If you are considering getting a pug for the first time, you will find this guide helpful. We will talk about the breed’s temperament, needs, and basic care.
Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds. They originated in Asia, probably ancient China. Mentions of “short mouthed dogs” can be found in Chinese writings dated as early as 600 B.C. Those dogs were not yet pugs as we know them now, they were the pugs’ remote forefathers. China had begun trading with Europe in early 1600s, and that’s when pugs had been introduced to the Europeans. The unusual cute little dogs were presented to royalty and nobility, with whom they had quickly become very popular. You can often see them accompanying their distinguished owners on old portraits and paintings. Thankfully, in our day and age you don’t have to be of royal birth to enjoy a funny smooshed-faced little friend.
Pugs’ Temperament
Pugs were bred as house companions, and they are perfect as such. They are friendly, even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal. They are “people dogs,” they love attention and want lots of it, but they are usually not yelpers. They will follow you everywhere, always happy to be around you. Pugs are very playful and funny, some say they are natural born clowns. They love doing tricks, learn them easily and often invent their own. Pugs are good with children, they get along well with other dogs and pets.
With all that said, pugs are not for everyone. They do require special care.
Pugs Health
Pugs need to be kept indoors because they are very sensitive to heat and cold. Pugs easily catch colds, and if the weather is too hot and humid they will have difficulty breathing. Their short face makes them suffer from poor ventilation, which is an ongoing thing, and hot weather makes it worse, especially if the pug is being active. You may let your pug out to play in the fenced yard once in a while, but remember to make sure it is not too cold or too hot outside. If the temperature is somewhere from 30 to 65 degrees, it is safe for your pug to be out; if it is around 70, be careful, do not let the pug to be out too long and to be overly active; and if the temperature is getting over 75, letting the pug out is dangerous.
The most common health problem for pugs is obesity. They love eating and don’t know when to stop. Even a well-fed pug will act hungry most of the time and beg for food as soon as it sees it. You should ration your pug’s food, and you should be firm with it. Obesity puts even more pressure on the pug’s already challenged breathing, and on the heart. Obese pugs live shorter lives. It is best to limit their diet to dog food only, no scraps from the table. The pug will ask for human food each time you sit down to eat; the answer should be, “No, not for Pugsley.”
Some people think that pugs are supposed to be a little on the fat side, but that is not so. A normal, healthy, not overweight pug is stocky and muscular, but not fat. You should be able to see its waist, and when you pick the pug up you should be able to feel the ribs. Let that be your guide on feeding. If the waist is disappearing, reduce the ration.
Exercising is good and important, but don’t overdo it. Pugs love playing and going for a walk, but they are usually incapable of being active for a long time because of the above mentioned breathing difficulties. If the pug starts wheezing, take a break and let them calm down. If you are on a walk, you might have to pick the pug up and carry it for a while. Also, if you’re taking the pug for a walk, it should always be leashed.
Pugs are prone to skin problems and allergies. If you see any redness, hair loss, or pimples, consult with your vet. Allergies can be seasonal or permanent, but there are ways to help both.
The pug’s large, beautiful eyes are very delicate. Watch out for dryness and redness. Sometimes the pug’s tear glands do not produce enough moisture for the eyes. If you see redness and excessive mucous in the pug’s eyes, that may be the cause. Consult with the vet to make sure. Two other common eye problems are inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and corneal ulcers. If the eyes are watery, weepy, there may be an ulcer on the cornea. Ulcers require immediate veterinary help since they may cause the loss of an eye.
Basic Care
Ears. The pug’s ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis, with an ear wash. Consult with the vet if you notice redness or heavy discharge. If you see that your pug often shakes its head, there might be a problem as well.
Skin. As I have already mentioned, pugs are prone to skin problems, so you will always need to watch out for that. The skin folds and wrinkles on the pug’s face also need to be cleaned regularly, especially those around the nose. If they are not cleaned well enough they may get infected, which will require another visit to the vet.
Nails. You should keep your pug’s nails short. Pugs often rub their faces with a paw, like cats, and if the nails are too long they might damage the eyes.
Teeth. It is good to brush your pug’s teeth once in a while. You can also use special chewing bones to keep down tartar buildup.
Grooming. The pug’s fur is very short, but they have a lot of hair, and they shed quite a lot. There is some seasonal increase of the shedding as well. Regular grooming helps to reduce it. The pug’s coat is very smooth and easy to groom. Most pugs enjoy having their coat combed.
Training
Pugs are very intelligent, but they can be rather willful and therefore not easy to train. If they realize that their cuteness allows them to get away with not doing what you require of them, they will use it. Punishing and yelling does not work with the pug, it only makes things worse.
There are two things the pug loves more than anything else in the world: fellowship with their owner and food (some say that the latter goes first). Use it. You will go a long way if you reward your pug with praise, a hug, or a tiny bit of food every time he does something right.
When it comes to potty training, remember that pug puppies under 12 weeks of age cannot control their bowel or urinary movements, their muscles are not yet strong enough. When the puppy needs to “go,” it will, and they don’t understand that they are not supposed to do it in certain places.
There are several different methods of potty training, and no matter which one you use there will be accidents. The best way to deal with them is just to clean up and continue your training. Don’t punish the dog; it is learning. If you stick to what you are doing, you will achieve the desired result.
If there are persistent behavioral problems, like chewing, you will need to do some more in-depth pug study (there are plenty of good books on that), or turn to professional help, just like with any other dog breed.
This is just a brief guide, its purpose is to give you some basic info as a potential pug owner. For some, it will be enough to change their mind about getting a pug, and that’s fine. Like I said, pugs are not for everyone. But if you still feel that you can do it, that pugs are the right breed for you, you are now more prepared. Good luck with your new friend!
External Links:
Pug Village - All kinds of good pug info and advice