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Pug Information

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Pug

Thank you for using our site to find Pug information. Feel free to add any information about the Pug breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the Pug, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Pug check out our dog training reviews.

General Description

(Carlin) (Mops) The Pug is a cute and commonly seen breed. The breed’s head is covered in wrinkles like a small version of a Shar Pei or Bulldog. Pugs have an extremely short muzzle which looks scrunched up and ends with a small black nose. Their cute faces and large, round eyes are often full of expressions. Small folded ears finish off their adorable, unique face. Despite their small size, the Pug has a broad neck with a dewlap that leads to a wide, square body. Pugs have short skinny legs and a curled tail that lies on its back. Short fur covers their entire small body. The most common fur colors are fawn and black, but they can also be silver or apricot.

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They have the appearance of a big dog, but a small dog at heart, the pug is an easy to please member of the family.

Pugs are mainly recognized by their tightly-curled tail, black wrinkly face and fawn/tan fur and small build.

The pug's life span is 12-15 years.

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Character

Always sweet and cheerful is how the Pug is often described. Family is most important to these little dogs that thrive on attention. A gentle nature makes the Pug great for playing with children. Strangers and dogs will receive the same playful and loving attention a family member would. Plus, owners do not need to worry about Pugs around small animals. Intelligence makes them highly trainable but also independent and stubborn. Sensitivity to punishment makes it important to not yell at Pugs or to use a harsh voice when correcting the breed.

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Size

10 – 14 inches

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Weight

13 – 20 pounds

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General Health

The Pug has some health problems mostly because of how they were bred. These problems include extreme breathing problems caused by their short muzzle and ulcers on the cornea and inflammation of the cornea caused by their eyes bulging. Other health problems are just genetic, including allergies. Also common are colds, eye weeping, and skin problems. Many Pugs find it hard to give birth naturally and need Cesarean Sections. Another important thing for owners to remember is that Pugs will easily over eat and become obese. Life expectancy for a Pug is between 12 to15 years.

Be aware of breathing problems. The flat, wrinkly face makes it hard for Pugs to breathe sometimes. Don't overwork it and be careful when playing and running so he/she doesn't start wheezing/panting hard.

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History

Pugs probably developed in Asia around the 5th century BC. However, there are numerous alternative theories. What is assumed is that the breed ended up in England after British forces found the dogs in China during an attack. The breed was popular among artists, as a companion in monasteries, and as fashion accessories during the Victorian Era. When pugs finally arrived in Europe before the 16th century, they quickly became adopted as a favorite pet of the wealthy. In 1885, the Pug was finally recognized by the AKC.

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Maintenance

Grooming is simple and not time consuming for this little breed. Regular baths and brushing sessions are needed and the wrinkles on their face should be cleaned every day. Pugs are active and enjoy playing games and walking. However, they do get tired quickly and may start wheezing which means they are overexerted. This breed still should be exercised because they can become obese easily. Special care should be taken to prevent this breed from getting too cold or hot because they cannot withstand harsh climates.

Excessive shedding year round even with proper grooming

It's best to clean the rinkles on its face every other day.

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Ideal Environment

The Pug is a perky dog that gets along with all people and animals. Apartment living is fine for this breed because they are calm indoors and do not need a yard. Care should be taken before purchasing a Pug because of their numerous health concerns. A loving family with time to play and provide love is the Pug’s ideal home. However, Pugs cannot be in extreme hot or cold climates.

Pugs want to be with their owners as opposed to being alone. They enjoy companionship of other dogs. They can go outside with coats or sweaters on during cold weather, and are also easily trained to eliminate on pads when they cannot go outside in extreme weather.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site.

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We have two pugs. The one I'm writing about is nearly 11 years old and he has developed some problems with his back and back legs. He is slightly dragging his back right leg and at times his leg is stiff and it's hard for him to get up. I've taken him to our vet and he thinks he has spinal nerve damage. He is now mostly unaware when he needs to use the bathroom and is constantly going in the house now. He has had shots and meds to help his condition but it is something that is not going away. Has anyone else had a problem like this? What did you do? Thanks!

My pug is two years old. Last week I noticed her right back led started to stiff up when she walked. After three days she got worse, so we took her to the vet. The Vet said she got inner ear infection. Now is four days she took antibiotic, but her symtem is not better. She could not regain her balance yet. Her head is tilt to the right. She could not walk yet because her legs are trembleling. Can some one respond if your pet have some experiences like my. Thanks, lisaknoth@hotmail.com

I don't know if this will help but my 10 yr old pug has had alot of problems including an unstable back end. If you don't already give them try giving him Pet-tabs (vitamins) available at your vet. Made a huge diffence in a few of my pug's issues mainly his back end strength

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We have a one year old pug. She is mostly house broken. She has not made a mess on the carpet since she was about 6 months old, however she still pees in her crate about once a week, usually at night. How can we teacher her not to do this? Her crate is not too big and we are very regular about meals and when she is let outside. A couple of times she has held it for over 8 hours when no one could come home at lunch to let her out. How can we teacher her not to pee in her crate?!

Any of these might work for you depending on how you want to treat your dog: 1. Try moving it somewhere, where the dog won't find it. 2. Try using a spray repellant, they sell them at any local pet store. (Just spray around the crate and the dog won't like it and will stay away.) 3. If your dog pees on it again, say -Uh Uh- or -no- depending on which training habit you use. 4. You can get dog Pee Pads at any Local store. (Somehow the dogs get attracted to pee there) 5. Ask a vet or pet trainer for advice

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My 7 year old pug (Wilson) is suddenly holding his head to the right all the time. The vet said that he has a slight ear infection and a tooth that looks suspicious. She did not prescribe anything for us to do. she said to 'give it a few days' I'm really worried. He is eating and drinking but can not walk straight and always holds his head crooked to the side.......Has anyone experienced this? Please Help!!!!!!!

I have an 8 year old named Cade that just developed the same symptoms, I noticed the head tilt and balance problems and immediatly thought ear infection because of his equilibrium. One vet gave me a topical antibiotic that helped but the problem returned. They finally had to sedate him and perform a deep ear flush, the ear canal on a pug is almost 3 inches deep so your vet really needs to clean as far as possible. Have you noticed an odor? If so ear infections are almost always accompanied by yeast infections. Anyhow Cade is back to his old self. Best of luck to Wilson!

It sounds like Wilson has an inner or middle ear infection. The infection affects their balance and causes a severe head tilt. It can also cause problems with their eyes, it is easily treated with antibiotics. Good Luck!

Maybe his ear itches or hurts, maybe that pose makes it feel less irritated. Have you tried touching it? I don't know what you can do. I'd wait for what the doctor reccommends

Inteverm ointment can be perscribed by your vet and that would of cleared it up I think they could get it for you online also.

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I can't seem to housebrake my pug for anything! Could someone give me some advice, she will pee & sometimes poo on a wee-wee pad but as soon as I take her out. Its like she dries up completely untill we are back in the house!

Be patient. It took me over a year to fully housebreak our pug. Pugs are smart but not inclined to do what you want them to do. I think it just takes time and lots of loving encouragement. A regular routine is very helpful. We take a walk twice a day at the same time every day. She knows now to use that opportunity. She very seldom will pee or poop if she's just out in our yard. You could try walks instead to be sure your pug does eliminate.

I have two Pugs, Donna who is black and Emma who is beige, you as the owner have to be consequent and take the dog out regularly, if you don't then don't blame the dog for fouling in the house.My dogs go out five times a day and do not use the garden as a toilet place, they are not locked up in a crate ( never have been ) after all what's the point of haveing a dog if you are going to lock it up in a crate all day long? If your dog is fouling inside the house you should take him out every two hours, rain, snow, thunder or sun, take the dog out regularly and praise it when it pees or poos, have a small treat with you when you go out and give to the dog once he's done his job. Good luck and have fun.

I have 5 pugs and they need a crate. Crate training is the best and only method that works for me and fellow pug owners. The bad side of using a pee pad is that its a square on the floor. So what if you have a rug or clothes on the floor, trust me that they will mistake other items for pee pads. So I would stop using that right away. General rule I use is all people who buy one of my puppies is I give them a nice timer. A digital kitchen timer is best to use or a wind up one. Make a schedule and stick to it. Most times it is the owner who is inconsistent with training and the dog is confused. I recommend that you choose strict feeding times and give them at least 20 minutes to 30 minutes to eat. If they dont eat it all, you take the food away. No if's and's or butt's. I feed mine once in the morning and once at night. THey have a treat at lunch if they are good (which is every day). When you schedule their feedings and time them you are more likely to figure out their elimination habits. With my new puppies I take them out immediately after eating. If they go pee or poo then they can run free in the house. If they DONT GO outside then We come inside and IMMEDIATELY they are placed into the crate/ Set the timer for 10 to 15 mins and try again. Keep doing this until they go. Trust me they will get the drift really quick. So you are taking them out after meals. Now what about the rest of the day you ask... I set the timer for intervals based on age. Little dogs and puppies cannot hold themselves as long as a older dog can. For puppies I take them outside every 2 hours..Yes its alot but trust me it becomes less and less when they learn. For my older dogs who are over 2 yrs old I take out after meals, and once every 4 hours. But they usually go out with the puppies so you can do as you like. Make sure they are exercised at least 30 mins a day. I know that the more exercise they get the less accidents they have indoors. The act of walking as simple as it is makes them naturally want to eliminate. SO this helps to. Now if you work during the day or cannot commit to the timer, try to hire a neighbor or a dog walker to come let them out. Im a dog groomer in my home so its a bit easier now for me to stick to the timer as Im home all day and night. I must say I strugled with the timer during my schooling but it paid off as teh neighbor and my family helped me out/ Try that and give it 1 week guarentee that it works. Also know that the first day or two there will be accidents until they get use to the routine. the timers I get them at walmart and they have a clip on them so you can stick them on your belt loop so you NEVER forget to tkae them outside. The within a month they will be holding it longer and longer.... Also crate them at night and let them out first thing in the morning. IF they are young pups then you will have to wake up and stick to that 2 hour rule for 24 hours a day until they catch on. stock up on somthing I love called Natures Miracle Spot and Stain remover for dogs. You can get it in a gallon size for 22 bucks at petco. Its great and works awesome. That will be your miracle with spots from the doggies. Good luck I promise you it will work as I have helped with alot of bad cases, its just us as the owners we need to get on a schedule and stick to it as far as potty breaks go. Also remember the crate. And never leave free choice feeding when training your dog as this will not allow you to guess when he is going to have to go. I do leave my water out free choice but my dogs are all trained now. Once your dogs get good you can start to associate a bell ringing with them going outside. get a jingle bell and tie it to a ribbon or yarn. Wrap it around your doorknob. When you go outside with the dogs, ring it. When they are trained they will actually go to the door and bump the bell with their noses. Its so cute because sometimes they wiggle their bummies as if they were saying "hurry mommy I really got to pee" I hope this helps

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Pug

I absolutely LOVE my pug. I can't imagine any dog being more loving, nor hav I ever known or owned one as loving and cute! Be patient with training, and they WILL be laid back after about 1 year old. Please do not get this breed if you cannot devote a lot of attention, or if you don't like shedding!

Pros: great personality, very cute, smart, will learn tricks, laid back (after 1yr old)

Cons: can be hard to potty train, SHED, SHED, SHED, do not like to be left alone, CAN'T tolerate HEAT, spastic puppies, picky eater, allergies

Pugs

There is no finer companion than the Pug. During the worst storms, I'm never lonely or afraid as long as my Pug is by my side. I can tell him my deepest, darkest secrets. He turns his little head to one side, then the other. The best part--my secrets go no further. My Pug is the alpha dog;I take the command. Love it.

Pros: Most kissable chops Most twirlable curl (tail) Most expressive eyes

Cons: Pout Stubborn Do not like to be corrected

Rating:

Did we adopt a dog or a kid?

Our family has never owned a dog; when we got Psycho, he fit right in. We got our pug as an adult who had come from an abusive background. He adapted himself very quickly and is a sweet -albeit spoiled- member of the family. Pugs -particularly males- will take over the house with lack of discipline, and can be notorious beggars. However, they are caring and sturdy dogs who are very loyal. They sometimes play favorites with the one who feeds or walks them, but they definitely grow to love every member of the family. They request a lot of emotional attention, and are great dogs for smaller families or older people because of how low-maintenance they are.

Pros: Very intelligent, clever, funny, and empathetic dogs. Mostly great with kids, surprisingly patient with them.

Cons: STUBBORN, they shed a ton, will eat forever, and can use those big expressive eyes to manipulate food out of you.

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MY PUG HAN SOLO

My pug, Han Solo, is a lovable, fussy and over-spoilt little guy who never seems to get bored and is always there for me and my sister, Linda. Bennie was found by the freeway by Linda when she was travelling to work as a barely three-week-old pup, weak with hunger and thirst and barely able to lift his head. Linda brought him home and fed and watered him. I decided to take him to the pound because we already had a Shi Tzu, and before I did I went on the net and looked for info on Pug sicknesses, just in case we needed to take him to the vet before the pound. I stumbled on this site, and after reading everything (even the General Description!) I decided against the pound and opted for keeping him. Linda agreed, for FreeLance was growing old and tired. We did all that vet and adoption stuff, and then he was ours. We named the Pug Han Solo after my favourite character, played by my favourite actor, Harrison Ford, of all time, and trained him to sit, stay, heel, and 'kennel'. After three happy years, Han Solo is still as frisky, and adorable and playful, as the day he was made our own. Sadly, FreeLance has died 1.6 years after we found Han. Han Solo, a.k.a Harris Scarfe (I know! Silly name but anyway, I think it's pretty cool!), is great, lovable, loved his walks and food, and is 'perfectly' trained. We entered him in the town's dog festival, but he was fifth. Oh well, he was great and excellent in our eyes anyway. It's hard to imagine HS as a pathetic, weak pup, but he was once. Now he's playful though. I would recommend the Pug, and this site for research on the breed, to anyone, but especially elderly and aparment-dwellers people. THANKS FOR THE SITE!!!!!!!! P.S. I hope you like the name!

Pros: lovable, playful, frisky, cute, so PERFECT for kids

Cons: sensitive, have to be careful about the breathing, sheds a LOT

Loving Pugs

I have own a pug "Rex" he is terrible but I think that I would not survive with out him he is part of my family this dogs are awsome. They love to be with people and cannot stand the sun. I am looking for another pug but I would love to have a black pug but they are very hard to find.

Pros: they are loving, caring and very cute.

Cons: They shed alot, need alot of attention and hate I mean hate to stay alone they will cry like a 4 month old baby.

Rating:

Adorable and Cute,

Though a pug seems to be one of the most cutest dogs around, you must remember they need care. Their cute smooshed face gives them something other dogs don't always have. A breathing problem. Since their face is smooshed they also have wrinkles. Those need to be taken care of. For example using a wet towel or somethingto clean deep withink the wrinkles. If not cared properly they will not be healthy pugs. They are a great pet for families. They can live in almost any enviornment. But pugs are really not the ones who enjoy exersize. Do not keep them too much in the sun. If your'e the type who just wants to lay around at home, watching tv and eating chips. This might be the right pet for you. Pugs don't require much grooming. WARNING: Never pull you pug's throat too much, meaning don't tug the leashes. Since their faces are made smooshed, their eyes don't have a lot of support, causing the eyes to pop out when tugging their neck. I don't know how to fix that problem, but only to consult a vetrinarian right away! Anyways besides all the difficulties, as i said if your one of those stay at home people, with kids who don't annoy the pug too much, it would be a perfect pet.

Pros: Pugs are extremely cute, and have the most cute button eyes.

Cons: They have to be treated with care, and you need to wipe the wrinkles or else a skin infection can start. They also have more difficulties, they are in the reveiw.

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Pug Information

Pug

General Description

Character

Size

Weight

General Health

History

Maintenance

Ideal Environment

Dog Training!

Find your new Pug

Puppies For Sale

Find a Breeder

Rescue a Dog

Discuss the Pug breed on our Forum!

Ask a QuestionPug Q&A

View more Pug Questions and Answers

Ask your Pug question on our Forum!

Upload a PhotoPug Photos

View more Pug Photos

Write a ReviewPug Reviews

Pug

Pugs

Did we adopt a dog or a kid?

MY PUG HAN SOLO

Loving Pugs

Adorable and Cute,

Pug Information