Pug: temperament, size, care and health

About the Pug

The Pug is a small, stocky dog with a square outline, a large round head, a deeply wrinkled forehead, a short flat muzzle and dark, prominent eyes with an expressive look. The ears are small and folded, and the tail is tightly curled over the hip. The smooth coat is fawn or black, and fawn dogs wear a black mask. A Pug is solid for its size, with thick limbs and a wide chest.

The breed has a long history as a companion, and that is its sole purpose today. People keep it for its clownish humor, its affectionate nature and its fit with small homes.

Temperament and family life

Pugs are sociable, affectionate and eager to be near people. They are usually friendly to everyone, children included, and they are generally steady and tolerant. They are clowns with an appetite for attention, and they can be willful and demanding when ignored. They are not much for guarding and rarely bark without cause.

The Pug is sturdy enough for gentle play with children, but supervision is wise because of its eyes and its breathing limits. Most live peacefully with other dogs and cats. It dislikes being alone and may develop separation distress, and it loves food, which leads to begging and to weight gain.

Exercise and training

Pugs need only short walks and some play. Their short nose limits stamina, and they are unsuited to long runs, hot afternoons or humid weather. Heat is a serious danger, and Pugs should stay in cool spaces during summer and use a harness instead of a collar.

The breed is intelligent but can be stubborn, and it learns best through food rewards and good humor. Training sessions should be short. House training can take time. The key task is weight control, because a Pug will eat as much as it is offered and extra weight makes breathing, joints and heat tolerance much worse. Measure meals and limit treats.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat requires little styling, but the Pug is a surprisingly heavy shedder, and the fine hairs end up on clothing and furniture. Brushing a few times a week with a rubber curry or hound glove helps. Bathing is occasional.

The deep wrinkles on the face must be wiped and dried regularly to prevent skin infection, and the tail curl should be checked as well. Clean the ears, wipe around the eyes and trim the nails, which tend to be long. Brush the teeth often because crowded teeth gather tartar.

Health

The flat face puts Pugs at risk of brachycephalic airway syndrome, with noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance and heat stress, and some need surgery. The prominent eyes are easily scratched and prone to ulcers and dry eye. Skin fold infections, obesity, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and spinal problems are common. A fatal inflammatory brain disease called necrotizing meningoencephalitis, sometimes called Pug dog encephalitis, is also known in the breed.

Responsible breeders screen eyes, hips and knees and avoid extreme facial shortening. This is general information about the Pug, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Pug is generally traced to China, where short-faced dogs were kept as companions by ruling families and in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Dutch traders brought the type to Europe in the sixteenth century, and it became associated with the House of Orange and with English royalty. The breed's name may come from a Latin word for fist, in reference to its face. Pugs were fashionable pets in the Victorian era, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885, and the breed's motto, "much in little," refers to its compact size and big character.

Is the Pug right for you?

A Pug suits a household that wants a cheerful, undemanding lap dog, with an owner who is around much of the day, keeps the dog lean and cool and accepts both shedding and veterinary costs. Apartment life is no problem.

It is a poor choice for hot regions, for runners or for owners who cannot restrict food. The French Bulldog and Boston Terrier have similar sizes and breathing issues, and the Brussels Griffon is livelier and more sensitive. A slightly longer-nosed alternative with a similar sweetness is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.