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.
Pug Characteristics
So, how big do pugs get? Pugs tend to be small, usually only measuring 10–13 inches tall and weighing 15–18 pounds. They are either fawn-colored with a black muzzle and ears or all black. They're instantly recognizable due to their characteristically short snouts, wrinkled faces, and large eyes.
Pugs' temperaments make them popular as pets because they're friendly and loyal. They love being around other animals and people, including children. Because they're a small breed, they can happily live in a home of any size. They are hardy little dogs who live to be 12–15 years old.
How to Care for Pugs
Pugs are short haired dogs and don't require any complicated grooming. They don't need extensive exercise, but they do need daily activity to stay fit. Like any pet, regular veterinary care will keep them healthy and happy.
Grooming. Pugs have short, smooth coats that stay clean without any special grooming or bathing. They shed quite a lot, so regular brushing can help clear away loose hair. Like most dogs, they need regular nail trimming. Overgrown toenails can cause pain in their paws. The deep wrinkles on their faces require regular, careful cleaning. If dirt and debris get trapped in the skin folds, they can cause irritation or infection.
Diet. Pugs thrive on high-quality commercial dog food — unless they have a known health issue that requires special food. Your vet can suggest appropriate food for your dog based on their age. Pugs are prone to weight gain, so it's important not to overfeed them.
Exercise. Although pugs have a reputation for being lap dogs who don't mind snuggling all day, they still need exercise to stay healthy. You should give your dog about an hour of activity per day. This can be a combination of short walks and playtime.
Pugs are prone to overheating, so limit your dog's outdoor exercise in hot weather. Their flat faces make it harder for them to breathe, which may make them extra sensitive to heat. They should live inside, especially in warmer climates.
Dental care. All dogs need regular dental care to prevent gum disease. Pugs are especially prone to issues with their teeth due to the shape of their heads. Dogs with short snouts naturally have shorter jaws than other dogs. This can lead to crowding of the teeth, causing dental issues. Your vet can recommend a dental care routine for your pug.
Vet care. All dogs need regular vet visits. If your pug gets their vaccines when they're supposed to, they'll be less prone to infections like rabies, parvovirus, and kennel cough. You should see your vet at least once a year to keep their vaccines current. Your vet can also check for other health issues during routine exams.
Your vet can give you information about fleas and ticks in your area. They can also suggest measures you can take to deal with them, including how to prevent them and how to treat them if your dog brings some home. Your vet can prescribe a heartworm prevention medication for your dog to take once a month.
Do Pugs Have Health Problems?
Like many purebred dogs, pugs have health issues specific to their breed. Generations of selective breeding have given them a large head, short snout, and large eyes. This may make them extra cute pets, but the shape of their head can cause problems with their breathing, eyes, and teeth.
Your vet can help you learn more about health issues you should watch for in your pug. But here are some examples:
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). The downside to the pug's short snout is that they're prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). In brachycephalic — or short-nosed — dogs, the soft palate is too long and can obstruct their windpipe.
Pugs may also have narrow nasal passages, which makes breathing more difficult. Symptoms of BAS include sleep apnea, exercise intolerance, or frequent gagging and vomiting. Surgery can correct the problem.
Hemivertebrae. Some pugs are born with a spinal deformity called hemivertebrae. It may be related to their curly tails. With hemivertebrae, the bones in the spine aren't shaped properly and don't align as they should. As a result, your dog's spine might be unstable and deformed. This can cause:
- Nerve damage
- Pain
- Loss of bladder control
- Mobility issues
The condition usually appears while a dog is still growing, so a vet may catch it when they're still in their puppy phase. Surgery can help alleviate some symptoms.
Legg-Perthes disease. Some pugs are born with a condition called Legg-Perthes disease. This reduces your dog's blood supply to their hip joint and causes the bone tissue to die and, eventually, disintegrate. Over time, your pug will develop stiffness and pain in their hip joint, and they may start to limp. Eventually, arthritis will set in. Symptoms usually start when a pug is 5 months old. Your vet may suggest pain relievers, physical therapy, or surgery to treat or correct the problem.
Hip or elbow dysplasia. Some pugs are born with a genetic condition that causes their hip or elbow joints to develop improperly. With time, the joints can weaken and affect your dog's ability to walk. If your pug has either hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, you should limit exercise and keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Eye issues. Pugs have large eyes that are set shallowly in their eye sockets. They can be prone to problems such as dry eyes or eyelashes that point inward and scape the eyeball. Pugs' eyes are also vulnerable to injury. You can protect their eyes by keeping them away from dusty or sandy areas where debris might scratch their corneas.
Skin infections. The deep wrinkles around your pug's head and neck can trap dirt and moisture. If their skin becomes irritated, the dog may develop bacterial infections. Your dog might scratch or lick the affected area more than normal, or you might see a wound on their skin. Cleaning your dog's neck folds can prevent this problem. If you notice a skin infection, your vet can suggest appropriate treatment.
Pug dog encephalitis. This disorder, also known as necrotizing meningoencephalitis, affects the nervous system of pugs in particular. It's progressive and fatal to dogs. Experts believe that it might be genetic, and there are genetic tests to determine if your dog is at risk. Unfortunately, there's currently no treatment for this disease. It's most common in female pugs under 7 years old. Symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Depression
- Abnormal gait
- Blindness
Fun Facts About Pugs
Pugs are good pets because they are so friendly and affectionate. The pug's personality is as attractive to dog lovers as their unique looks. They were bred as companion animals, not working dogs, so they seek human attention and affection by nature.
Thanks to the pug's friendly temperament, these dogs make good family pets. They like children, though their small size means that kids may accidentally hurt them. Adult supervision can help keep a pug safe from accidental harm. Pug owners say their dogs are cheerful, funny, and love attention.
While pugs might bark when a stranger approaches, they don't tend to be noisy dogs. They are not territorial and usually welcome new people enthusiastically. They aren't naturally aggressive, so they're more suited to being your best friend than acting as a watchdog.
Pugs are smart and eager to please, so they are generally trainable. But some experts warn that these little dogs would rather goof off and play rather than take the time to learn important commands. Pugs should be taught using positive reinforcement and repetition for the best results.
History of Pugs
Pugs were originally bred more than 2,000 years ago. They were valued pets of Chinese emperors, and commoners were not allowed to own them. Outsiders were seldom allowed to have these beloved dogs, so they stayed in Asia for many years before they spread to the rest of the world.
Dutch traders brought pugs to Europe in the 1500s. Legend has it that a pug barked to warn a prince of the Royal House of Orange of an impending attack by Spanish assailants. The royal family was loyal to pugs after that, and their popularity in Europe began to grow.
Queen Victoria of England kept pugs as pets. Empress Josephine Bonaparte of France kept a pug named Fortune, who famously bit Josephine's husband Napoleon on the night he and Josephine married. More recently, singer Rob Zombie kept a pug named Dracula.
Now, pugs are favorite pets all over the world. If you are thinking of adding a pug to your family, talk to a vet. They can help you find a reputable breeder and make sure your new dog stays happy and healthy.
