Pug Dog Facts, Characteristics, Pictures, and More

By Dog Explore - Friday, 27 August 2021 - No Comments

Are you considering getting a Pug but aren't sure if it's the right dog breed for you? Pugs are a popular breed that has long been popular. We'll look at why they're so popular, as well as some facts, characteristics, and more in this post!

Pug Dog Facts, Characteristics, Pictures, and More

Another large dog mentality crammed into a teeny weeny body is the Pug. He's readily recognized thanks to his squished face, roly-poly torso, and curly tail. He's known as the "Dutch Mastiff" (yep, you read that correctly... a Mastiff!) and is one of the world's loudest canine snorers. He's lovely, full of energy, and devoted to his friends.

The Pug has long been a popular breed, and you'll learn everything about why in this article. However, just because he's popular doesn't imply he's the appropriate dog breed for you and your way of life. These puppies can be laid-back and accepting, but they also have a stubborn streak and can be highly independent when they want to be.

So, do you believe the Pug is the ideal dog breed for you and your family? Let's go right in to breed 101. But be cautious! By the time you've finished reading this book, you'll most likely be contacting a reputable breeder in your area to bring a new puppy into your house!

Breed History

The Breed’s origins are rooted in Chinese royalty

The Pug is a centuries-old dog breed thought to have originated in China around 400 B.C. Flat-faced breeds like the Pug, Chin, and Shih Tzu were popular among Chinese aristocracy and other wealthy aristocrats. So much so that the breed has to be guarded at all times. Only the royal family and its emissaries were allowed to keep a sacred Pug dog for generations.

That is, until the Dutch came to China in the 16th century and brought back a few of the greatest specimens. According to legend, the Prince of Orange's Pug saved his life by barking at a Spanish regiment attacking the palace. When William and Mary of Orange went to England to take over the throne, they brought their Pugs with them.

The breed gained popularity among the general public throughout time. Our affection for him expanded across the globe thanks to dog shows, earning him several nicknames. In the Netherlands, he is known as a Mophond and the Dutch Mastiff; in Finland, he is known as Mopsi; and in Spanish-speaking nations, he is known as Doguillo. Because of his comparable wrinkles, coat colorings, and stocky form to a Mastiff, he was dubbed the Dutch Mastiff.

Pugs were bred to be companion dogs and great little watchdogs too. He serves the same purpose today and makes an all-round fantastic family pet. The breed has consistently found itself in the top 30 favorite dog breeds in America. He has starred in hit-movie roles such as Men in Black. You never know, your pup could be the next.

Temperament

The Pug is another little dog with a lot of personality. He is brave and bold, and he is not afraid to take the initiative in life. This is good, but you are his boss, as he is well aware. He's a great playmate and strong enough to get into a little roughhousing with the bigger dogs. Just make sure you keep an eye on him. For those who wish to unwind, his never-ending need to brag can be irritating.

He is a lot of fun since he loves to play. For both young and older children, he makes an excellent canine sibling. He's also a great match for energetic dogs. Because of the issues presented by his flat face (which we'll explore later), he might not be able to keep up. Thankfully, while being a high-energy individual, he also enjoys relaxing. He'll often be found napping the afternoon away with his four paws to the sky. Just remember to bring earplugs. This dog is one of the most obnoxious snorers on the planet.

He's also very affectionate, making him an excellent snuggle partner. He's little enough to fit in your lap while also being wrinkly enough to cuddle with. Pugs despise being left alone, and if you leave them alone for too long, they'll develop separation anxiety.

He's a loud dog who barks at strangers, guests, and dust particles floating in the air. And, if you're unlucky enough to have them around, invading Spanish troops! If you don't like a lot of barking, you might want to look for a different dog breed. Despite his unassuming appearance, this tenacious Foo dog will do his best to protect you and your family. He is, without a doubt, an excellent watchdog.

Dimensions and Appearance

These pups can range in both size and appearance..
The Pug is a well-known breed. There isn't a single dog enthusiast in the planet who would mistake a Pug for another breed. He's squat and small, and unlike most other dogs, he doesn't have any shape to his body. The Pug is described as square and cobby in the breed standard, and a leaner dog is considered undesirable.
He stands between ten and thirteen inches tall and weighs between fourteen and eighteen pounds. Because of their small size, they are classified as toys. Because of his flat face, he has a large and round head with little muzzle.
He has big eyeballs that protrude from his cranium. His tail is firmly coiled, and his back is short and level. This is the ideal tail for your Pug if it has a double-curl! His triangular ears, which fall to the level of his eyes, are slender and triangular in shape. Pugs have a lot of wrinkles on their skin, and this is his most distinguishing feature that makes him so adorable.

Color and Coat

There are two colors that meet the breed standard, with fawn coated dogs potentially having apricot and silver tones.

The Pug has one of the world's silkiest coats. It's silky, smooth, and gleaming. It's only a few inches long, but it's really dense. Throughout the year, his (largely) double coat sheds lightly, but surprisingly heavily during the shedding seasons. Because some dogs only have a single coat, we say primarily. Black-colored pups are the most likely to have a single-layered coat.

They are either fawn or black in color, and these are the only two hues that are acceptable in the show ring. His muzzle is constantly black, which stands out even more on the fawn-colored dog. His ears are typically black as well. Apricot or silver tones can be seen in the fawn-colored puppy. Very rarely will you find a white-colored Pug. However, be aware that these dogs are frequently albino or leucistic, which can lead to health issues.

They are either fawn or black in color, and these are the only two hues that are acceptable in the show ring. His muzzle is constantly black, which stands out even more on the fawn-colored dog. His ears are typically black as well. Apricot or silver tones can be seen in the fawn-colored puppy.Very rarely will you find a white-colored Pug. However, be aware that these dogs are frequently albino or leucistic, which can lead to health issues.

Exercise Requirements

Don’t expect the most energetic of dogs with this breed.

The Pug is a dog that is both lively and sluggish at the same time. We despise the term "lazy." but this breed really can be lazy! He's a high-energy dog who, once he gets going, will play until he can't anymore. However, many owners report that getting him started can be difficult! If you allow them, some dogs will spend the entire day lounging on the sofa.

He'll require 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day on average. His workout doesn't have to be strenuous, and it shouldn't be due of the difficulties his flat-face creates. But it should be enjoyable! Strolls through the neighborhood or into the woods are all exciting to him, especially if he gets to flaunt his skills. Dog parks are fantastic, and he'll quickly meet pals! All you have to do now is keep an eye on his respiration. Don't worry, we'll go over everything in the health section.

We recommend buying a harness for your Pug to prevent further respiratory problems during training sessions. These will relieve pressure on his neck and distribute it safely across his chest and shoulders. Harnesses are also useful for catching him when he is too excited to return to you.

In between his outdoor training sessions, he will enjoy playing at home. Interactive toys are a terrific way to spend quality time with him while still having a good time. Make sure you have toys on available for those times when you can't spend too much time playing with him (adult life is so dull, right?!). A food-dispensing toy is sure to please him, whether he's a destructive chewer or a light player.

Conditions of Life

This breed is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of different living situations.

Because he doesn't take up a lot of space, the breed is popular among apartment dwellers and modest homeowners. If he has access to a private yard, make sure it is safe and secure. He'll be on the lookout for someone to bark at and food to hunt down.

He is appropriate for many types of families, including young couples, singletons, elderly families, and families with young children. Make sure to teach young children how to interact with him in a respectful manner; after all, he does have feelings. However, because of his square and stocky form, he is more durable than most other toy dogs, making him an excellent toy dog brother for small children.

He is mainly nice when it comes to other dogs. He can be a little barky and uncertain at first, but after a while, he will break out of his Puggy shell. He'll fit right in because all Pugs enjoy being the center of attention. Because he is the boss of his yard, he will bark at visiting cats and other animals. But, once again, he is content to live with other creatures, and they'll soon be as close as thieves.

Trainning

These pups have a stubborn streak, and can be challenging to train.

These are obstinate young pups who might be difficult to train. He is stubborn, and if he isn't in the mood for training, you can bet he won't do it. Sometimes this stubbornness can be mistaken for being dumb, But don't be fooled by him. He often knows the commands but refuses to follow them. He isn't the best dog breed for first-time dog owners, but he isn't the most demanding either. Just keep in mind that he may never be completely obedient.

Use the positive training strategy to improve your chances of a good training session. Invest time and effort into mastering this straightforward procedure, and get started as soon as possible. The Pug will almost certainly be motivated by food. It's fine to use tiny goodies, but don't go overboard because these are gluttonous dogs. If he's 50 pounds, he probably won't be able to come to you anyway, no matter how obedient he is.

Socialization is another important part of training. This is the procedure for acquainting your dog with the outside world. From other dogs of all shapes and sizes, as well as other animals and strangers. He has to learn that loud noises, crowded locations, and the vacuum sweeper are not frightening. This will boost his self-esteem and turn him into a respectful canine companion.

As previously stated, the Pug despises being left alone. Crate training is always recommended for dogs like this. When you can't be with him, crates not only keep him out of danger. When his people aren't around, they offer him with a safe and relaxing environment. Research shows that crates can calm anxiety in anxious dogs, and we love them.

Health

This breed is well known for potentially inheriting certain health issues.

Although the Pug is a generally healthy dog breed, he has more health issues than the average dog breed. He has a 13- to 15-year life expectancy, and there are things you can do to improve his quality of life. Providing him with high-quality nourishment, regular vet appointments, and the required activity will keep his heart and body in good shape. The breed is prone to a number of health issues. The following are the most frequent in the breed.

Eye Conditions

The Pug, with his protruding eyes, is prone to a variety of eye problems. Corneal ulcers, dry eye, and pigmentary keratitis, which causes black spots on his eyes, are the most prevalent. Proptosis is a condition in which the eyeball is forced out of its socket. When the eyelashes develop on the inside of his eyelid, this is known as distichiasis. Other typical canine eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, are on their ophthalmologist's to-do list.

Take your dog to the doctor if you find that his eyes are itching, changing in appearance, or are crusty or overly wet. If left untreated, all of these disorders can lead to blindness. He is also more susceptible to general eye injuries due to his huge and bulging eyes.

Pug Dog Encephalitis

This is a condition that only Pugs have. This disorder is little understood, but it is a degenerative brain disease that is incurable. Seizures will occur, and affected dogs will circle, go into a coma, and eventually die. Reputable breeders will test their dogs' DNA to see if they are carriers. As a result, make sure to request this health certificate.

Skin Conditions

The breed has extremely sensitive skin and has been known to suffer from a variety of skin problems. Demodectic mange and Cheyletiella Dermatitis, a mite ailment that appears like walking dandruff, are both frequent. Infections with staph and yeast are also frequent. These disorders are characterized by hair loss, itchy skin, dandruff, a strong odor, and open sores.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

This disease affects all flat-faced dog breeds. His throat and airways aren't the 'natural' form they should be because of his short muzzle and compressed face. This creates respiratory problems, which is why you should be especially cautious when he is exercising. It also means he has trouble regulating his body temperature, putting him at risk of overheating.

Nutrition

Stick to high-quality dog foods made for small breeds with this breed.

Although this is a little dog, their eyes are much larger than their stomach! Every day, he only requires about one cup of food, divided into two meals. If you offered him five cups, on the other hand, he'd eat it all up and look at you for the next dish. Always follow the feeding guidelines for your Pug's specific requirements.

Many become overweight, and it can lead to serious health concerns. If he does become overweight, switch him to a low-calorie dog food formula and get his couch potato butt off the sofa!

A high-quality kibble will provide a well-balanced diet that will meet the Pug’s nutritional needs. Meat protein, nutritious carbs, omega fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals are all included. He has three life stages: puppy, adult, and senior, each requiring different nourishment. It's also a good idea to get a kibble that's made exclusively for little dogs. The kibble chunks will be easier for him to eat this way.

Grooming

Establish a regular bathing and grooming routine to help keep dog hair under control.

They don't have the easiest of grooming demands, despite having a short and sleek coat. His short coat sheds moderately to heavily. Pugs shed far less than double-coated dogs since they have a single-layered coat. When the shedding seasons arrive, they will shed their surplus hair, which is referred to as blowing his coat.

The breed is prone to a variety of skin problems. It is recommended that you bathe him using a delicate dog shampoo. Unless he has a skin disease that necessitates the use of a medicated shampoo prescribed by your veterinarian. He should only be washed every 8 to 12 weeks. Bathe him no more than this to avoid disturbing his skin's pH balance and harming his already sensitive skin.

His skin rolls are a bacterial breeding habitat. Skin fold dermatitis and other skin problems are caused by heat and sweat. There are pet-safe skin fold cleansers on the market, but a frequent washing in between his rolls with warm water and a clean towel will sufficient.

If he has really sensitive skin and a lot of rolls, he may require daily roll cleaning. Some dogs, however, will only require this three times per week. It is a unique requirement, therefore if you are unclear, see your veterinarian.

The dog's mouth is small, and his teeth are closely packed together. As a result, it's critical that you wash his teeth several times every week to avoid periodontal disease. Given the number of eye issues this puppy has, make it a routine to inspect his eyes for any changes every time you groom him. Fortunately, if you start grooming him at a young age, he will appreciate the attention.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

Expect to pay upwards of $1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

This is a popular dog, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Positives include the fact that there are many good breeders out there, as well as the fact that there are many terrible breeders. Put on your Puggy detective cap and separate the good from the evil. A great place to start is with the AKC’s list of recommended Pug breeders.

Look for a reputable breeder who will meet you in person with the puppies and their mother. In addition, we will provide you with health certificates and other necessary paperwork. If they can do all of this while keeping the environment clean, they will be successful. AND you have a good feeling about your puppy, the following stage is to select your dog.

A puppy from a good breeder costs roughly $1,500 on average. Depending on the puppy's ancestry and the breeder's repute, this can be much more.

Poor-quality breeders will breed diseased and unhealthy dogs, putting quantity ahead of quality. Puppy mill puppies' health is typically bad, so please avoid them at all costs. Given that the breed has more health issues than other breeds, you must do all possible to bring home a healthy puppy.

Shelters & Rescues

Consider rescuing from a local shelter if you aren’t totally set on adopting a puppy.

Why not adopt a Pug from one of the numerous rescue shelters in the United States? Go to your local animal shelter and begin your search there. You'll have a better chance of finding an adult dog than a puppy, but the initial cost will be far smaller.

Don't worry if you can't find a dog that fits your family. There are a number of dedicated rescue groups that specialize in rehoming this breed. The Pug Dog Club of America has a list of many rescues organized by state, which is a terrific place to start. Consider a Puggle or a Chug, two mixed breeds with a Pug father that can be found at rescue groups if you're looking for a mixed breed.

As Family Pets

This is an entertaining dog who enjoys being the focus of attention.

Every day, he requires 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and lots of joyful play.

Because the breed enjoys snoozing, you can expect on plenty of snuggle time from him.

He is first wary of strangers, but he warms up soon.

They are incredibly noisy canines who, if given the opportunity, will bark the entire house down.

He despises being alone, so he need company for the majority of the day.

He gets along well with kids of all ages as well as other family pets.

The breed has a rigorous grooming regimen that necessitates daily attention.

He isn't the most obedient member of the family.

His charisma and personality compensate for this.

Final Thoughts

The Pug is a little dog with a large personality. Although he belongs to the toy dog breed, he is strong enough to play with dogs of all sizes and children of all ages. In the house, he is a well-balanced dog who is courteous, kind, fun, and peaceful. Just make sure you have the time to groom him and the patience to put up with his occasionally lethargic and greedy demands. Also, enough of earplugs to drown out the snoring and barking! Hopefully, you can see why he's been so popular for so long. Anyone's day will be brightened by his squishy face!

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