The Pug is a breed often described by the Latin phrase “multum in parvo”, which translates to “a lot in a little”. This refers to both their compact yet muscular build and the massive personality hiding inside that small body. Regardless of training and commands, he will inevitablly try to snuggle onto his owners’ bed. Resigned to the warm, soft little lump next to you, you’ll drift off to the gentle snoring of this stubborn little chap. He wouldn’t trade the sofa for a long walk for anything, and he’ll never refuse a tasty treat. Read more about this on Tvaryny.
The Pug: A brief breed overview and characteristics
| Characteristic | Stats for Males | Stats for Females |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Great Britain / China (Patronage) | Great Britain / China (Patronage) |
| Weight (kg) | 6.5 – 10.5 kg | 6.0 – 8.5 kg |
| Height at withers (cm) | 30 – 36 cm | 25 – 30 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12 – 15 years | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat type | Short, smooth, dense | Short, smooth, dense |
| FCI Group | 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs) | 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs) |
History of the breed: From Emperors to the present day
The history of the Pug is ancient and shrouded in legend, with the exact genetic family tree of these lovely creatures still not known for certain. Most researchers lean towards the view that the Pug’s homeland is Ancient China. The first mentions of “low, square dogs with a short muzzle” date back to the Shang Dynasty (1700s BC). Back then, they were called “Lo-Chi”.
These dogs lived in luxury inaccessible to mere mortals. Imperial Pugs had their own servants, guards, and even their own chambers. The Chinese considered the wrinkles on a Pug’s forehead to be an imperial sign, seeing in them the outlines of hieroglyphs carrying secret mystical meaning. It is assumed that they, the Pekingese, and the Japanese Chin share a common ancestor, which is easy to agree with given the appearance of the three little ones. These breeds were shaped for centuries exclusively as decorative companion dogs.
In the 16th century, with the development of trade links, Pugs travelled from Asia to the Netherlands with merchants of the Dutch East India Company. Here they received the European name “Dutch Mastiff” (due to the similarity of the skull structure to large mastiffs) and became the symbol of the Royal House of Orange. Legend has it that a Pug named Pompey saved the life of Prince William I by waking him with his barking during a night-time attack by assassins.
Later, when William III of Orange ascended the English throne, he brought his favourites to Great Britain. It was English breeders who gave the breed the look we know today, making them even sturdier and flatter. The name “Pug” might be derived from the Old English pugg (a playful little monkey) or linked to the Latin pugnus (fist), resembling the shape of their head.
What a Pug looks like: Detailed description of appearance
The Pug is a short, sturdy dog whose appearance replicates massive forms in small dimensions. He should look square and stocky, the so-called “cobby” type. This is not a “chubby” dog, but a muscular athlete, just very compact.
Head and Muzzle
The first thing that catches the eye is the deep skin folds on the Pug’s broad forehead, which should be clear and deep, but not excessive so as to interfere with vision. A Pug’s eyes are a separate universe: dark, round, quite large, with an unspeakable bright longing and a moist shine. A Pug’s look is always full of the question “Is it time to eat yet?”.
The muzzle is short, blunt, square, and not upturned. A characteristic feature is a slight undershot jaw (the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward), which adds a certain seriousness to the facial expression. If you like this type of look but are looking for a dog with a slightly different temprament or size, it is worth paying attention to the French Bulldog, which has a similar skull structure but upright ears.
Body and Coat
The Pug’s neck is thick, strong, and slightly arched, resembling a crest, which allows them to hold their heavy head proudly. The dog’s smooth tail curls into a tight ring (ideally a double ring) and lies flat against the back. The rear of the body sways slightly when walking, creating the signature “Pug roll”.
The short, shiny coat covering the little one’s athletic body is very soft to the touch. The breed standard recognises several colours:
- Silver;
- Apricot;
- Fawn;
- Black.
In light-coloured dogs, the “mask” must be clearly defined – black colouring on the muzzle, ears, on the forehead in the form of a “diamond” (rhombus) and moles on the cheeks. A dark stripe (“trace”) running from the back of the head to the tail along the spine is also desirable.
Character traits and temperament
Pugs have an extremely friendly and affectionate character, thanks to which they settle well into any family. This is not a dog that will guard the yard or go hunting. His mission is to be close by. Pugs often act as the owner’s “shadow”: where you go, he goes. To the kitchen, the bathroom, the bed. If you value personal space, a Pug will teach you to share it.
This playful little fellow will gladly spend time with children, patiently tolerating their antics (within reason, of course). And the greatest happiness for him will be a family evening on the sofa next to his owner. If you are looking for a breed that combines the same love for comfort but with the more refined manners of a spaniel, take a look at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or its close relative the King Charles Spaniel. Unlike active terriers, the Pug has a balanced psyche.
This very “homely” pet requires a lot of affection and attention, so if you stop stroking the Pug and dedicating time to him, he may resort to jealousy or even fall into depression. They do not like to be left alone for long. The calm temperament of these communicative and benevolent dogs makes them excellent companions even for less active owners and the elderly.
Health: Typical diseases and weak points
Unfortunately, the specific appearance of the Pug has a downside – health. A future owner must know about possible risks in order to prevent problems in time. This does not mean that every dog will be ill, but the breed requires an attentive attitude.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Due to the shortened muzzle, all the soft tissues of the nasopharynx are compressed into a small space. This leads to snoring, snuffling, and shortness of breath. Pugs tolerate adverse weather conditions – cold, heat, and high humidity – extremely poorly. In summer, they are at risk of heatstroke much faster than long-snouted dogs. Therefore, it is better to leave them at home with the air conditioning on during a hot afternoon or a windy winter evening.
Ophthalmological Problems
Pugs’ large eyes are almost unprotected by the sockets and protrude forward. This makes them vulnerable to injuries from branches, dust, or during play with other dogs (especially with cats’ claws). Frequent problems:
- Dry keratoconjunctivitis (dry eye syndrome);
- Entropion (inversion of the eyelids, when eyelashes scratch the cornea);
- Prolapse of the eyeball (proptosis) – requires immediate surgical intervention.
Neurological Diseases
A genetic predisposition to Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) can lead to a serious condition for this pet. It is a unique inflammatory brain disease for the breed, which is often fatal. Symptoms include seizures, circling, blindness, and coma. Cases of idiopathic epilepsy are also found in Pugs.
| Body System | Possible Pathologies | Symptoms for seeing a vet |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory | Brachycephalic syndrome, stenotic nares | Severe wheezing, blue tongue, fainting |
| Musculoskeletal | Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation | Lameness, “skipping” on one leg, refusal to walk |
| Skin | Intertrigo (fold inflammation), demodex | Redness in folds, unpleasant odour, itching |
| Nervous | Pug Dog Encephalitis, hemivertebrae | Seizures, coordination problems, weakness of hind legs |
How to properly care for a Pug
Of course, sensitive to climatic fluctuations, the Pug requires exclusively indoor living. He cannot live in a kennel or outdoor run. Caring for a Pug is a daily ritual that ensures him a comfortable life.
Fold Hygiene
The main object of care is the folds on your pet’s face. Inside them, it is warm and damp, dust, tears, and food scraps get in there – an ideal environment for bacteria. Weekly (and in hot weather – daily) carefully clean the skin under the dog’s wrinkles with a cotton pad and special lotion or chlorhexidine. After cleaning, be sure to wipe the fold dry! This way you will save him from the risk of inflammation and fungus, as well as a possible unpleasant smell.
Coat Care and Shedding
Don’t let the short coat mislead you – Pugs shed, and they do it intensely. Owners joke that a Pug has only one shedding period a year – lasting 365 days. Weekly or more often, brush the little one with a rubber mitt or a natural bristle brush (use a Furminator carefully so as not to damage the delicate skin). Pugs usually love this procedure, perceiving it as a massage.
You should bathe a Pug infrequently, about once a month or as he gets dirty, using hypoallergenic shampoos. After bathing, dry the dog thoroughly, especially in places where the coat fits tightly, to avoid the “greenhouse effect”.
Nutrition: Menu and weight control
Two features of the Pug breed – a small stomach and an irrepressible appetite – determine the specifics of their feeding. Obesity often occurs in these dogs, which requires strict food discipline from the owner. Excess weight for a Pug is not just an aesthetic problem, it is a direct threat to life, since fat presses on the already weak respiratory system and heart.
Firstly, these dogs need to be oriented towards quality nutrition. This can be either holistic food for breeds prone to allergies, or a balanced natural diet. If you have chosen “natural”, allocate a significant proportion of the ration to raw lean meat (beef, turkey, rabbit). Chicken often causes allergies in Pugs.
Secondly, do not treat your pet outside the feeding schedule – regardless of any manipulations with a hungry look and a pleading expression on his face. Do not feed the little one from your own table: having tasted cooked meat or sausage with spices, he may refuse to eat healthy food and get an upset stomach.
| Product | Can you give it? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lean raw meat | Yes | Basis of natural diet (pre-frozen) |
| Chocolate / Grapes | Categorically NO | Toxic to dogs, can be fatal |
| Fermented milk products | Limited | Low-fat cottage cheese, kefir (if no lactose intolerance) |
| Vegetables (courgette, pumpkin) | Yes | Source of fibre, prevents obesity |
| Tubular bones (poultry) | No | Risk of injury to stomach and intestines |
Training and upbringing: How to negotiate with a stubborn chap?
Cute little Pugs are quite stubborn creatures, so ensure the dog immediately accepts the owner’s leadership and authority. They are smart, but often ask themselves the question: “Why should I do this if I can just lie down?”. It is recommended to start training at six months of age or even earlier (from the first days of the puppy’s arrival in the house), and carry out lessons in short sessions of 5-10 minutes twice a day – before food.
Pugs react badly to drill and shouting. They can take offence, withdraw into themselves, and ignore you. Encourage the little one with positive reinforcement and verbal praise, eventually moving away from the frequent use of tasty morsels so as not to overfeed. It is very important to socialise the puppy: introduce him to other dogs, people, and street sounds. This will help raise a confident dog.
The Toilet Question. Toilet training a Pug outdoors may take longer than wether breeds. Due to anatomical features, it is difficult for them to hold on for long. Be patient and do not scold the little one for “accidents” if he has not understood how to ask properly.
Pros and cons of the breed
Before getting a dog, it is important to weigh up all the “pros” and “cons”. The Pug is the ideal dog, but not for everyone.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
|---|---|
| Ideal for a flat, does not require much space | Sheds heavily all year round |
| Does not require long physical exertion | Snores, snuffles, makes various noises |
| Very affectionate, loves children | Prone to many diseases and allergies |
| Hardly barks without reason | Tolerates heat and cold poorly |
| Funny appearance that lifts the mood | Stubborn in training |
Interesting facts about Pugs
- Napoleon’s wife and her Pug. Josephine Bonaparte had a favourite Pug named Fortune. When Josephine was imprisoned, she passed secret notes to Napoleon hidden under her dog’s collar, as he was the only one allowed to visit her. Rumour has it that on their wedding night, Fortune bit Napoleon on the leg.
- Secret Society. In the 18th century, Catholic Freemasons (who were forbidden by the Pope from being Freemasons) created the Order of the Pug. They chose this animal as a symbol of loyalty and reliability.
- A Group of Pugs. In English, a group of Pugs is called “a grumble of pugs”. This very aptly describes the sound accompaniment when several of these dogs gather.
- Movie Stars. Pugs often star in films. The most famous movie pug is Frank from the film “Men in Black”.
Frequently Asked Questions about the breed (FAQ)
Do Pugs snore loudly?
Yes, most Pugs snore in their sleep, and sometimes whilst awake (grunting). This is due to the structure of their nasopharynx. If the snoring becomes too loud or the dog is gasping for air, this is a reason to see a vet.
Can you keep a Pug outside?
Categorically not. The Pug is a decorative indoor breed. In winter he will freeze in a matter of minutes, and in summer he will overheat. Furthermore, they are emotionally dependent on humans.
Do they get on with cats?
Yes, Pugs are usually very peaceful and get on well with other pets, including cats. The main thing is to ensure that the cat does not damage the Pug’s large eyes with its claws.