Pug

Pug

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Square-proportioned, the small but solid Pug is a small dog in a little space. Pug was once the playful companion of Chinese emperors and later the mascot of Holland’s royal House of Orange, but today is a popular dog breed all over the world. Their gait is strong and lively, but the hindquarters roll slightly, and because they have a good sense of humor and like to show off, they are called the clowns of the canine world. 

Other Names Carlin, Doguillo, Mops
Color Black, Fawn
Height Males: 10-14 inches. Females: 10-14 inches.
Weight Males: 14-18 pounds. Females: 14-18 pounds.
Life Span 13-15 years
Personality Charming, Mischievous, Loving
Exercise Regular Exercise
Origin
Popularity #31
Groom Needs Weekly
Kids Friendly Yes with supervision
Dog Friendly Yes with supervision
Watch Dog
Family Dog Yes
Litter Size 4-6

Pug Pictures

Pug Video

Introduction

Pugs are members of the toy breed of dogs. They are solid in their build, standing about 11 inches at the shoulders and weighing in at about 18 pounds. They are very cute; being amongst the largest of the toy breeds; full of mischief and delight, loving everyone; keeping their wits about them all the time. This makes them very good watchdogs too. A pug might snort and snore a lot, but that is because of his flat face. Look at that cute vertical wrinkle on his forehead – people say it looks like the Chinese character meaning ‘Prince’ – it’s known as the “prince mark.” Careful of his eyes though; they protrude quite a bit, making them prone to trauma. He has a little tail that curls tightly up over his hip. His coat can be anything ranging from fawn to apricot, to black and silver, and his soft little ears feel just like velvet. They are excellent companion dogs.

Living with Pug

Although Pugs don’t shed very much, still need weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove will help to remove the dead hair and help keep them shiny.

And a monthly bath for Pugs is sufficient, or you can bathe your Pug more frequently if he gets dirty and starts to get a doggy odor. As Pug’s small size, it is not difficult to give a bath.

Importantly, the Pug’s facial wrinkles require special attention, if you let them become damp or dirty, these folds are hotbeds of infection. Make sure the skin folds are clean and dry and monitor the skin and hair coat for signs of hair loss, redness or itching, which may be signs of a skin infection. You can wipe out the crud with a dampened cosmetic sponge or baby wipe, then thoroughly dry the wrinkles. 

Because Pugs don’t usually wear down their nails outdoors like active breeds do, regular nail trimming is essential. And it is recommended to clean the Pug’s ears every few weeks. Pugs also need their anal glands expressed regularly by you, their groomer, or the veterinarian. Brush their teeth often to keep gum health and fresh breath.

Pugs need exercise like all dogs, but it is important to remember that as a short-faced breed with arrowed nasal passages, Pugs couldn’t tolerant the hot weather, and they shouldn’t do strenuous exercise when it’s warm or humid out, it is better to let them in an air-conditioned room. Most Pugs do quite well with a daily moderate walk and playing some games.

Pugs can perform well in some canine sports including agility, obedience, and rally. Their general friendliness makes for a good city dog, which means that walking your dog in a busy city is a treat.

Because these dogs are easy to obesity, much like Bulldogs, it’s important to give them regular exercise to keep fit, such as walks or play sessions in the yard.

Pugs need half a cup to one cup of high-quality dry dog food every day, divided into two meals. They don’t have a highly specific diet, you can feed with meats, vegetables and unprocessed foods that usually work best. Pugs like eating very much, so they are prone to obesity, you need to watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level to prevent joint problems. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions, limit treats and encourage exercise.

You can use the feeding chart on the dog food container as a guide for feeding Pug. It is also helpful to discuss with your veterinarian how much your pug should eat and recommendations for dog weight.

Pugs may be prone to some breed-specific health condition including Pug Dog Encephalitis, Obesity, Canine hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Elongated palate, Legg-Perthes disease…

Major concerns: CHD, Pug dog encephalitis, brachycephalic syndrome

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, elongated palate, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes, hemivertebra, skin infections, entropion, KCS, 

Occasionally seen: distichiasis, seizures, demodicosis, nerve degeneration, allergies

Suggested tests:

Patella Evaluation

Hip Evaluation

Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Pug Dog Encephalitis DNA Test

Total Annual Cost: $2620

Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.

Pugs are eager to please their people, so they are generally easy to train. Pug likes to be the center of attention, so teaching some simple techniques is a great way for Pug to show off and keep his busy brain active. Don’t use harsh training methods, because their feelings are easy to get hurt. Pugs are extremely food-driven, they can excel at reward-based, positive-reinforcement training. It’s wise to keep training treats small, because Pugs can pack on the pounds quickly.

Pugs want to be with their family and will be unhappy if they are often left alone for a long time. It is recommended to conduct social and puppy training classes as early as possible.

History

The pug often gets associated with the country, Holland, because way back already in the 1500s they arrived in Europe on Dutch trading ships. But in actual fact, they originate from China two thousand years ago. The Chinese emperors loved the look of these flat-faced dogs. 

In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange. A pug saved the life of William, the Prince of Orange by giving a warning; perhaps barking so much at the Spaniards who were approaching. When William of Orange later went to England with his wife, to take over the throne from James II, he took his pugs with him.

When pugs arrived in Europe, they were a real favorite in the royal households. The pug spread throughout Europe and was called Carlin in France, Dogullo in Spain, Mops in Germany, and Caganlino in Italy. 

They were standardized as a breed in England. When Britain overran the Chinese Imperial Place in 1861, some pugs were brought back to England, their names were Moss and Lamb, producing a pup called Click. He is credited with shaping the modern pugs that we know today.

The famous artist, William Hogarth also loved pugs and portrayed them in his famous paintings in 1785. 

They were introduced to the United States after the Civil War and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. 

Helpful Information

Breed Club: PUG DOG CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.

Breed Club Link: http://www.pugdogclubofamerica.com/

Breed Club Rescue: PDCA HOPE Rescue

Breed Club Rescue Link: http://www.pugdogclubofamerica.com/pdca-hope-rescue-committee.html