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 The Pug breed was bred to please Chinese Emperors in eastern China in the 1700’s, however this breed is much older. Traces of this breed have been found estimated at ten thousand years old! Pugs have always been raised as companions which has developed them into great pets. Pugs thoroughly enjoy human interaction and they can suffer from separation anxiety if they do not recieve enough attention from their owner. Pugs are a cheerful, friendly, and affectionate breed. They are known to be quite stubborn which make them difficult to train. A patient and gentle approach needs to be taken when training this breed as they are sensitive and do not respond well to a harsh instruction.
It is not known where the name “Pug” came from but there are two popular theories behind it. Some believe that they are named after the Marmoset Pug Monkey. The other theory is that the name comes from the Latin word “pugnus” which translates to “fist” because the face of a pug resembles a clenched fist. This breed is a good family pet that gets along well with considerate children, other pets, and is relatively friendly towards people outside its family. Despite the fact that the Pug is very friendly it surprisingly does make a good watchdog, alerting its owner if it hears someone approaching or anything out of the ordinary.
Pugs do not have pronounced brow ridges and have very short snouts which makes them especially prone to eye injuries. Their short snouts also cause many Pugs to suffer from breathing problems. They commonly have trouble regulating their temperature since dogs do so by evaporation from the tongue which is difficult for breeds with short snouts. Pugs should not be kept outdoors in hot temperatures for a long period of time because it adds strain on their respiratory system. Owners must clean the creases of a pugs face daily to prevent irritation/infection. The area surrounding their eyes should also be washed regularly to remove build up to keep them healthy and clean. Their coat is relatively low maintenance but should be brushed weekly to remove excess shedding hair. This breed is at risk for obesity so owners must ensure their Pug receives adequate exercise and a proper, healthy diet.
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Pug Breed Information |
Breed Group |
Toy Group |
Coat |
Shiney, smooth, short and fine |
Color(s) |
Black, silver or fawn/apricot with a black mask and ears |
Size |
10-14 inches |
Weight |
13-20 lbs |
Exercise: |
They require a fair amount of exercise, but owners should be cautious to make their pug does not over exert themselves |
Temperament |
Lively, Playful, Clever, Loyal, Affectionate, Stubborn, |
Trainability |
Can be difficult |
Average Lifespan |
11-15 years |
Common Health Problems |
Eye injuries, Respiratory problems, Obesity, Demodectic mange, Entropion, Skin infections, Pug Dog Encephalitis |
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