of Orange in 1572, due to the pug named Pompey, who alarmed it’s master, the Prince of Orange, of an attempted assassination.
Arriving in the United States during the nineteenth century, Pugs immediately made their way into loving homes. From then on, pugs have only continued to grow in love and popularity around the world.
Characteristics of the Pug
Pugs tend to have small and square bodies, a deep little chest, and quite well-developed, lean muscle. They’re some of the friendliest dogs you can interact with, and if you’re looking for a dog that would be content to be in your lap 24/7, this puppy is definitely for you. Be aware, though. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time and need lots of time and attention with you and on top of you. So in other words, you may end up resembling the abominable snowman after holding a Pug due to the amount of fur they shed. In case you’re wondering, the reason they shed so much is because of their fabulous and fluffy double coat!
The Many Colors of the Pug
Pugs tend to have very glossy and velvety fur coats, which can be in shades of apricot fawn, silver fawn, or black. Markings, if there are any, are very clearly defined, and there is often a distinctive black marking from the back of the head to the tail. This tail in almost every case curls slightly over the hip. And of course, we think this is an adorable addition to an already adorable puppy. Who doesn’t like a little curly tail?
Grooming Your Pug
It’s no secret that pugs shed. A lot. So much so that if you want to keep that hair off of your couch, your floor, your bed and, you know….You, a brisk daily brushing with a bristle brush is your best bet. A twice a week bath is also an excellent way to reduce the amount of fur coming off of your dog and keeping your pug clean, fresh and healthy. That being said, it is VITALLY important to absolutely under any circumstance use human baths products on your pug. Dogs can get sick or end up with very irritating skin rashes and infections from this type of thing, so be sure to clear the area. Don’t bathe your pup in more than three inches of water at most and make sure to test it with the inside of your wrist BEFORE placing the dog in the water. You’ll want to prepare the bath before bringing your dog into the bathroom because they’re likely to get skittish if the water is running and this confusion can end with an injury or accidental dunking. We don’t want that!
Among other things, when grooming and bathing your dog, keep their mouths and noses dry at all times. A gentle wiping between the folds of skin and cleaning their ears and eyes regularly is a must and is all that is really necessary for this area. If the task of bathing your pug is intimidating or you’re not sure you have the time, consider having it done professionally at least every three weeks.
The Temperament of the Pug
If there was a puppy competition for big personality in a little package of spunk, the pug would win every single time. Pugs love to be glued to their owners side as much as possible and are fiercely loyal companions as a result. Full of energy but also a great lover of naptime, the pug is a great family dog due to it’s non-aggressive nature and happy-go-lucky attitude. Pugs do not require lots of exercise, so they make great dogs if you live in a confined place such as an apartment or condominium. They may be small, but we guarantee they have a big heart. And if you adopt one for yourself and spend enough time with them, they’ll be one of the most charming and devoted animals you’ll ever meet.
Living With a Pug
What is it like to really live with a pug? When you’re making a decision about whether or not you’re ready to welcome a little pug into your heart and home, this question can be a game changer, so we’re here to reveal ALL the cards and help you make an informed decision!
Looking for a puppy equivalent to velcro? The pug will be your best friend. Almost like the child that won’t let you sleep by yourself or even use the restroom by yourself, you’re guaranteed to spend every second at home with your little pug, so before taking the leap of ownership, you might want to consider how much you value your alone time because you won’t get very much after bringing a pug into your life.
Pugs don’t need a lot of exercise. A fifteen minute walk is plenty for your little pug. Like all of it’s flat-faced relatives, the pug is completely intolerant to high temps and requires shade when it’s warm outside.
Pugs shed more than most other dogs, so require regular brushing and if you don’t own a vacuum, good luck. Chances are, you’ll have one two or three weeks after bringing your pug home.
Another thing you’ll want to consider about purchasing your little pug is that it might end up entailing ear plugs at night. Due to the shape of their faces and thus their airways, pugs can be noisy little sleepers, so if you aren’t of the crowd that thinks a pug curled up on the bed snoring is cute, earplugs are a must. Oh, and they’ll definitely be on the bed unless you want to deal with separation anxiety. And if that’s not something you want to take on, you probably want to settle for something other than the pug.
Training a Pug
Training a pug is one of the more difficult tasks assigned to the owner of a pug. Why? Because pugs can be one of the most stubborn breeds in existence. You’ll need a good deal of patience with your pug. Especially when it comes to their separation anxiety. Your pug is going to require plenty of positive reinforcement and careful planning. The good news? Once trained, a pug is quite faithful and will bring lots of joy to its owner as well as other people it might encounter. As a family dog, pugs are wonderful and mischievous playmates that are full of spunk and will definitely keep you on your toes!
The Health of Your Pug
It’s of course hoped that your pet Pug will enjoy a long life and good health. That being said, even with regular exercise, feedings and careful grooming they’ll most likely still experience some health issues that pugs and similar dogs are prone to. So what can you expect when it comes to the health of your pug?
Like all of other flat-faced puppies, pugs are prone to breathing problems. One disease that causes breathing difficulties for pugs is Stenotic Nares. Basically, this is a birth defect in pugs that is associated with nasal soft tissues. When your dog takes a breath, the tissue collapses causing breathing problems and can result in serious health problems or even death.
Keep a careful watch on your dog’s breathing. Regular check-ups are also important. Pugs can also suffer from issues caused by their eyes. A pug’s eyes are prone to injury and even infection because of their size. They are susceptible to entropion, which, in short, is a genetic condition where the eyelashes start to grow inwardly, scratching the eyeball. If not treated by a vet, your pug could have difficulty seeing and may end up blind as a result of the irritation and infection.
Most skin, ear and eye issues for pugs can be caught early and treated by having a regular check-up and staying in tune with your pets needs.
Thinking About Getting a Pug?
If you’re considering adding a little pug to your family, we’re thrilled for you! Receiving the warmth and fun of a pug can be daunting, exciting and a little stressful, but very rewarding. That being said, we want you to have the best experience possible and thus want to make sure that you have all of the information possibly available to help you come to a decision about your new potential furry-friend. So where do you begin?
First, you need to decide where you’d like to get your little pug. You’ll need to decide if you’re going to get a rescue pup from a shelter or whether you’d like to find a breeder yourself.
If you go to a breeder, make sure to check up on them beforehand. Ask to see the place where the puppy has been brought up and is staying. Get plenty of references and don’t settle for less! Your new dog should have been well cared for previously, as this can affect its health in the future.
If you purchase from a shelter, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, rescue pups can have a host of health issues. Make sure you’re prepared for this financially as well as emotionally. And second, rescue pugs can have a lot of emotional baggage as well, so you’ll want to be prepared and be patient with them. They require lots of careful and loving attention to heal and be the happy-go-lucky little pug they can be when given the right love and care.
A pug can cost anywhere from £800 to £1,500 depending on if you’re buying from a shelter or a professional breeder. It is also more expensive to purchase an AKC registered puppy from AKC registered parents than just any puppy or pug mix. Keeping that in mind can help you narrow down your possibilities.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug
Because we believe there’s no such thing as too much information when it comes to making a decision that can change your whole lifestyle, here are some of the top pros and cons of bringing a cute little pug into your life:
Pros:
- Loves to cuddle and love on their owners
- Are Very Loyal
- Don’t Bark Very Much
- Don’t Require A Lot of Exercise
- Good With Kids
Cons:
- Sheds Like Crazy
- They’re Like Human Velcro (Will Probably Try To Follow You Into The Restroom)
- Require Constant Washing and Grooming
- Need Regular Vet Check-Ups
- Loud Sleepers
Yes, there are things that might not be ideal about having a pug, but if you’re willing to deal with a few inconveniences, owning a pug is very rewarding and can be a lot of fun!
Similar Breeds to the Pug
If you’re not thrilled about owning a pug, but want something close, don’t panic! There’s a few close relatives to the pug that make incredibly fun and almost enchanting little companions. French bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Mastiffs and Pekingese are all great options if you’re looking for something just a little different. Just don’t go for the Pekingese if you aren’t a fan of long-haired dogs!
Pugs: The Final Word
Still interested in getting a pug? Congratulations! We’re so excited you’ve decided it’s worth the mess and the work to have such a sweet, loyal and cute little friend. Yes, owning a pug can seem like more work than it’s worth, but we guarantee you, they’ll make up for it in their own sweet little ways. We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for an adventure we know will be super rewarding and wonderful for not only you, but also your new furry little comrade. Enjoy and good luck!