The Pug has an amazing personality
Pug
This breed, is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, thought to have originated well before 400BC. They have their origins in Asia and were imported to Western Europe in the 16th century. Soon their popularity spread over many other countries of Europe. The breed reached the United States in the 19th century and has now become popular as a wonderful pet in many homes. Because of this dog's amazing personality despite its small size, it is often described as multum in parvo which means much in little.
Appearance
This breed has a stumpy appearance, weighs from 14 to 18 pounds, has its face covered with wrinkles and a pronounced twist to its tail. It comes in a variety of colors such as silver, fawn, apricot fawn, brindle or black and has a beautiful smooth and glossy coat. This breed is muscular and has a squared up body stance. Its lower teeth can be seen sticking out further than the upper teeth, meeting in a slight under-bite. They have large round eyes which are dark and very expressive, and tiny ears shaped like a button.
Temperament
Pugs are strong willed dogs that are rarely aggressive. They can be calm and docile, thus making great choices as pets for families with children. These dogs can tolerate children well enough and their sturdy size is ideal for them to play with the children. They are very curious animals and can be seen following their owners wherever they go. They are loyal and affectionate animals that can be taught to follow orders or learn tricks. They are intelligent and fast learners which makes the training process not so difficult. Harsh punishments should be avoided because they can become highly sensitive to even slight changes in the tone of their owner’s voice. They get along well with people and love to play and bond with their owners. They love attention and will do all sorts of funny things to get your attention and to make you laugh.
These dogs also possess certain other traits that many people may not be very happy about. They can often become stubborn. If they want something, they will keep crying for it until they get it. Almost all the pugs have the habit of snoring that may be annoying for many people, especially those having difficulty sleeping. Even though pugs have a short and glossy coat, they shed a lot of hair.
Life span
The life expectancy may vary depending on factors such as diet, exercise, breeding and the care that is provided. On an average they are expected to live for about 12 to 14 years although there have been cases where these animals have lived for 19 to 20 years. It is a sad fact that many owners stop caring for their dogs after they grow up, as a result of which these dogs end up in rescue shelters.
Feeding
Pugs love to eat whenever they can which puts them at a high risk of becoming obese. So it is important to ensure that they get nutritious food, and that too, only in the right amounts and at the right time. A proper and well-balanced diet will enable your dog to live a healthy life for many years. The most important thing to make sure while feeding your pug is to never allow it to overeat so that it does not become overweight. Improper feeding can lead to several health problems such as poor immune system, joint pain etc. You can offer either home cooked meals or commercial dog food that is readily available in the market. Whichever type of food you provide, make sure that it contains the nutrients required for the healthy growth of your dog.
Care
This breed is susceptible to a number of health problems. It is important that the owner have some knowledge of these problems so that medical attention can be provided at the right time. Another important thing regarding pug care is to offer the dog a nutritious diet so that it can lead a healthy life. Brushing the pug’s coat once or twice a week can make it look healthy and glossy. Since they have a wrinkly face, dirt and other things may accumulate in the folds, causing irritation and infection. This can be avoided by gently cleaning the spaces between the folds once every week using a soft cloth or baby wipes.
Pugs are very cute and adorable dogs that are social, loving and affectionate toward the family members as well as visitors to the house. They get along well with children and can be an excellent playful companion to the kids. They are also good with other pets in the house. They can adapt well to apartment lifestyle provided they are taken out for regular walks. These walks will provide sufficient exercise for these dogs. They are generally less demanding and very easy to take care of. They do not need frequent baths either. This dog's cute behavior and their easiness to rear have made them popular as an ideal choice of family pet.
Return from Pug to Dog-Breeds-Explorer Homepage