Description: The Pug is a small dog, considered by some to be a pygmy mastiff. It is a solid, compact animal with dogs measuring 12 to 14 inches and weighing up to 20 pounds. Bitches are generally two inches shorter and weigh 13 to 18 pounds. The Pug is well known for his short, wrinkled face and curly tail that rests on his back. Baby Pugs are sometimes called Puglets. The Pug’s coat color can be black, fawn (often with a darker facial mask), silver, or apricot. Other names for the Pug include Mops, Chinese Pug Dog, or Carlin. The Pug can live up to 15 years.
History: Two schools of thought dispute the origin of the Pug. It is more generally accepted that the Pug was born in Asia and is a descendant of the Pekingese. He was mentioned in the writings of Confucius and was a favorite among Chinese royalty and nobility. The Pug was also kept in Tibetan monasteries. It was the Dutch East India Company that brought the Pug to Europe in the 16th century. The Pug became popular almost instantly and appears in a self-portrait by the artist Hogarth.
Temperament: The Pug is an affectionate and outgoing dog who loves to be around people. He is something of a clown and often amuses his family with his playful antics. The Pug is very good with children and enjoys playing with them. The Pug is a confident and alert dog that will watch the house, without excessive barking. He gets along well with other dogs and family pets.
Health Issues: Due to its short snout, the Pug is susceptible to the usual issues that plague brachycephalic breeds. The Pug will snore and gasp and may go into “snorting fits” which are alarming but not dangerous. The Pug can suffer from hip dysplasia, and this occurs in most of these dogs. Take care that your Pug is not overweight, as this can make breathing and joint problems worse. A very serious ailment is Pug encephalitis, which causes brain swelling in young dogs. A cesarean section is often necessary to deliver the puppies.
Grooming: Lighter colored Pugs, fawn and apricot, can shed a lot, especially in season, and should be brushed regularly. The black Pug sheds much less and does not need to be tended as much. The Pug’s wrinkled face should be kept clean and dry, as infections can develop in the moist folds of the wrinkles.
Living conditions: The Pug is perfect for living indoors, being equally comfortable in a house or apartment. You must have a daily walk to keep you healthy, but these should be skipped in hot weather. Due to the Pug’s short face, it must be protected from both heat and cold. It can suffer from heat stroke very easily and should be kept cool during the summer. The Pug will want to be with his human family as much as possible.