Breed Overview: Pug

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This breed is stocky and compact, as well as generally active and affectionate. The breed has its roots in China and dates back hundreds of years, to the pre-Christian era. Most Pugs are playful and make excellent family pets. The Pug is also very intelligent and may become bored without some challenging activity. The dogs of this breed seem to get along very well with other pets and will do well with children. Most experienced owners and breeders will tell you that the Pug demands a lot of attention and wants to be included in all your activities.

New owners should always watch for signs of colds and breathing problems with the Pug. The unique, short muzzle can cause breathing troubles. Some Pugs experience eye problems, especially with the cornea, but overall this is a dog that is easy to care for. You may want to watch for skin problems and irritations as well. This can be an excellent dog for apartments and smaller homes because of its size. However, the Pug does not do well in extreme cold or heat.
 

Temperament

The Pug enjoys being with family members and is quite sociable. This breed is sensitive to the human voice and does not respond well to harsh treatment or commands. Pugs are playful and intelligent so your dog can make a good companion for both children and adults. However, the Pug can be a bit stubborn and may become mischievous if left alone or ignored.

Some of the words used to describe the breed in various club publications are: playful, charming, dignified and outgoing. Others describe the Pug as a natural clown with a sense of humor. It seems all of these traits are accurate in this fascinating breed. Pugs will enjoy being included in games and will be anxious to learn.

Size and Color

Though some early evidence shows this breed to be leaner than modern Pugs, most organizations and registries call this a compact and squarely-built dog. The Pug will weigh from 14 pounds to 18 pounds. The male of the breed will stand about 12 to 14 inches at the withers, while the female may be a couple of inches shorter.

The proportions of the Pug should be balanced and the head should be round. The eyes are very large and prominent, while the ears are small and thin. The colors recognized by clubs are silver, apricot-fawn or black. With the silver or apricot-fawn, there should be a distinct contrast between the coat color and the mask, which is darker.

Feeding and Grooming Requirements

The Pug will tend to eat too much if food is available. This can lead to the dog being overweight. This can significantly shorten the life of this stocky breed. Owners should control the food intake by offering smaller portions two or three times during the day rather than leaving a large amount of food available all the time. As with many purebred dogs, fresh meats and vegetables may be a good idea. If the owner decides to feed commercial food, the better quality brands should be used. Dogs can develop breathing and skin problems from excessive amounts of grain in lower-priced commercial foods. The Pug has a tendency toward both breathing and skin conditions.

The short, close coat of the Pug is usually very easy to care for. Some regular brushing and combing should suffice. Shampoo should only be used when absolutely necessary. The breed is a heavy shedder with the change of seasons. Owners are urged to pay particular attention to keep the facial creases clean.

Exercise Needs

The Pug was originally bred to be a lap dog for members of the Chinese royal family. The Pug has also been the house dog for a number of European royal families and did not get a great deal of outside exercise. This breed may become overweight if given too much food and no exercise. The Pug should at least be taken for short walks on the leash, on a regular basis.

Pugs can be very sensitive to extremes of heat and cold, primarily due to the construction of the short snout. Do not leave your Pug outside in very hot or very cold weather, and never for an extended period of time. Your dog will do well in an apartment or smaller home if given some regular exercise.