Pug Dog Breed: Adorable Pups with Big Personalities

Luca Piquereddu

The Pug dog breed needs no introduction. Everybody has come across a Pug at least once in their life. These small pups have funny squished faces and curly tails, and their attitude makes this breed a perfect companion in many homes. This dog is perfect for all kinds of families as they get along well with kids. We’ll delve into the main facts and care tips for Pugs so you can decide for yourself if the Pug is the right breed of dog for you.

Pug Dog Breed Rundown

Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Origin: China
Personality: Loving, playful, sensitive, and attention-seeking. Pugs love being close to their humans.

Pug Appearance

Pugs are small dogs in the molosser group and they have a sturdy appearance. They are a perfect miniature of other big molossers like mastiffs or boxers. Pugs have a striking presence, but at the same time, they look cute and adorable. They are easily recognizable thanks to their flat and wrinkly face.

They have large, dark eyes, button-shaped ears, and a curly tail. A Pug’s coat can come in various colors, including fawn and black. The Pug’s fur is especially smooth and soft, making it a coat that’s a pleasure to pet. These pups need minimal grooming because their fur is very short, although brushing is appreciated by Pugs, who love being cuddled by their humans.

The AKC standard describes the Pug dog breed as “Square and cobby.” This means the body length (from their withers to the base of their tail) is about equal to the height at the withers. The head is “Large and round, without indentation”. A Pug’s eyes should be large, prominent, and dark. The tail must be “Tightly curled over the hip” and a double curl is highly desirable.

Pug History

The Pug dog breed is one of the oldest dog breeds. Pugs originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, where they were favored by emperors and lived in luxury. The first written records date back to 500 BC. Chinese people used to deify and worship them because their wrinkles resembled the Chinese ideogram of the word “Prince”. Pugs also used to be considered sacred by Tibetan monks.

During the Chinese YUAN dynasty (1200/1300 AC), they arranged parades where the Pug was placed after the lion. The Europeans found out about this breed during those events. They found this dog so charming and peculiar that it was brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company during the 14th century. In 1688, the Pug dog breed became the official choice of the Royal Dutch family.

Over the next centuries, these lovable small dogs spread all across European courts. Queen Victoria of England had several Pugs and helped raise their popularity. One Pug named Pompey even saved the life of Prince William of Orange by warning him of an attack. Pugs have always been seen as loyal and alert dogs despite their small size.

The Pug dog breed came to the United States between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The American Kennel Club officially recognized this breed in 1885. Pugs are very loved in the U.S. for their personality and funny charm.

Pug Personality

Pugs have a loveable, lively personality. They are very outgoing and friendly both with people they know and with strangers. Pugs get along with other dogs and pets that they already know. They may be wary of strangers at first, but they are not generally aggressive.

Pugs are absolutely fun! They snore like little old men, even as puppies. They follow you everywhere, even to the bathroom, there is no escape! Pugs love to sleep in the weirdest, funniest positions. Because they are natural-born clowns, they’ll make you laugh without even trying. Their faces are so expressive, it’s like they are always telling a joke.

Pugs make excellent small apartment dogs for city living. Generally, Pugs are good with children, although adult supervision is recommended, as with any dog. This breed of dog is really affectionate and smart, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Their adaptability makes them a popular family pet.

Pugs may be stubborn sometimes, and they know exactly how to get their way. They can be lazy, so it’s important to encourage them to get exercise.

Pugs enjoy being around people and dislike being left alone for long. They stay calm and content, as long as they are not alone for too long. If you live in an apartment or small house, they will do just fine, unless you are away from home for too many hours during the day.

Pugs like routine and are happiest when their day has a familiar rhythm: meals, walks, playtime, and cuddles. Pugs may snore and shed, but their funny and lovable personality makes up for it.

Training Pugs

Training a Pug can be both fun and challenging. A positive aspect is that Pugs tend to learn new things quickly, making it easy to train them. They are intelligent, but they are also stubborn and like to do things their way. Positive reinforcement is essential, using treats and kind words.

Another aspect to work on is leash walking. Pugs are likely to go wherever they want, pulling on the leash, as they are always very curious and attentive. You can use treats as a reward to train your dog to walk beside you without pulling. This may seem slightly difficult at the beginning, but if you are consistent, your Pug will not disappoint you. The

Pug dog breed is not so difficult to train, but requires patience and constancy. It is best to start when your Pug is at least 6 months old, rather than waiting until the dog is fully grown.

Make your Pug training sessions short and fun, otherwise, they may lose interest. Teaching basic commands and indoor manners is important. Puzzle toys and short games also help keep their minds active and reduce boredom.

Pugs don’t respond well to harsh discipline, so stay patient. You must avoid yelling or harsh corrections as they can be sensitive to loud or hard tones.

It is important for the Pug to socialize and spend as much time as possible with other dogs from an early age. This is fundamental to avoid developing anxiety or any form of aggression towards other dogs in the future.

Pug Health

The Pug dog breed tends to have some health issues. The combination of a short muzzle and flattened face with narrow nostrils and the presence of soft tissue on the palate can cause breathing difficulties, also known as brachycephalic syndrome. This makes them more likely to snore and have serious problems such as breathing distress if they are exposed to the summer heat or engage in too much physical effort.

Avoid walking Pugs during hot summer days, especially during the peak heat hours. Short walks in the early morning or in the evening are highly recommended. Regardless of the time of the year, make sure they don’t push themselves too hard.

Pugs’ eyes are large and exposed, which makes them more likely to get infections or injuries. Skin folds can trap debris and moisture, leading to irritation. Common issues also include hip problems, obesity, and dental disease due to their crowded teeth.

Pug dogs can be prone to allergies and develop skin rashes and irritations. They also may develop ear infections due to their narrow ear canals.

Ask your veterinarian for balanced food in order to keep your Pug at a healthy weight. They tend to become obese if they don’t follow a balanced diet. Use a harness instead of a collar to prevent throat pressure. Regular vet visits and dental checks will help catch health issues early.

Grooming Pugs

The Pug dog breed has a short coat that’s easy to maintain with a weekly brushing. To care for your Pug, regularly clean their facial wrinkles to prevent bacteria and dirt from building up. Use a damp cloth and dry afterward to prevent infections. Brush your pup’s teeth regularly and keep their nails trimmed. Feed them a diet that controls weight and includes Omega-3s for skin and coat health.

Famous Pugs

Historically, Pugs have brought happiness to many people, including royalty and celebrities. Here are some famous Pugs:

Pompey was known as the Pug who saved Prince William of Orange.
Napoleon’s future wife, Madame Josephine Beauhaernais, had a Pug called Fortunè. During the French Revolution, she was confined in the Les Carmes monastery. There was only one creature in the world allowed to come over her cell and that was her Pug Fortunè. She hid in her collar, secret messages for Napoleon and her family. When she was set free, they got married. The funny tale is that Napoleon and Fortunè hated each other. Napoleon and his wife argued even on the first night of their wedding because Fortunè the Pug usually liked to keep Napoleon away from their bedroom and he could not even enter the room sometimes.
During the 90’s, Frank the Pug from the ‘Men in Black‘ movies was one of the most iconic on-screen Pugs.
In the Disney movie ‘Pocahontas’, the dog Percy is a Pug.
Doug the Pug is a real-life social media celebrity with over 18 million followers on social media. He has been in videos, commercials, and even on stage with musicians. He could be considered one of the most famous dogs in the world.

Where to Get a Pug

If you are thinking about getting a Pug, consider adoption. Many rescue groups help Pugs find new homes.

Here are some great Pug adoption resources to help you find your perfect Pug:

Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue has adoptable Pugs in the Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Maryland.
Pug Rescue of New England is a foster-based rescue with Pug puppies and adult dogs for adoption in the New England region.
Tiny Paws Pug Rescue is a California-based Pug rescue with adoptable Pugs.
Pug Dog Club of America is recognized by the American Kennel Club as the official Parent Club for the Pug Dog. The club includes Pug breeders and resources on Pug care and health.

If you choose a breeder, make sure they are ethical and provide health guarantees. Always visit the facility and ask to meet the parents of the puppy. A reputable Pug breeder should provide information about breeding to ensure you are not getting a sick dog or one with underlying issues. Unfortunately, some greedy breeders use Pugs only for profit, treating them like puppy-producing machines. Always make sure to verify the breeder’s practices, visiting their home before adopting.

The Pug dog breed is not just cute, it’s a smart, loving, and loyal companion. Pugs bring humor and comfort to every home they enter. Owning a Pug means daily care and attention, but the reward is a bond that is truly special. If you are looking for a household pet that is small, full of personality, easy to love, and always nearby, the Pug might be the perfect match. If you don’t have time to stay with them during the day, you should consider another breed. Pugs are definitely not solitary dogs.