Cats / Health
Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds around, though nobody can pin down exactly how old — and they've become one of the most recognisable, showing up on everything from socks to phone cases to coffee
Adapted from a Pet Sitters Ireland feature on the Pug breed.
Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds around, though nobody can pin down exactly how old — and they've become one of the most recognisable, showing up on everything from socks to phone cases to coffee mugs. They've had movie roles (Men in Black among them), and some have gone properly viral: the Instagram account for a Pug named Doug has racked up 3.2 million followers. Between the oversized eyes and squished nose, Pugs have an unusually expressive face that photographs brilliantly.
Very much so. Pugs thrive on attention from adults and children alike, rarely nip or bite, and genuinely enjoy games. They tend to get along with other dogs and can usually be trusted around cats and small animals like rabbits. Their temperament runs calm and even, and they do best with a family or owner who's around often, since they crave companionship.
One caveat: Pug puppies are fragile, particularly around the eyes, and should always be supervised around children and other animals.
Pugs rank among the gentlest, most passive breeds, tolerating a surprising amount of prodding from toddlers without nipping. Even so, it's worth stepping in if a child is pestering the dog, just to avoid an accidental bite. Pugs can be protective of their family but remain friendly toward strangers — which makes them a poor choice as a guard dog.
As a breed, they're not known for biting, and the shape of their mouth actually limits how effectively they can bite even if they try. As with any dog, exceptions exist, so some care is always warranted.
Pugs typically live up to 12 years or more.
Like any breed, Pugs can be prone to certain conditions: hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, and breathing difficulties. Not every Pug will encounter these, and most live healthy lives, but it's worth being aware of them.
Yes — the condition is called eye proptosis. As a brachycephalic breed with shallow eye sockets and bulging eyes, Pugs (along with other flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Persian cats) are at risk of a detached eye following trauma — a fight, a head injury from a fall, or excessive pulling of the skin around the face. If this happens, it's an immediate trip to the vet.
No — Pugs should live indoors. Their short noses make them especially sensitive to heat, cold, and humidity, and leaving them outside can lead to serious, even fatal, complications. They're also a desirable breed, which raises the risk of theft if left outdoors unsupervised, on top of the usual outdoor hazards like poison, traffic, disease, and other animals. Outdoor walks and playtime in the park are perfectly fine — just with supervision.
Pugs are often assumed to need minimal exercise, but regular activity still matters — two 20-minute walks a day is a reasonable target.
Despite a reputation for being a bit goofy, Pugs are genuinely intelligent — they just need the same patient, consistent training as any puppy.
Pugs shed steadily, like most dog breeds — regular brushing and grooming keeps it manageable (unless you'd rather skip the issue entirely with a low-shed breed like the Bernedoodle). Their facial folds also need regular cleaning, since dirt and bacteria can build up in the skin creases.
Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.
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