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The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. The breed is believed to be of Chinese origin and shares similarities to the Pekingese. They were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a luxurious setting and at times were even guarded by soldiers. By the 15th century, the breed was imported to several European countries and, even today, they are a favourite with royalty and discerning people all over the world.
The Pug is an excellent companion as well as a fairly good watchdog who will alert to the presence of strangers. Primarily bred for human companionship, the Pug is extremely people oriented and should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Today, Pugs are seen in Obedience competition, working as Therapy Dogs as well as Hearing Dogs.
The Pug is intelligent, even-tempered, and can be a bit stubborn. He has a loving, outgoing, and playful disposition, wanting nothing more than to please his family.
The Pug's coat is either solid black, silver fawn or apricot fawn and is fine, short, smooth and glossy. The fawn coloured Pugs have black masks and ears (as seen in the photo above). The black Pug is a glossy jet black.
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Health Issues:
The Pug is generally a healthy and hearty breed with a lifespan well into the mid to upper teens. However, like all breeds of dogs, there are some health problems seen in Pugs. One common problem with the Pug is obesity and it is therefore important for the dog's overall health to keep his weight in check. The Pug is a brachycephalic breed and should not be left outdoors! Heat and high humidity can easily cause death in this breed due to the flatness of their faces. They may have trouble breathing and should be kept cool and exercised carefully during the summer months. The Brachycephalic syndrome can also involve having pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Signs of this include excessive snoring and gasping for breath.
Additional health concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) — PDE is a fatal inflammatory brain disease usually seen in young dogs. Signs of the disorder can happen very rapidly, within a few days or weeks, and include seizures, circling, blindness, coma and finally death. It is believed to be of a hereditary nature and the Pug Dog Club of America, along with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, are sponsoring research projects to learn more about the disease.
- Epilepsy — Pugs have been known to have idiopathic epilepsy, or seizures for no known reason. Generally, medication can control the seizures quite successfully.
- Eye Problems — Pugs can have some serious eye problems including Corneal Ulcers, Dry Eye and Pigmentary Keratitis (PK) — this is commonly seen in Pugs and quite often occur together — Dystichia — extra eye lashes that rub against the eye causing irritation and sometimes ulcers.
- Hemi-Vertebra — A condition which involves deformed, misshaped vertebrae of the spine. It is a problem commonly seen in short-faced breeds, including the Pug. Signs of the disorder include a staggering, uncoordinated and weak gait and generally occurs in puppies between 4 to 6 months of age. The disease can get progressively worse and may lead to paralysis.
- Hip Dysplasia — Pugs are second only to Bulldogs in the amount of Hip Dysplasia seen in the breed. However, unlike some of the large and giant breeds affected with Hip Dysplasia, most Pugs can lead normal, healthy lives without requiring surgery.
- Legg-Perthes Calves Disease — This is a common disease seen in many of the toy breeds which, like Hip Dysplasia, involves the hip joint. In Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur is compromised.
- Luxating Patellas — Another common disorder seen in toy breeds and some larger breeds. In affected dogs, the kneecap or patella slides to the side and the joint is unstable, rather than riding up and down as it usually should.
If you are considering the adoption of a Pug puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC Pug Video
27 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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Grooming:
The Pug's smooth coat requires minimal grooming but other areas do require a little more maintenance, such as:
- The nails should be kept short.
- Ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
- The Pug's nose roll and wrinkles along with the rest of the face needs to be kept clean as well.
- Pugs have a lot of teeth which are usually crowded and crooked. These need to be brushed and maintained as much as possible. Nylabones, other specialty items, and special foods can also help to keep the tartar down.
Additional Grooming Resources:
- Grooming — The Grooming section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes information, tips, techniques, plus a growing list of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- Toy Breeds—Housebreaking
- Training — For information on training your Pug, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
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TERRA-NOVA: PUG BOOK & DVD
by Susan Ewing
Breed-specific guide with an extensive health chapter, and a bonus DVD featuring socialization, safety, and training advice!
— Available from Dogwise.com
For additional titles, please see the Books & Merchandise section.
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