The pug is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. The pug dates back to 400 BC in Asia. China is the pug’s place of origin, where the dog was a cherished companion within the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. During the 1500s, traders brought pugs into Holland, where they were prized among Dutch royalty. Over the two centuries that followed, Pugs proceeded to become popular pets of the royal courts throughout England and France. The American Kennel Club recognized the pug as a member of the toy group in 1885.
The Pug is a square-built, compact dog breed with deep facial wrinkles and a large forehead. It has a short, glossy coat, which needs minimal attention. Its facial wrinkles should be cleaned regularly though. This dog cannot tolerate heat and tends to snore.
Personality
The Pug is a sweet-natured, gentle and amiable dog. It can be a real clown, too. Its exercise needs can be fulfilled by moderate or short walks or moderate games. It is very affectionate and loves children. It can be stubborn and strong-willed but is generally obedient. The Pug likes to curl up on its master’s lap. It’s friendly towards other dogs but sometimes timid towards strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | China |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Dutch mastiff, Dutch bulldog, Chinese pug dog, Mops, Carlin |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Pug Build Information
The square body of the sturdy pug weighs 14 to 18 pounds. There are no height specifications noted in the breed standards, but the dog is considered a toy breed. The face is covered with deep wrinkles, and the muzzle is short and pushed in. The smooth coat may be fawn, apricot fawn or silver fawn, and a black mask adorns the muzzle. The button ears flip downward, and the tail curls tightly upward over the hindquarters. The Pug is a square-built, compact dog breed with deep facial wrinkles and a large forehead. It has a short, glossy coat, which needs minimal attention. Its facial wrinkles should be cleaned regularly though. This dog cannot tolerate heat and tends to snore.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Pugs are playful, outgoing, happy-go-lucky and affectionate, and they have even tempers. They make outstanding family pets that get along well with children, cats and other dogs. Pugs enjoy a frolic in the yard, but they are adaptable to apartment living also. They love to amuse their families with clownish behavior. They are friendly toward strangers. When it comes to watching their homes, expect only an alarm system of barking when intruders approach. Pugs can be headstrong and challenging to housebreak. The Pug is a sweet-natured, gentle and amiable dog. It can be a real clown, too. Its exercise needs can be fulfilled by moderate or short walks or moderate games. It is very affectionate and loves children. It can be stubborn and strong-willed but is generally obedient. The Pug likes to curl up on its master’s lap. It’s friendly towards other dogs but sometimes timid towards strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Grooming a pug’s coat is easy and quick. Weekly use of a grooming mitt is all that is necessary to remove loose hairs in order to limit the amount of shedding in the home. The ears should be inspected weekly as well, and they should be cleaned when necessary to prevent ear infections. Wipe out the deep wrinkles with a damp cloth to remove trapped dirt and debris, followed by a dry cloth to remove the moisture. This will help to prevent skin infections. With their shortened muzzles, pugs are particularly prone to dental disease. Brushing their teeth daily will play a significant role in reducing the amount of tartar buildup and the chances for developing periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Apricot, Black, Fawn, Silver |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Pug Common Health Conditions
Pugs live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. Some health concerns to be aware of in pugs include brachycephalic syndrome and respiratory problems, pug dog encephalitis, portosystemic shunt, hemivertebrae, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, dental disease, dry eye, entropion, distichia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Like most brachycephalic breeds, pugs have a low tolerance for hot weather.
Pug Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
There are few dog breeds that have won the hearts of so many as the charming and fun loving pug. The pug originated in China. The pug is also known as a Dutch mastiff, a Dutch bulldog, a Chinese pug dog, a mops and a Carlin. The pug is a charming, happy, fun loving little dog that gets along well with every member of the household. The pug is a toy breed that weighs 14 to 18 pounds. Pugs have moderate energy levels. Pugs require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a pug is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
