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Pugs

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The Pug Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Pugs
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Pug Puppy?
● Most Asked Pug Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

More Information

Temperament

Characterised by a round and wrinkly head, the pug is one of the best companion dogs.

These tiny and adorable creatures are full of charm. They are also well-mannered, energetic and very playful.

More Information

The Ultimate Guide to Pugs

● Key Characteristics Of Pugs
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Pug Puppy?
● Most Asked Pug Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

Characterised by a round and wrinkly head, the pug is one of the best companion dogs.

These tiny and adorable creatures are full of charm. They are also well-mannered, energetic and very playful.

 

Pug Origins

Pugs are among the oldest dog breeds. There is history that dates back to 400 B.C. They originated from the Orient, specifically China.

These dogs were regarded prized possessions by the Chinese emperors. So much so that some pugs had their own palaces, servants and soldiers. The Chinese used to gift pugs to powerful people who lived in Korea and Japan.

By the 16th century, a trading company had imported the breed to Europe. Soon after, the Pug was declared the official dog of the House of Orange. This was done in honour of Pompey, a pug that saved the prince’s life by alerting him of oncoming assassins.

When William and Mary (from the Orange House) ascended to England’s throne in 1688, they brought their pug along. It was during their era that pugs were bred with other dogs including the English Toy Spaniel.

As years went by, the pug became more popular in other parts of Europe. This is evident through ancient artwork of the Spanish and Italians.

Pugs are one of the earliest pure breeds to be introduced in Australia. It’s not clear when the arrived in the country, but there are records of pugs being exhibited by the Agricultural Society of NSW in 1870.

 

Key Characteristics of Pugs

Are Pugs Family-Friendly?Yes. Although tiny, pugs are not as delicate as other toy breeds. This mean they’re suitable for families with kids.
Daily Exercise Needs?
A short walk or energetic game to keep them both physically and mentally fit.
Common Health Issues & ConsiderationsThey are can be prone to these conditions:
● Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE).
● Canine Hip Dysplasia.
● Overheating.
● Aortic Stenosis.
● Brachycephalic Syndrome.
Lifespan12 to 15 years
Nature & Temperament
They are playful, affectionate and a fun-loving dog breed.
SizeWeight
6 - 9 kg

Height
25 - 36 cm
Suitable EnvironmentPugs are indoor dogs. They cannot tolerate high temperatures so they are best kept inside.
GroomingNeed occasional brushing to keep their coats in good condition.

Other considerations:

● The Pug is a hypoallergenic dog. But, if he/she takes more traits from the Spaniel, he/she could not be hypoallergenic.
● The dog may have inherit the short muzzle from his Spaniel lineage. For such dogs, you should not expose them to sunlight for too long because they’re heat-sensitive.
● Are likely to experience separation anxiety. If they are not well-trained and then left all alone at home, they may become a little anxious.

 

How can I take good care of my Pug or Pug Puppy?

Nutrition

The daily food intake for a pug is ½ to 1 cup of quality dry dog food. Although Pugs’ first love seem to be human interaction, their second love is food. These dogs love to overeat, and this puts them at a risk of obesity.

Appropriately-sized and well-balanced meals are the secret to keeping your pug healthy. For more on feeding pugs, check our guidelines for buying the right food.

Grooming

Pugs are known to have short, double-layered coats that have a smooth and velvety texture. This type of coat has earned them a reputation of being prolific shedders. Luckily, grooming their coats is easy.

All they need is weekly brushing using a curry brush. This brush not only helps to keep their skin clean but to also reduce shedding.

Recommended grooming tips:

● Keep your pugs facial folds clean to avoid infections.

● A monthly bath is sufficient.

● Frequent bathing is only recommended for pugs suffering from skin issues and allergies.

● Trim their nails monthly.

● Brush their teeth a couple of times every week.

Exercise

Pugs are not high-energy dogs so they only need a moderate amount of exercise. A nice short walk or active play will be good enough for your pug. However, pug owners are advised not to over-exercise their dogs, particularly during warm weather.

Training

Although intelligent, pugs have a stubborn side so training them can be a bit of a challenge. Positive reinforcement is advisable to get the best results.

Most Asked Pug Questions

Where do pugs come from?

Pugs are believed to come from China with ancestral relations to the Pekingese.

Are there major differences between Fawn and Black pugs?

No, there are no distinct differences between the two, except for colour. The average life expectancy of a pug is 12 to 15 years, but with good care and nutrition, these dogs can live well beyond their expected lifespan.

Are pugs easy to train?

Pugs are moderately easy to train. They can be stubborn at times. Luckily though, pugs are people-pleasers and they love all things edible. So owners can take advantage of these attributes to make them learn a few tricks.

Do Pugs make good apartment dogs?

These are indoor dogs. They don’t need big yards to play around, making them an ideal choice for indoor living.

Are pugs considered active?

No, pugs are generally not active dogs. They spend the better part of the day napping – up to 14 hours. Even though they engage in some rigorous activities, this usually ends with the pug retreating to a long napping session.

How much do Pugs cost?

Pugs for sale cost between $1400 and $3000 approximately. This price will vary depending on the dog. Although expensive, this is a dog with few health issues and one that will keep you company for many years.

This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.

Similar Breeds

● French bulldog

● Bullmastiff

● Pomeranian

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