Pug: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (2025)

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Pug: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (1)
Pug: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (2)

An adaptable companion who’s small, sturdy and very playful.

Pugs are highly adaptable, full of character and thrive in different environments. They are playful, with lots of energy, making them a popular dog for families with or without children. One of the oldest breeds, Pugs’ history can be traced back to 400BC China.

Vital Stats

Size: Small
Coat: Short glossy coat, requires regular brushing
Exercise: Up to 1 hour a day
Life span: 7+ years
Flat-faced: Yes, consider this breed's additional health needs before buying
Breed group: Toy
Temperament: Playful, sociable, loving

Size 25cm
-
36cm
Coat short
coat
Exercise up to1hr Life span 7+years Flat-faced Yes

Pug Temperament & Personality

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Like their Toy group cousins, Pugs love nothing more than being around people at the centre of it all.

  • These out-and-out extroverts love people and being the centre of attention.
  • Pugs are a popular pet for many people and easily adapt to different living environments, from busy family homes to quiet single owner households.
  • Their friendly and playful nature, along with their small size, makes them ideal playmates for children. However, like any breed, they should be supervised with children at all times.
Pug: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (4)

Pug Temperament & Personality

Like their Toy group cousins, Pugs love nothing more than being around people at the centre of it all.

Pug Training & Exercise

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Pugs are intelligent and sensitive. These little dogs also often have a stubborn streak and so may need a firm but fair hand when it comes to their training.

Training tips

  • Due to their sociable nature, puppy training classes will be a big hit with your Pug and will help to socialise them as well as teach them basic commands.
  • Pugs can be sensitive to your tone, so use plenty of positive reinforcement.

Keeping them happy

  • Avoid leaving your Pug alone for long periods of time, as they can be prone to separation anxiety and prefer having someone to keep them company.

Game ideas

  • Pugs love a game of tug-of-war, all you need is a (dog-safe) rope toy and you’re ready to go!

Exercise

  • As the original lapdog, it’s no surprise that Pugs are happy to spend all day indoors and love their food. That means it’s vital that they’re exercised for up to an hour each day to keep them healthy and stop weight gain.
  • Walking and playing outside are both good ways to exercise your Pug – they’ll love spending time with you!
  • As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs’ short muzzles make them less suited to hot weather. It’s best to limit their time spent outdoors during the warmer months.
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Pug Training & Exercise

Pugs are intelligent and sensitive. These little dogs also often have a stubborn streak and so may need a firm but fair hand when it comes to their training.


Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Pugs throughout their lifetime.

More Health Information

Pug Grooming

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Despite their short coats, Pugs shed a lot of hair and need regular grooming.

  • Use a soft bristle brush to brush your pet on a weekly basis.
  • Pugs don’t need regular bathing but if you do bathe your dog, make sure you dry them thoroughly afterwards, paying particular attention to skin folds and wrinkles as trapped moisture can lead to sores if left unchecked.
  • Use grooming time to also check your pug for other health issues. Check their ears for signs of infection, such as black or brown ear wax or a strange smell, and their eyes for weepiness. You should also check for lumps and bumps and signs of parasites.
Pug: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (8)

Pug Grooming

Despite their short coats, Pugs shed a lot of hair and need regular grooming.

Pug Nutrition

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Pugs are known for their love of food, which can lead to obesity and affect their life span if not well managed.

  • Feed your Pug appropriately according to their age, weight and daily activity level. Follow the guidance on their food packaging and check in with your vet if you’re unsure.
  • Make sure you balance food with plenty of exercise to keep your Pug in tip top shape.
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Pug Nutrition

Pugs are known for their love of food, which can lead to obesity and affect their life span if not well managed.

FAQs

FAQs

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Pug insurance considerations

Pugs sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

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Physical & online
consultations

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Diagnostic
tests

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Prescription
medicine

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Surgery &
specialised care

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Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

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Hereditary
conditions

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Behavioural
conditions

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Congenital
conditions

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Dental illness
& injury

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Cancer
treatments

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