If you are considering a pug to join your family or have already succumbed to its charms – congratulations. This is a ‘lot of dog’ in a small package. Many owners who never considered themselves as ‘small dog people’ have made an exception when it comes to a pug. A pug has tremendous personality, great heart and a massive appeal. That is why many pug owners never settle on just one. Some go for a male and female pug or fawn and black pug and so on. Let us study some important pug facts and other information to help potential owners.
Pug facts
- Because of its stubby body, wrinkled head and association with Netherlands, the pug was also known as Dutch mastiff or Dutch pug.
- There is a theory that the word Pug has originated from ‘pugnus’ which means shadow of fist. That is exactly what these dogs look like.
- Their frowning expression has also earned them the moniker ‘mops’ or mopshond from the Dutch word to grumble.
- In English speaking countries, pug dogs are affectionately called Puggy, Pugsley, Puggly and Puglet.
- The breed has been companion to man since more than 2000 years. Early pug type dogs have even existed in Tibetan monasteries.
- In China, the pug is known as the Lo-Sze or even the Foo Dog.
- Queen Victoria is believed to have kept pugs.
- Other celebrities who have loved or love pugs include Winston Churchill, Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards, Paula Abdul, Fashion designer Valentino, and Billy Joel.
- This beloved dog breed has even been immortalized in art work, painting and photography.
Physical characteristics
- Pug weight for dog or bitch is between 13lb to 17 lb.
- The pug has a square, stubby and compact body.
- Coat colors are silver, fawn, black and apricot fawn though silver pugs are few and far between. The coat is weather resistant, soft and insulating. They have a black mask or muzzle and a diamond shaped thumb mark on forehead.
Where to find a Pug
If you are convinced that a pug dog is right for you, then it is time to learn where to find a puppy and what to look for in one. Meet as many pug parents as you can to know more about this breed. These brachycephalic dogs are prone to nasal issues and respiratory problems. So make sure you research a good, ethical breeder who is working to reduce these problems.
When choosing a breeder, do not be overly impressed by advertisements about their stupendous champions. Instead, go by reputation. Real, ethical breeders are unassuming and you will find them at dog shows and seminars or by word of mouth. Fortunately, almost all breeders of this breed are ethical and really concerned about the breed’s well being. So you should not have a problem finding a good breeder. This is the first step in your pug ownership. Once you have shortlisted a couple of breeders, you must visit the litters. Remember: top breeders are likely to have long wait lists.
Visit the official Pug dog club of America website to know more about registered breeders near you or alternatively, find your pug at a rescue shelter.
Temperament
Whether you are looking for a pet dog or a show dog; you need a pug puppy with good temperament. Pugs are generally even tempered dogs. They have the courage of a German shepherd and the affable personality of Golden Retrievers. These dogs are fiercely independent, but they can be headstrong and spunky. They love kids, making them ideal dogs for families. Pugs are crazy about people and they love meeting strangers. They are always ready to play, nap or walk-whatever it is you want to do, they’d want. They thrive on attention from their humans. These are Velcro dogs that won’t leave your side. A perfect day for a pug is waking up late or sleeping next to you all day with its head on a comfy pillow. He’ll move fast when dinner is served; after all he loves food! Your pug, at any point of the day, would be eating, sleeping, playing or eating again! In general, eating and spending time with his favorite people are the best activities for a pug.
Training tips
If not properly socialized or managed and trained, your pug will exhibit undesirable traits like jumping on people, barking and chasing or chewing. You can prevent these annoying habits by training your pet properly and having him socialized from an early age. Be consistent with training. If you aren’t sure, you can seek a trainer to show you the ropes. Also be gentle and use positive, reward based training. Be gentle yet firm. All dogs repeat behavior when they are treated and praised. Even the best dogs have bad behaviors. So don’t get frustrated. Instead, visit pug community forums to help you deal with excessive digging, stubbornness and house training issues.
Crate training is also an important part of house training your pug. A crate will give him the safety net and also help your puppy achieve independence, self confidence and clean habits. House training needs consistency, reward and frequency. By following these procedures, your pug will soon be past the stage of house accidents and you can have a fulfilling and rewarding life with him.
Exercise
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs meaning that they have flat, squashed faces. This causes several health issues in the breed including stenotic nares, snoring etc. Some dogs even need a corrective surgery to help them breathe. Pugs are also prone to overheating and respiratory stress occurring from over exercise or heat. So never over exercise your pet. Limit exercise and play time to cooler parts of the day. Monitor outdoor play time so your pug does not get tired. If he starts getting hot, douse some cool water on his feet or given him some cool water to drink. In general, this breed does well with moderate exercise. Daily walks are best but avoid exposure to excess cold and heat. Never feed your dog immediately after strenuous exercise.
Grooming
Pugs are wash-and-go breeds; they do not need too much grooming and most will be happy with once-a-week grooming sessions. These smart dogs are fastidious about cleanliness and will gladly groom themselves. So you need not bathe your pet too much. Invest in grooming tools like metal flea comb, natural bristle brush and/or hound glove, a nail trimmer and toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specially for dogs. Basic grooming does more than keeping your dog looking good and smelling fresh. It also builds a great trusting relationship with your pet.
Health issues in Pugs
Because of their bulging eyeballs and short snouts, pugs can accidentally scratch their eyeballs. Their short noses can also cause severe respiratory issues. Additionally, pugs are prone to skin allergies and they can scratch themselves and aggravate inflammation. Pugs also face many tooth problems owing to short noses and small mouths. Because of their love for food, they are prone to obesity so it is up to the owners to feed them healthy diet and exercise them every day. A relatively serious condition called Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is believed to affect this breed. Dogs that show the clinical signs of PDE die shortly after or have to be put to sleep. A healthy pug can easily live up to 8-13 years and well cared for pugs have even gone to live up to 18 years of age.
