Meet The Adorable Pug
Because of their small size, Pugs are considered to be a Toy breed. Ranked 34th most popular dog breed by the American Kennel Club, Pugs live to love and to be loved in return. They are happy living anywhere, as long as the climate is moderate—not to hot and not too cold. They’re content sharing their space with kids or seniors, as an only pet or one of several animals.
History of the Pug
The Pug was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885 but has been around since 400 BC, making them one of the oldest breeds.
Health Concerns
While the majority of Pugs are healthy, some face health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, and Pug dog encephalitis.
Food Plan
The most common health problem veterinarians find in Pugs is overweight or obesity. Pugs love to eat. In fact, they will eat till they darn near pop! The key is to feed them the proper amount of food. The serving suggestion on the dog food bag is just a guideline. A better gage is what your dog looks like, not what the bag says or how hungry he acts. You should be able to slightly feel your dog’s ribs and be able to see a waist.
Specialties
Pugs are not bred for any specific value to man, other than just being adorable little friends. And they are quite adept at that
Temperament
The Pug is even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving.
Care Level
Pugs tend to have a lot of teeth crammed into a small mouth, causing overcrowding and crooked smiles. Brushing can be tedious but is essential for good oral health. Because of their short, almost-inverted face, breathing can be problematic for some, more so in hot, humid environments. They must be kept cool and exercised with caution in the summer. Pugs are prone to short-faced or brachycephalic syndrome pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. It is important to have your vet give your Pug a through exam. If he or she finds that the nostrils are too tight to let air flow freely, they might suggest surgery to correct this problem. The signs you should watch out for are snoring excessively or gasping to breathe. Take your Pug to the vet at the first signs of these symptoms.
Trainability
Pugs are trainable, though their stubborn streak doesn’t make them the easiest of breeds to train. Just be sure to use positive, motivational methods.
Pug Trivia
Pugs were actually used by the military in the 17th century to track people and other animals. Who knew?
Hygiene
General hygiene of your Pug should include keeping his nails short and cleaning his ears regularly with an ear wash to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. You also need to clean your Pug’s nose roll and wrinkles. Daily cleaning is sometimes necessary for Pugs, with a minimum of twice a week. They need to be clean to avoid risk of infection. It’s not uncommon for the nose roll to get infected. If this happens, get him to the vet right away.
Shedding
The Pug sheds, but its short coat requires minimal grooming.
Life Span
The Pug has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Just be sure to feed him a healthy diet, no junk dog food, and get him on a routine health plan at a nearby veterinarian.
Interaction with Other Animals
Pugs have a sweet countenance that makes them easy to integrate with other animals.
Bark
Pugs are generally very quiet dogs; and when they do bark, their bark is not annoying or shrill like the bark of some other small dogs.
In or Out?
Pugs were bred to be housedogs and companions; so if you want an outside dog, this is not the dog for you. While you do want to take your Pug outside for regular exercise, extreme weather conditions impose a threat. Overheating is the biggest weather-related problem for Pugs.
Spay/Neuter
Unwanted Pugs are surrendered every day, thus forcing a growing need for Pug rescues across the country. Not only is allowing your Pug to reproduce irresponsible, it’s also dangerous for the mama, as Pugs often tend to require birth by caesarian section. Dogs will live healthier, longer lives if they are spayed or neutered.
Is The Pug For You?
If you think the Pug might be the dog for you, first check with your local animal shelters or Pug rescue groups. You might find a Pug or Pug mix waiting to be adopted, and you’ll be giving a dog a second chance at life.
If you don’t find the dog you’re looking for at your local shelter or breed rescue group, you may choose to purchase a puppy instead of adopting one. If so, please be certain you are buying from a responsible breeder that breeds and sells only healthy, well-socialized puppies. Sadly, most pet store puppies come from puppy mills where dogs are not bred for good health and temperament and where they are often raised in inhumane conditions.
Responsible breeders typically do not sell their puppies to pet stores. Most responsible breeders want to meet and screen prospective owners to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes. So don’t be offended or annoyed at such requests from the breeder you reach out to.
