Big things come in small packages, accurately describes this happy-go-lucky breed.
Pugs are listed in the “Toy Group” by the American Kennel Club. They love to show-off and have a great sense of humor. Bred to be a lap dog, these dogs absolutely love human companionship.
Even though Pugs are small, they’re not fragile like other toy breeds. With proper training and socializing, the Pug is an excellent choice for families who have children. Pugs have a big heart and love kids. They’re great around other dogs, and they can be trusted with other household pets.
This is a comprehensive article full of information about the Pug. It will cover a wide range of topics that directly relate to this breed. Enjoy!
List of Contents
- How long does a Pug live?
- What is the typical weight of a Pug?
- Are their different types of Pugs?
- How much do Pugs shed?
- What’s the Pug personality like?
- What about the Pug temperament?
- How much do Pugs cost?
- Are Pugs easy to train?
- Which health issues do Pugs have?
- How much ongoing care do Pugs need?
- What do I need to know about a Pug’s face?
- Do Pugs get eye problems?
- What is important about a Pug’s ears?
- Is the Pug’s nose different from other breeds?
- Do Pugs get allergies?
- How much do Pugs drool?
- Are Pugs susceptible to overheating?
- Do Pugs have breathing difficulties?
- Do Pugs need a lot of exercise?
- How much do Pugs bark?
- Which diet should a Pug be on?
How long does a Pug live?
The average lifespan of a Pug is about 12 to 15 years. It’s important to note, the majority of Pugs will fall to the lower end of this spectrum. The average female Pug will live 13.2 years and male pugs live a little less, with an average lifespan of 12.8 years. It’s not uncommon for some pugs to live well into their teens with some living up to 15, 16, and even 17 years.
Read more here: What is the Average Lifespan of a Pug?
What is the typical weight of a Pug?
According to the AKC breed standard, a healthy Pug should weigh between 14-18 pounds for both females and males; however, this was not always the case. Previous weight standards by the AKC separated the genders by the preferred weight for females between 13-18 pounds and males between 13-20 pounds. If a Pug tops the scales at 22 pounds or more, it might a good time to make changes in your Pug’s diet and increase its activity.
Read more here: How Much Should A Pug Weigh? Your Questions Answered
Are their different types of Pugs?
These little bundles of joy come in three distinctive color types; however, there is a range of mixed colors found in this breed. The most recognizable color is the Fawn Pug, with the Black Pug coming in second. The third type is the Apricot Pug. It has more of a reddish hue than its fawn counterpart and is a little darker. The rarer breeds are the Brindle Pugs, White Pugs, and Silver Pugs. All of these color types will have the black muzzle that is their trademark mask, but the genetically tweaked White Pug will not.
How much do Pugs shed?
Pugs are notorious for shedding hair and lots of it. They will shed hair all 357 days of the year, and twice a year, they shed hair more profusely. If someone in your household has allergies, you might want to consider another type of dog. It’s not uncommon for a lot of Pug owner’s to coordinate their furnishing with the color of their beloved Pug because their hair is a sure-fire bet to get everywhere.
Read more here: Do Pugs Shed? All Your Questioned Answered
What’s the Pug personality like?
Pugs are not bubbly socialites like some other toy breeds are. They tend to have a dry sense of humor and are more stubborn and serious, but they love to please. These dogs are pretty chill, and usually don’t tend to chew, dig or bark a lot. Pugs love children, and their rugged frame allows them to handle a child who accidentally falls on them without showing signs of aggression.
What about the Pug temperament?
Although Pugs are known for being stubborn, they are not generally aggressive dogs. They like to be glued to their owner’s side, and love to be the center of attention. When a Pug is not sleeping (which is a lot), Pugs are animated, charming, and ready to play. They love to eat and do the best in environments where they get lots of attention. If you treat a Pug like a member of your family, they will offer tons of affection and devotion.
Read more here: What Temperament Do Pugs Have?
How much do Pugs cost?
The price for a Pug can vary a bit from state to state in the United States. The average price of a Pug can run anywhere from $500 to $2000. The price can also fluctuate from very high to very low depending on the breed quality of the dog. Pet quality and show quality are the two different types. Additionally, if you buy your Pug from another state, additional shipping or travel expenses could cost between $300 and $500 or more.
Read more here: Pug Cost and Pricing: A Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Pup
Are Pugs easy to train?
Pugs are known to be stubborn, which makes them harder to train, but this is due to the fact they are easily distracted. The best way to train a pug is to use your index finger to touch its nose, and say a verbal command like “watch” or “focus.” Then move your index finger to your own nose. When your Pug looks at you, reward them immediately with praise and a treat. This will train your Pug to focus on you, and they will listen better; however, do not reward them without action. You have to remember who’s top dog here!
Read more here: How to Train Your Pug – Potty, Getting Social, and More
Which health issues do Pugs have?
There are a couple of things to pay attention to if you own a Pug. First of all, Pugs have short and narrow nasal cavities because of their snouts. This can make them more susceptible to some breathing issues on occasions. And secondly, a Pug’s skin can be more sensitive to a host of skin disorders. This is due in part to parasites, trauma, a poor immune system, and a hormonal imbalance. Pugs who live inside primarily will have fewer health issues. They are not made for the outdoors.
Read more here: Pug Health Issues: Allergies, Irritations, and What To Look For
How much ongoing care do Pugs need?
Caring for a Pug requires lots of time and attention. Due to their genetics and physical characteristics, Pugs are prone to a host of health issues because of their vulnerability and fragility to infections, health disorders, and eye injury. If you own a Pug or plan on getting one, please keep reading to know how to properly care for a Pug.
What do I need to know about a Pug’s face?
The wrinkles on a Pug’s face will collect a lot of junk because Pugs spend a lot of time with their faces on the floor, in the dirt, and in food bowls. Grime and food particles will get trapped in the wrinkles, so their face needs to be cleaned at least twice a week. You can use a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic with warm water on a soft Q-tip or napkin, and gently clean the inner folds of the wrinkles.
Do Pugs get eye problems?
Pugs have extremely sensitive eyes, which require special attention, especially the corners of their eyes. Their eyes should be cleaned at least twice a week as well. Using a latex glove, dip your finger into some warm water, and gently clean the muck and grime out of the corners of their eyes. If the muck is hard, soften it up with some warm water then wipe it away. This is also a good time to clean the wrinkles around the eye sockets as well.
Read more here: A Guide to Pug Eye Problems: Causes, Treatments, and Maintenance
What is important about a Pug’s ears?
Pugs have very tiny ear openings and they only need to be cleaned about once a month. The skin around the opening is all you really need to be concerned about. For grime inside the ear, wet a Q-tip and remove it.
Is the Pug’s nose different from other breeds?
A Pug’s nose is surrounded by wrinkles, which makes their nose a haven for germs. Debris and dirt combined with moisture from constant licking can cause bacteria and yeast to thrive. The smell can be very overpowering, but for the Pug, it makes them irritated and uncomfortable. Keep your Pug’s nose clean by using warm water with a latex glove to wipe out the grime then apply some organic nose butter to repel future debris from entering the wrinkles.
Do Pugs get allergies?
Although it’s hard to narrow down a specific cause of an allergy for a Pug, there are three categories that allergies can fall under. In most cases, allergies can be treated effectively once the root is found.
- Food: This includes anything in the diet of a Pug’s meal or treats. Most times, the additive in the dog food will be the cause of the allergen.
- Airborne: Allergens that are in this group are either seasonal or inhaled, regardless of the fact, they can happen all year around.
- Contact: This will include anything the Pug can come into contact with. The most common culprits are certain toys, fabrics, and plastic bowls.
Read more here: Pug Allergies: What Are They and How Can You Treat Them?
How much do Pugs drool?
Pugs do have thick lips and folds on their face, and liquid can puddle up in the corners of their mouths; however, they are not typically heavy droolers. Occasionally, it might be a good idea to check your favorite pair of shoes before you slide them on.
Are Pugs susceptible to overheating?
Because of their smaller air passages and short noses, Pugs cannot release heat or adequately cool air when they’re exposed to hot temperatures. Use extra caution when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Pugs have breathing difficulties?
Breathing issues are quite common in Pugs because they have undersized nostrils, allergies, overheating susceptibility, and a tendency to be overweight. Some classic signs are panting and breathing harder. If you see any of these signs, using an antihistamine can ease their symptoms and return their breathing to normal. If that does not help, seek veterinarian assistance immediately.
It’s recommended to use a walking harness with your Pug, rather than a collar, to support their chest but remove any unnecessary pressure on their throat.
Read more here: What You Need to Know About Pug Breathing
Do Pugs need a lot of exercise?
Walking your Pug on a daily basis is the most common form of exercise for a Pug, but other activities like playing with other dogs is a great way for a Pug to build up stamina and burn off some of those doggy snacks. Another great idea is to build an obstacle course inside your house. This is a great mission for the kiddos as they will have just as much fun as the Pug. A simple game of “fetch” with a ball inside or outside of the house for 15 minutes a day will also work.
How much do Pugs bark?
There are some individuals who will say that Pugs don’t bark; however, they do bark, but not to the point of being obnoxious. Pugs tend to be very quiet dogs. When they do bark, it can sound like a yodeling singer or when they get excited, they yip.
Read more here: How Much Do Pugs Bark? Your Questions Answered
Which diet should a Pug be on?
Pugs do like to eat; therefore, they need a balanced diet because of their genetics, they can pack the weight on if you’re not careful. Smaller pugs have tons of energy, they require more nutrient-rich foods. Use high-quality food when feeding Pugs, and avoid table-scraps to keep them healthy and strong. How much a Pug should eat depends on its age, size, metabolism, build, and activity level. According to most breeders, one cup or less of premium dry dog food is the recommended daily amount for two meals per day.
Pugs are prone to obesity because of their size and build, and their love for a good meal. Pugs have a tendency to eat without stopping, so feeding them appropriate portions is key to a healthier lifestyle. It’s hard to resist the urge to feed them people food, especially when those big brown eyes are looking at you while you are eating a juicy steak. This is not to say that Pugs can’t have some people food, but it needs to be done in moderation.
Read more here: What Is The Best Food For Pugs? Health Considerations and Brands
Conclusion
If you want a loyal dog who is almost human-like in nature, and you’re willing to accept them into your family as a newborn child, then a Pug is the dog for you. Pugs have more personality than all members of the household combined, and they make a great companion for life.