PUG
Breed Group: Toy
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 25.4 - 33.02 cms (10 - 13 in)
Average Weight: 6.35 - 8.16 kgs (14 - 18 lbs)
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 13 - 15 years
Colours: any color other than fawn or black
HISTORY
Some historians believe the Pug is related to the Tibetan Mastiff, but it has never been proven. Pugs were developed in China during the Han Dynasty (B.C. 206 to A.D. 200) around the same time as the Pekenese. The Chinese valued the forehead wrinkles as they resembled good luck symbols in their language. In the late 1500s to early 1600s Dutch traders brought the dogs to Europe, calling them 'Mopshond', a name still used today. The name Pug comes from the Latin word for fist because their face is said to resemble a human fist. Pugs quickly became the favorite of European royalty and were deemed the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland after saving the life of William, Prince of Orange. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they discovered several Pugs and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.Ā® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Ā
KnowingĀ theĀ sort of 'job' a breed wasĀ createdĀ for can offer valuable insights into the type of lifeĀ dogs of thatĀ breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as anĀ indication of breed tendencies ā not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR PUG
- Pugs are a fun-loving breed with a lot of personality packed into a small package
- They are very in tune with their family's emotions
- They are equally comfortable being the life of a party or curling up with their favorite person at home
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They can become quite dependent and demand your total attention
- They can be a challenge to housebreak and can be prone to barking
- They must be protected from temperature extremes
YOUR PUG PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Pug puppies are the epitome of clownish fun! While their antics can keep you laughing, they can get the puppies into trouble as well. A balance of safety and exposure to novelty is key to a well-adjusted Pug. Because Pugs look very different from other breeds, it is important to expose your Pug puppy to lots of different dogs so they get used to seeing dogs with long muzzles and long tails.
Pug puppies can be quite opinionated, demanding, and dramatic when not getting their own way, so teaching them appropriate boundaries when young will help them remain sweet and loving into adulthood.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Separation distress
- House breaking issues
- Alert barking
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- You might love their devotion, but make sure to develop some independence from you right from the start or that devotion can get out of hand
- Take care to protect them from the elements and be patient when showing them the guidelines for your home, whether that's house training or curbing alert barking
UPBRINGING
Given that they were originally bred to be lap dogs, teaching them independence and confidence in being alone should be high on the list to teach every puppy. Take care to socialize them with a wide variety of situations so they grow to be confident and relaxed wherever they find themselves.
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LIFESTYLE
Comfort, safety, familiarity, and fun with you equal an ideal life for a Pug.
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INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Eating and sleeping are their main hobbies. They can learn tricks and even agility if taught with patience and kindness.
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EDUCATION
Tiny bladders coupled with an aversion to weather that is too cold, too hot, too wet, or too windy can make housebreaking a challenge. Getting your Pug comfortable with handling is a must as they can have more health issues than some other breeds and will need to be comfortable with grooming and vet care. Do not let strangers over-handle or manhandle your Pug as that can make them wary of strangers and being handled in general.
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