Children love him, and he loves them back! The Pug Dog Breed is one of the most adorable little dogs in the world. And famous too – everyone knows what he looks like. And, as Pug owners would tell you, he is funny, playful, always happy, and has such a charming personality. He is a perfect family dog who loves human company, especially children.
You know how he looks!
The Pug has a distinctive appearance. But you may not be aware that this “distinctive look” comes from the fact that they belong to a group of dogs commonly referred to as Brachycephalic Dogs. Brachycephalic dogs will have a similar head shape, a short nose, and in most cases, a powerful underbite.
But just because…
These guys are so popular, and just because we here at IndulgYourPet are HUGE fans of this breed, that doesn’t mean that choosing to adopt a Pug puppy or Pug rescue dog will be the “right” choice for you. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what it might be like to own a Pug so that if you ever get a chance to own one, you’ll know for sure if it will be a good “fit” or not.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Pug Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: China
Original Purpose: Companion animal or lap dog
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Toy Group
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
History and Origin
Pugs are initially from China. They were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. They certainly made a mark in the Dutch Royal Court. They were a favorite of the ladies and children in particular.
The Pug was…
They were brought to England in 1689 when the Dutch Prince William became King of England. Pugs became popular across England after that. As far as America is concerned, Pugs weren’t “officially” brought to America until the mid to late-19th century. But that didn’t prevent them from soon becoming a significant sensation. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered its first Pug in 1885.
Now…
The most famous Pug in history was probably Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck. This little dog became the first pug to win the Westminster Best dog show back in 1981. Even though many of our younger readers might question us on this simply because of the popularity of the MIB (Men in Black) movies which features a talking Pug as one of the main characters and, in our own opinion, “steals the show”! (No offense to Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones).
Today…
The Pug remains a hugely popular dog breed in the United States and worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
The Pug is a Toy Dog – which means he doesn’t weigh much, only 14 to 18 pounds. The Male Pug can rise to 18 inches at the shoulder level. One area of concern is that Pugs have a brachycephalic heads, flat faces, short noses, short muzzles, and short coats, which we will discuss later, making them somewhat “intolerant” to hot and humid environments.
Additionally…
They can get quickly exhausted if you leave them in the sun for too long. So, you want to ensure you’re careful with these little guys if you live in a warm climate. Their coat is smooth and short and shades of gray, tan, and black. Pugs usually have a wrinkled face accented by a black mask.
We should also mention that…
These guys aren’t “silent predators” or “stealthy creatures.” They gasp, snort, and snore often, not because they are sick; it’s just what they do! And while you may be thinking that’s not good or that’s going to be annoying, their large eyes and close-cropped ears make them so cute to look at even when there are snorting/snoring or just wheezing; you’re not likely to notice it all that much.
Lastly…
Now that we’ve exhausted the fact that they make a lot of noise when breathing, we don’t want to leave you with the impression that these little guys are “scrawny” or sickly. Because the truth is quite the opposite, you see, these guys have a compact, muscular body structure and can be quite “chunky” if you’re not careful with their diet… and if you’re not careful, their small tail ends up in a ring that is quite similar to a pig’s tail can be very appropriate for some.
Grooming Requirements
Pugs have minimal grooming requirements. They are not high-maintenance pets by any means. Just bath them now and then and check out their ears every few weeks to avoid any potential ear infections.
And yes…
Could you make sure your Pug gets enough exercise and watch what they eat? That’s because these cute little dogs tend to accumulate fat very quickly.
Personality and Temperament
The Pug always has this worried look on his face. But looks can be deceiving. He is smiling inside, happy, and having fun, and wants to make you happy. That’s what he lives for, to make people happy. That’s what he was bred for, to bring joy and happiness wherever he goes. He is easily one of the cutest pet dogs anyone can have in personality, behavior, and temperament.
Any Pug Owner would tell you that…
A Pug is happiest when he spends time with his human family. He doesn’t mind the company of other dogs and gets along well with cats, but he is most comfortable playing with your kids. Pugs are a loving, affectionate, and somewhat sensitive dog. He hates it when you don’t pay him the attention he deserves. He can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Potential Health Concerns
Pugs are a reasonably healthy dog breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. This is decent in dog years. But, like all breeds, they are prone to specific health issues. You should be aware of these problems if you want to bring home a Pug:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome,
- Macropalpebral Fissure,
- Cheyletiella Dermatitis (Walking Dandruff),
- Nerve Degeneration,
- Pug Dog Encephalitis,
- Epilepsy,
- Corneal Ulcers,
- Eye Problems such as Dry Eye,
- Allergies,
- Demodectic Mange,
- Staph Infection,
- Hemi-vertebrae,
- Hip Dysplasia,
- Legg-Perthes Disease,
- Patellar Luxation.
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
wow
I’m with you, Whatever. I am also WOWED by the Pug!