Most people who see a pug for the first time will consider it rather an ugly little dog, with it's bug eyes and squashed up face and often times a snaggley tooth showing under the lip. They are in the toy group and are not a large breed although they are stocky and quite sturdy little dogs with a wonderful sense of humor.

The pug, unlike many toy breeds, is easy to house train (at least in comparison to some of the other "toy" breeds that are somewhat high-strung.) The pug is generally laid back and a good house pet.

The coat care would seem at first glance to be easy care but because the pug is somewhat wrinkled care needs to be taken that bacteria is cleaned out from the folds of skin, especially around the eyes and on the face.

The pug's nose is similar to the Pekingese and therefore the pug may snore and also needs to be kept from being over heated. Dog whose noses are foreshortened to the extent of the pug are known as "bracocephalic" breeds and although they can smell their senses are nowhere as acute as, for example, a breed with a large an roomy nose such as the hound breeds or working breeds. Also dogs with this type of nose can have trouble breathing, especially if there is high heat and humidity. They must be kept cool in the summer. Part of the syndrome can involve having pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. If a pug suffers from this condition they will make excessive noise when breathing and will almost gasp for air at times. There is a surgery to correct this problem.

The pug is a descendant of the "royal" dogs of China and was bred as a lap dog and royal companion. The pugs and the other two short nosed breeds developed by the Chines (the Pekingese and the Lowchen) were highly prized by the Chinese royalty and sometimes even had their own royal guards!

These little dogs are gentle and sweet natured and love most to be about the business they were bred for, as a companion and a pet. They have a great sense of humor but also a great sense of dignity. Pugs are very intelligent and easy to train, especially since most of them are "beggars" and will do anything for a treat. Pugs have been seen competing in every sport which they are eligible for, including obedience and agility.

Because of their large heads and the shortened nose, pugs often need to have a caesarian section instead of whelping puppies naturally, and therefore breeding a pug is not a matter for the average lay person and is best left up to breeders who are knowledgeable and responsible.

Pug walks Baseball Jersey
available at CAFEPRESS/DOGDAZE

LINKS TO DOG BLOG (4pawsblog)

LINKS TO TRAINING BOOKS

buy this bumper sticker at my Dogdaze Store

This material is the property of KATHY REED, please respect and do not re-print without permission

RETURN TO ALL THINGS DOGS HOME PAGE