Are Pugs
Inexpensive?
Pugs are great companions and make great pets.
However, when you consider a Pug, please be sure you understand the breed.
Our rescue receives many calls from people who were unaware of the possible
health problems this, and any short-nosed dog breed, can have. Be sure
to educate yourself on this breed before adopting.
Description:
The Pug has a square, thickset, stocky compact, body,
with a sleek, soft coat that comes in apricot, fawn, black and silver - all
with a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. Rose shaped ears are
preferred. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots. The eyes are
prominent, expressive, dark and lustrous. The teeth should meet in a
slightly undershot bite. The back is short, with a level top line. Their
tail lays in a tight curl, or in the best specimens, a double curl on the
back. Their limbs are straight and strong which gives them a jaunty,
rolling gait that is quite distinctive.
Temperament:
A Pug is "a lot of dog in a small space." They are perky,
rambunctious and loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy disposition.
They are playful and charming. Clever and mischievous - with a heart-winning
personality. They can be a bit willful. Highly intelligent, it bores easily
with repetitive training practices. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your
voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. The dog is neither excitable nor
dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted and are not yappers. Pugs get
along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both
children and visitors. Do not forget though, that they require lots of
attention and become jealous if their owner ignores them.
Height, Weight:
Height: Dogs 12-14 inches (30-36 cm.) Bitches 10-12
inches (25-30 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 13-20 pounds (6-9kg.) Bitches 13-18 pounds (6-8kg.)
Health Problems:
Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold
weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to
chronic breathing problems. (Pugs suffer from poor ventilation.) They are
not the easiest whelpers. Expect Cesarean Section if breeding. There is a
chance of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea.
The delicate eyes are prone to weeping. This breed tends to wheeze and
snore, but on the whole is a very easy-care dog. Do not overfeed a Pug, as
they will eat more than is good for them, quickly becoming obese and living
much shorter lives. Prone to skin problems.
Living Conditions:
The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively
inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or
cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.
Exercise:
Pugs are strong dogs with short straight legs. They enjoy
energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise.
But be careful not to over do it, especially if you see them start to
wheeze.
Life Expectancy:
About 12 to 15 years (we have seen some as old as 18
years).
Grooming:
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush and
comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. After
bathing, dry him quickly and thoroughly to prevent chill. The creases on the
face must be cleaned regularly. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
Origin:
One of the older breeds, the Pug is believed to have
originated before 400 BC in Asia. There is somewhat of a debate over the
origin of the Pug. Some experts think it came from the Lowlands, brought
back from the Far East by Dutch traders. It is possibly of Oriental stock,
descended from a short-haired Pekingese, but another theory is, it is the
result of crossing a small Bulldog. Yet another school of thought is that it
is a miniature form of the rare French Mastiff called Dogue de Bordeaux.
Pugs were a favorite of the artist Hogarth, who included his pet Pug "Trump"
in several of his works. From the sixteenth century, it became a fashionable
adornment of the European Courts, reaching its peak of popularity in
Victorian times. He was a pet at Tibetan monasteries and later traveled to
Japan. The Pug then came to Europe, where the endearing little dog was the
pet of royalty in several countries and even became the official dog of the
House of Orange in Holland. A Pug saved William, Prince of Orange's life by
alerting him to the approaching Spaniards in 1572 at Hermingny. Napoleon's
wife, Josephine, sent secret messages to her husband under the collar of her
Pug while she was in prison. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial
Palace in 1860, they discovered several Pugs and Pekinese, and brought the
little dogs back to England with them. The AKC recognized the Pug in 1885
and the breed has since become a popular companion dog. Some of the Pug's
talents include: watch dogging and performing tricks.
Article Courtesy of Dog Breed Info Center