Pug

 Pug Complete Breed Information

Pugs are well-known for their squishy features and endearing personalities. This breed is perfect for laid-back families and people who enjoy spoiling their pets. They are a  little naughty but adored by their owners. The Pug has a round head, a square body, and a curly tail.

Their wrinkled face and upbeat demeanor enchant people everywhere they go. They get along well with other dogs, cats, and kids, and nothing makes them happier than being family members. Although they aren't a jogging companion, this vivacious dog enjoys a trip to the office or the park.

Weight

• Male: 20-30 Lbs
• Female: 18-28 Lbs

Height

• Male: 10-14 inches
• Female: 10-12 inches

Life Span

• 12-15 years

Appearance

Pugs have a striking and unusual appearance, with a round and compact body and legs about the same length as their body height. The round face is characterized by a wide, flat nose (brachycephalic dogs have snouts like this) with the breed's famed wrinkles, which were reportedly valued as a good luck charm by the Chinese Emperors who initially bred them.

The smooth, double-layered coat of these shorthaired canines comes in hues, including black, fawn, silver fawn, and apricot.

Pugs have round, flat features, deep wrinkles, big black eyes, silky ears, and square and thickset. They have moles on their cheeks termed "beauty spots," a thumbprint-shaped mark on their forehead, and a black trail down their back.

Pugs also have a distinctive underbite, giving them a witty, grouchy face. An underbite may not create any problems, but it can be a concern if it prevents the dog from eating or injures the mouth's soft tissues. Your veterinarian may suggest orthodontic therapy in this instance. Their tiny, curling tails are another distinguishing feature of pugs on the other end of their body.

Temperament. 

Pugs are energetic, lively, and passionate, yet they also have an unrivaled sense of dignity. Prepare to smile and laugh along with their clownish antics if you opt to possess one. Their enthusiasm for life and sense of humor can occasionally outstrip their capacity to maintain intense spurts of energy, so you'll need to urge them to relax if they become overworked. Pugs don't do well in hot or cold weather; they prefer to stay indoors when the temperature lowers or increases.

A pug will intuitively follow a person; they are devoted to their human parents, so keep yours nearby when you go for a walk. They are potent dogs who require frequent exercise, but they will be sure to appreciate the fruits of their labor when they get home and will immediately seek out some well-deserved rest.

Pugs, despite their tiny size, are trustworthy watchdogs. When their pet parents approve, they are kind to outsiders, yet they know how to protect their fortress. Pugs are always happy and are relatively lazy, making them ideal for apartment living. They also make up for their lack of yapping with other sounds like wheezing, snorting, and snoring.

 Living Conditions

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Pugs have tiny, straight legs and are powerful dogs. They must be walked daily. They like high-intensity sports and will maintain better health if they frequently are exercised. But don't overdo it, especially if you notice them starting to wheeze. So, if you let them run about or play, give them plenty of time to calm down and regain their breath so that their lungs aren't overworked. However, because they are sensitive to heat and humidity, make sure your Pug doesn't spend too much time outside if you live in a hot or humid climate.

The Pug is a low-maintenance companion suitable for senior owners while active and boisterous. They are also an excellent alternative for apartment dwellers because they are a tiny quiet breed generally passive indoors.

Pugs are prone to snoring, so light sleepers may wish to invest in earplugs.

Care

Pugs are a double-coated breed, despite their short coats. Pugs are usually fawn or black. Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle and a fawn hue with various tints, like apricot or silver. Don't be fooled by the short and silky coat. Pugs shed a lot, especially in the summer.

The savvy Pug owner accepts this and changes her outfit to light-colored clothes that cover the hair better. Following that, frequent brushing and washing help keep the coat in excellent shape and reduce shedding. Although some owners bathe their Pugs more regularly, a monthly bath is adequate. Because of the Pug's tiny size may be bathed directly in the kitchen or utility sink.

Regular nail cutting is necessary because these house dogs don't wear their nails as much as active breeds do outside. Cleaning the Pug's ears every few weeks is also a good idea.

The Pug's wrinkles demand specific care. If these wrinkles get wet or filthy, they become hotbeds for infection. After bathing, the wrinkles must be adequately dried and cleaned out in between baths. Some owners wipe out the creases with a dry cotton ball, while others use professional baby wipes.

The Pug's protruding eyes also require special attention. The eyeballs are prone to damage and irritation from soaps and chemicals due to their protrusion. The Pug, like many tiny breeds, is prone to gum disease. Using a tiny, soft toothbrush and canine toothpaste regularly can help avoid this.

Health

Pugs can suffer from allergies and skin problems, and several health problems associated with their short muzzle. Breathing problems include wheezing and snoring. They catch colds quickly and are uncomfortable in very hot or cold weather. 

While their large, black eyes are endearing, they are particularly susceptible. Pugs are susceptible to corneal ulcers, proptosis, and dry eye, among other things. Pugs, like many flat-faced breeds, might suffer from respiratory difficulties. They don't like it when it's hot, sunny, and humid outside. Your veterinarian should treat skin problems, including walking dandruff, caused by a tiny mite.

Back difficulties, epilepsy, allergies, hemivertebrae (or malformed vertebrae), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and nerve degeneration later in life are among the additional health issues. Pugs can be affected by some skin disorders, including yeast infections, staph infections, and demodectic mange.

 One affliction unique to Pugs is Encephalitis, a fatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it, unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing.
 

History

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Pugs are one of the most ancient dog breeds. Some believe they may be traced back to China's Shang Dynasty, which lasted from 1600 to 1046 B.C. While Pugs are said to have originated in China, most experts believe it was closer to 400 B.C.

China began to trade with European countries in the late 1500s and early 1600s. According to legend, the first Pugs transported to Europe were brought by Dutch traders, who gave the breed the name Mopshond, which is still used today.

Pugs rapidly became popular among royal houses across Europe, and they even played a part in the history of several of them. After a Pug reputedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by warning him that the Spaniards were approaching in 1572, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland. When William of Orange (later known as William III) and his wife, Mary II, traveled to England in 1688 to usurp the throne from James II, they carried their Pugs with them.

Because famed artist William Hogarth was a Pug fan, it is known that black pugs existed in the 1700s. In his famous paintings, he depicted a black Pug and many more. Pugs were also shown in Goya's paintings in 1785.

As the Pug's popularity expanded across Europe, it was given many names. It was known as Carlin in France, Dogullo in Spain, Mops in Germany, and Caganlino in Italy.

Pugs did not arrive in the United States until after the Civil War. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. Pug ownership and breeding declined until the 1930s when the Pug Dog Club of America was founded and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Final Thoughts 

Pugs are one of the most distinctive dog breeds globally, and having one puts you in an exclusive club. His mushy, wrinkly face is sure to make you grin. You'll always want him on your lap or next to you on the sofa since he's so kind and loving. As a result, you should certainly buy a pug, but only if you have the time to lavish love and care for him. They require little activity, are ideal for apartment life, and might be one of the finest breeds for new owners.