Pugs 101: Temperament, Health and a Few Fun Facts

In this guide

Rewritten from source material originally published at: petsittersireland.com/pugs/

Nobody can say for certain how old the pug breed really is, only that it is one of the oldest around. What we do know is that pugs are everywhere: on socks, phone cases, coffee mugs, and cinema screens (Men in Black among them). Doug the Pug has built an Instagram following in the millions, and it is easy to see why. Those bulging eyes and squashed noses give pugs a knack for pulling faces that most other breeds simply cannot manage.

Are pugs good with families?

Very much so. Pugs welcome 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 smaller pets such as rabbits. Their temperament is even and affectionate, and because they thrive on company, a pug suits a household where someone is around for much of the day.

That said, pug puppies are delicate, particularly around the eyes, so playtime with children or other animals should always be supervised.

What is a pug's temperament like?

Pugs are among the gentlest and most easy-going breeds. They will put up with a fair amount of prodding from small children without snapping, though it is still sensible to step in if a child is pestering the dog, just to avoid any accidents. Pugs can be quite protective of their families while remaining friendly toward strangers, which makes them poor guard dogs but excellent companions.

Do pugs bite?

Not typically. As a breed, they are not known for aggression, and the shape of their jaw makes it hard for them to bite with any real force. There are always exceptions, so care is still worthwhile, but pugs are generally considered harmless in this respect.

How long do pugs live, and what health issues should I know about?

Most pugs live to around 12 years, sometimes longer. Like any breed, they can be prone to certain conditions, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye disease
• Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)
• Breathing difficulties

Most pugs, however, live healthy lives without ever developing these problems.

Can a pug's eyes really pop out?

It sounds alarming, but yes, this can happen. The medical term is eye proptosis. Pugs belong to the brachycephalic group of breeds, meaning they have shallow eye sockets and characteristically bulging eyes along with their flattened faces. Other brachycephalic breeds, such as Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Persian cats, share this vulnerability. Trauma, such as a fight or a fall, or the skin being pulled too far back from the face, can cause the eye to become dislodged. If this happens, get to a vet immediately.

Should a pug live outdoors?

No. Their short noses make them unusually sensitive to heat, cold, and humidity, so an outdoor life could genuinely put their health at risk. Pugs are also a sought-after breed, which makes an unsupervised outdoor dog a tempting target for theft. Add in the usual outdoor hazards, from poisons and traffic to other animals, and it is clear a pug belongs indoors, brought out for walks and play under supervision.

How much exercise does a pug need?

Less than many breeds, but they still need regular activity. Two twenty-minute walks a day is a sensible benchmark.

What are the popular pug crossbreeds?

• Puggle: pug crossed with beagle
• Chug: pug crossed with chihuahua
• Bugg: pug crossed with Boston terrier

Are pugs intelligent?

The breed has an undeserved reputation for being a bit dim. In reality, pugs are quite sharp, though like any dog they need consistent, patient training from puppyhood.

Do pugs shed?

Yes, steadily, as most breeds do. Regular brushing keeps it manageable, though shedding is simply part of owning most dogs unless you choose a low-shedding breed such as the Bernedoodle. It is also worth wiping down the folds of skin on a pug's face regularly, since dirt and bacteria can build up there.

A handful of fun pug facts

• Pugs originated in China, where they were known as Lo-Sze.
• They were once kept by royalty.
• The military once used pugs for tracking work.
• A group of pugs is called a grumble.
• A pug appeared in the film Pocahontas.
• A tail with two curls is considered the breed's ideal.
• In 1740, a group of Roman Catholics formed a secret fraternal society called the Order of the Pug.

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.