Pug Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet (2025)

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Pug Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet? ›

Pugs can be stubborn but normally want to please. These are fairly laid-back dogs, not usually given to extensive barking, digging or chewing. Pugs tend to get along well with other dogs and are sturdy enough to get along with children. They enjoy company and can be quite affectionate.

Also known as Weak Rears: Pug Ataxia-Paralysis

Pug Myelopathy is a recently recognized spinal condition called by a number of terms. The most recent terminology seems to have settled on “Pug Myelopathy” to describe a complex of lesions that can progress to paralysis of the rear limbs over a period of one to four years.

Pugs have been around since at least 400 B.C. The jolly little dogs were always bred as companions, so they make ideal pets for everyone, from solo apartment dwellers in cities to families in the suburbs. Pugs are especially known for their cheerful dispositions and friendly nature.

The Pug has been bred to be a companion and a pleasure to his owners. He has an even and stable temperament, great charm, and an outgoing, loving disposition. Pugs live to please their people, so they are generally easy to train.

They can also be a bit stubborn and seem to have selective hearing. Pugs also have voracious appetites and tend to “eat first” and ask questions later. It's not uncommon for a pug to eat, hump or lick something that gets them into a precarious situation.

Cancer is the most common cause of death of pugs in their golden years, and younger pugs are especially prone to mast cell tumors and oral melanoma (skin cancer of the mouth).

Bred to be companion dogs, Pugs love nothing more than the company of their owners and don't tolerate being left alone very well. They'll be happiest at your side and can be very prone to separation anxiety.

Pugs are known for their affectionate nature and they love to cuddle, making them perfect bed companions.

Dogs develop similar personalities to their owners due to various reasons, such as observational learning and emotional bonding. Dogs are perceptive creatures who learn from their owners' behaviors and often mirror their emotional states.

Eating is their favorite pastime (followed by snuggling), and they will put just about anything into that crinkly face, then ask for more.

What is the life expectancy of a Pug? ›

Pugs are fairly robust and often live to 14 or 15 years of age. Pugs do best with some daily exercise to help with their weight problems.

Pugs are ranked as the 57th most intelligent dog breed according to Stanley Coren's Dog Intelligence Ranking, placing them in the "Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence" category. So while they may not be considered the smartest breed, they are far from being the dumbest. How is canine intelligence measured?

Flat-faced dogs very commonly suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which occurs because all the structures you would find in any other dog's head are squashed into their much shorter skulls.

02Pugs are classified as companion dogs since they're very sociable. 03The world's oldest pug, Snookie, lived up to 27 years. 04The American Kennel Club describes its tail as “a perfect double-curl” since it curls tightly over its hip. 05Pugs borrow their name from monkeys called marmosets.

At what age is a Pug fully grown? Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

It's not just overheating that Pug parents need to be aware of. The breed's narrow airway also means they are more prone to respiratory distress. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is an airway condition caused by shortened skull, facial, and nasal bones.

However, like other small breeds, Pugs can be easily frightened and aggressive behaviours, such as barking and nipping, may arise if your dog feels scared or threatened. Good socialisation can help your dog to be confident and sociable when out and about and help avoid any unwanted aggression.

Pugs are a brachycephalic (short-muzzled) breed, which means they are prone to Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This respiratory disorder is lifelong, progressive and in severe cases, can shorten the dog's lifespan. A pug has BOAS when it has one or more airway abnormalities.

Pugs are naturally a little lazy and typically sleep 14 hours a day. They also adore food and have irresistible begging skills, so it's important to monitor your Pug's weight to avoid obesity. While they can't go jogging or partake in any strenuous exercise, Pugs do need to maintain a fit lifestyle.