Characteristics, care tips, and other helpful information for pug owners
Looking for a little dog with a long history? The Pug might be the breed for you! Keep reading to learn more about this adorable breed.
👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male Pugs Frank; Milo is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female Pugs love Bella, then Luna.
Every dog’s personality is unique, but in general, Pugs are considered a smart, playful, gentle, and even-tempered breed that thrive in an environment with ample human interaction. They may be stubborn at times, but are typically very kid-friendly and have been known to bond with infants. Pugs also tend to get along with other animals, cats, and strangers, but may be reserved or become aggressive when not properly socialized and trained.
As a new Pug parent, it’s essential to know that the features that make your dog so adorable may in fact lead to an assortment of health issues. That squished-up face, those cute little wrinkles, and even the curly tail all have some downsides. Here’s what you should know about the Pug’s most common health problems:
Pugs are more likely to have problematic dental health because their teeth are typically overcrowded, entrapping food and leading to tartar and bacterial buildup, which can ultimately progress into gum disease. Regular dental cleanings administered by a professional under general anesthesia are recommended for preventative health.
Pugs are susceptible to a variety of breathing issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a set of upper airway abnormalities that affects breeds with short skull bones. Breeders have long prioritized the appearance of such short-nosed dogs and neglected their medical needs. Dogs with respiratory conditions tend to breathe through their mouths and experience noisy breathing and snorting.
Affected dogs may also cough, gag, and vomit, and they are especially prone to overheating. Secondary problems, such as inflammation in the airways, are common.
This progressive neurological autoimmune disease, similar to some forms of Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans, but different from the condition known as degenerative myelopathy, begins in the spinal cord and slowly progresses to hind limb weakness and, in some cases, may result in paralysis.
Though Pugs with the condition may not experience pain, it’s imperative to look out for symptoms like ataxia (or difficulty walking), incoordination, loss of bowel and urinary control and a low tail carriage. There is no consensus among neurologists about the best way to treat it. Surgery may be recommended in some cases.
NME is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system. Recent evidence suggests it affects many small breed dogs, including Pugs. Typical signs include severe seizures, blindness, cervical pain, decreased consciousness, fever, weakness, and ataxia. Pugs with NME are most commonly young adult females.
Pug wrinkles may be cute, but when their folds are neglected, they can trap moisture and dirt, potentially leading to uncomfortable skin conditions, including chafing and bacterial or yeast infections. Early signs of infection include a strong or foul odor, excessive scratching or licking near the area, as well as irritated or inflamed skin.
Pugs are generally affordable as they don’t require much food or intensive grooming — and you probably won’t even have to hire a dog walker for this low-maintenance breed. However, if your Pug suffers from certain health conditions, including respiratory or spinal problems, you may notice vet bills in the thousands. To reduce such out-of-pocket expenses, consider signing up for pet insurance and/or creating a pet budget.
Most historians believe that the beloved short-nosed, wrinkle-faced Pug originated in ancient China, with roots dating all the way back to 400 B.C. These toy dogs, primarily bred for companionship and amusement, were considered a sign of wealth. They often belonged to Chinese emperors and even had their own soldier guards, according to the Pug Dog Club of America.
Pugs didn’t gain popularity in the West until Dutch traders brought them to Holland, and eventually to England, where many of Europe’s monarchs fell in love with the breed as we know them today. In 1885, the American Kennel Club first recognized the Pug and sparked a national interest in the breed, one that continues to grow.
Caring for a new puppy of any breed can be overwhelming. To start, you’ll need to schedule your first trip to the vet and keep track of your dog’s vaccinations. Before bringing your new bud home, be sure to puppy-proof your home. Here’s what else you can do to care for your new curly-tailed, flat-nosed goofy Pug pal:
Pugs don’t require much exercise, but an hour of exercise per day consisting of two 30-minute walks should keep this low-maintenance dog and its small, sturdy frame nice and fit. Because they have such minimal exercise requirements, Pugs are generally ideal for most households.
Note, however, that these dogs are prone to overheating. Be sure to check the temperature, and ensure your Pug is hydrated and protected during the warmer months. You should also avoid using a choke collar and opt for a comfortable harness for leisurely dog walks.
👉 Browse our best dog collar article for in-house tested collars that you’ll love for your pup!
Though your Pug’s short and smooth double coat doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, you’ll want to use a medium-bristle brush or mitt every week or so to help with frequent shedding and get rid of loose hairs. Pug puppies tend to shed more as they start to transition out of their puppy coats around three months of age. Nails should also be trimmed, debris around eyes frequently wiped, teeth brushed and skin folds should be kept as clean as possible as they can harbor infections.
Pugs may not require much exercise, but it is imperative that new parents keep a close eye on their nutrition and help keep obesity at bay. Consult your vet if your dog starts to gain too much weight before implementing a specialized diet plan. In general, a healthy adult Pug should be eating approximately ⅔ to ⅘ of a cup of food per day, not including treats.
New Pug parents can breathe a sigh of relief, because Pugs are generally considered smart and trainable breeds, though their stubborn streaks may prove challenging. You can use expert tips to guide you as you begin to house train your new family member. Keep in mind that Pugs do best with reward-based training and trick training, and they love to follow and please a confident teacher.
Not quite sure that this breed is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
Yes, Pugs are typically very kid-friendly and tend to get along with other animals, cats, and strangers. They may, however, become aggressive when not properly socialized and trained.
They can certainly be lazy. Pugs require minimal exercise and are especially prone to obesity.
Pugs have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Pugs can come in a few different coat colors including fawn, black, silver, and apricot. However, they all share the iconic round head, adorable wrinkles, curly tail, and endearing eyes.
