Pugs are very playful, loyal, affectionate and charming little bundles of joy. They posses this spunky temperament that proves to be amusing and funny at times. They are thick-bodied and stocky. Their coat is sleek soft and short providing easy care when grooming. Their prominent black eyes that bulge out of their face give them much character and personality. Their distinct black muzzle, velvety ears, and curly tail compliment this very intelligent and easily trainable dog.

Pugs are adaptable to various environments such as an apartment or a big yard. They are very lively and active dogs, family friendly dogs extremely well mannered around children and even make great watchdogs, without being “yappy” dogs.

In all the years I have dealt with Pugs I have yet to meet one that is not friendly and outgoing even to strangers and little children. While they resemble a small dog stature- they are a very sturdy rugged and hearty breed. A favorite in the American Kennel Club recognizing the breed in 1885, they have also become a favorite breed in commercials, media and culture. Pugs have also held roles in many films, television shows and commercials. My favorites are: Otis -from “The Adventures of Milo and Otis”, Frank from “Men in Black”, and the adorable Pug in the “Nexium-purple pill” commercial.

If you do decide to make a Pug part of your family, there are several things you should consider. Whether you are looking for Pug puppies from a reputable Pug breeder or if you are interested in adopting a Pug from a shelter, then make sure you understand as much as you can regarding this very special breed. Every puppie is different and picking the right one is just the fist step in acquiring a life- long “buddy” for more information visit www.amazingdogsplace.com

By: Lissette Robaina

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One of todays most popular dog breeds is the Pug and anyone who is thinking about adding one to their family should become familiar with the specifics of pug dog health care.

This breed has been known to man for over three thousand years, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was first recognized in 1885. This breed is one of the most easily recognized with it’s flat wrinkly face, thickset body, and curly tail. Pugs generally weigh between 13 and 20 pounds and are about 10 to 14 inches tall.

This is one of the cutest dog breeds but some of the very things which make a pug so cute and adorable are also the very things that require a little bit of extra care in order to avoid some of the health problems specific to the breed.

First, there is the dog’s wrinkly skin. Unfortunately, your pug’s adorable skin folds are prone to infection — you must consult your veterinarian immediately at the first signs of infection. You should bathe and clean your pug regularly — particularly making sure you clean in between the wrinkles, removing any dirt or debris because that can cause bacteria build up (which could lead to infection).

Another factor which could cause pug dog health problems is its eyes. Because of its peculiar shape and location on the face, the pug’s eyes are not protected properly and are prone to injury and other problems. Look for any inflammation in the eye regularly and take the dog to the Vet immediately if you identify any problem in the surrounding area.

If allowed, pugs will eat to excess. Watch your pet’s food intake carefully to keep him at a healthy weight — being overweight could adversely affect a pets health as much as it would a person’s.

Pugs are very sensitive to heat and humidity, so don’t leave your dog outdoors without shade or locked in a car during the summer. An overheated pug can have a hard time breathing, so make sure that you don’t leave him anywhere where he might be subjected to high heat for any length of time.

Of course, like any dog, taking proper care of your pug and taking him to the vet for regular visits is the best way to insure good pug dog health. Take care of your pug responsibly and you’ll have your companion healthy and happy for many years to come.

By: Lee Dobbins

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Multo en Parvo – a lot of dog in a small space. This Latin phrase is often used to describe the playful clown of the dog world, the irrepressible Pug. A tiny package of bundled energy, the pug’s bulldog-like stance belies his classification as a ‘toy’ sized breed. Even with his overtly distinctive looks, it is the pug’s amazing personality that sets him apart from other breeds.

Delightfully friendly, pugs have an aesthetic quality that is uniquely their own. Their wrinkled faces, short snouts, curled tails and solid bodies have helped earn the Pug instant recognition on the street. Few breeds of dog are as distinctive as the pug; the common use of the term “pug ugly” suggests how recognizable the pug truly is. Even within the breed, however, variations on appearance exist. While some of these variations are plainly visible to the casual observer, true Pug enthusiasts will often notice the more subtle differences.

The Pug is most commonly “fawn” (sometimes referred to as apricot) in color; a shade resembling a creamy tan. Fawn pugs have black faces and a single black band running the length of their backs. Pug which are entirely black are less common than their fawn counterparts, but are hardly rare. The infrequency of silver colored pugs leads many non-enthusiasts to believe that the pug is limited in shade to fawn or black. Apart from the color of his coat, a pug may be single or double coated. Double coated pugs have both a silky outer coat and a downy undercoat. In both cases, the hair is short and the dog sheds year-round, requiring frequent brushing.

Even closer inspection of the dog will reveal either “rose” or “button” shaped ears, the latter being described as gently folded over and generally consider to be the more desirable of the two forms. Lastly, one of the most playful and recognizable features of this unique breed is his curly tail. The tail of the pug winds into a tight curl slightly to one side and over his hip. The more tightly curled the tail is, the better and the rare double curl is considered perfect. Bobbing slightly with his perky stride, the tail wags freely but only uncurls when the dog is sleeping or distressed.

Regardless of the physical specifics of the pug, it is this breed’s personality that ultimately wins over so many owners. The breed engenders tremendous breed loyalty among owners. Not ranked among the more intelligent breeds, the pug is none the less lovable. His enthusiasm and eagerness to please are remarkable. Truly a lover of human company, the pug will usually insist on being as close as possible to owners, friends, or even total strangers – even becoming somewhat pushy if resisted. Of course, this quality in combination with the infrequency of his bark limits the pug’s effectiveness as a watchdog. Bred as lap dogs, pugs can easily become anxious if left alone too frequently or for too long. They require considerable attention to satisfy their appetite for company. Their appetites are not limited to company however. Pugs love to eat. In fact, for many pugs, there is very little they love more. For this reason and perhaps because of their irresistible buggy eyes, it is common for pet pugs to be overweight.

A lot of dog in a small space, truly the pug has won a place in the heart of dog-lovers and casual observers alike. The unique physical characteristics are only outmatched by his childlike personality and affectionate manner. While upkeep of a pug can be challenging, the rewards seem to more than offset the extra effort.

By: Michael Russell

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For those who know little about dogs and especially pugs, the book Pugs is a good introduction. It starts with the definition of the word pug and its history.

The word entered the language in 1566 as a pleasant address for people and gained other meanings such as bargeman, courtesan, demon, ape, monkey etc. in a few years. Around the middle of the eighteenth century, it came to refer to a dwarf breed of dog.

The breed is oriental, possibly from China and a crossbred of Pekingese and the lion dog from which Shih Tzu’s originated. In Japan, also, black pugs gained popularity during the tenth century. The pug of today is a small dog with an adorable caved-in face, huge eyes with meaningful looks, a soft coat and a beautiful curly tail. A mark of perfection on this breed can be the double curl of the tail.

After the history and the background of the dog, the book goes on to inform about pug breeders and where to find pugs to adopt. It also covers the colors of the breed, a basic personality test before adopting a puppy, pug-proofing the house, papers and health certificates, house training, diets, health problem checklists, inherited problems, emergency advice, obedience training, how to use a collar, harness or lead, and where the dog shows can be found. At the end of the book in the information pages about pugs, the names and addresses of international kennel clubs, pet registries, and animal protection organizations are followed by periodical and book lists. Despite its small size, the book answers all the questions of a novice owner with a language direct and instructional.

In 96 easy-to-read pages and paperback, the book is one volume from Barron’s Educational Series with ISBN-10: 0764110454 and ISBN-13: 978-0764110450. The book contains ten chapters and an index, each chapter containing spectacular photos of pugs and tips about raising and caring for them.

The author of the book, Phil Maggitti, is an animal lover, trainer, a freelance writer and an editor. His other books are: Postcards from the Pug Bus: The Continuing Education of a Pug Dog Owner; Pugs, Everything About Purchase Care; Showcasing Your Pug: A Guide to Breeding and Exhibiting Pug Dogs; Bulldogs (Complete Pet Owner’s Manual); Scottish Fold Cats: Everything About Acquisition, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, Health Care, and Breeding (A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual); Guide to A Well-Behaved Cat (Pet Series: Training); The Cat; Cat Selection Care Training Nutrition; Owning the Right Dog; It’s Show-Time!: And Here’s Everything Cat Fanciers Need to Know About Shows; In the Irons: Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in North America; Before You Buy That Kitten (Pet Healthcare); . He has also co-written Cat: Selection, Care, Training, Nutrition, Health, Breeding, Showing with Dorothy Silkstone Richards and A Dog of Your Own with Joan Palmer.

For those who are going to purchase or adopt a pug or are thinking of building a library on different dog breeds, this book is a must-have item. Aside from the useful information inside, the photos will delight anyone, young or old.

By: Joy Cagil

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In recent years, one of the most popular dog breeds has been the Pug. Prior to bringing a Pug dog home, you must realize that it will require special care. This breed has long been a recognized one, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was initially recognized in 1885. The Pug’s flat and wrinkly face, along with its thick body and curly tail, make it a breed which is easy to recognize. The standard size for a Pug runs from 10 to 14 inches high and weighs between 13 to 20 pounds. Although these dogs are adorable in their own way, an owner has to be aware of special health concerns in this breed.

Starting with the folds in the skin, you must carefully inspect between them for any sign of infection. This happens regularly in Pugs. Any infection should be immediately treated by your veterinarian. Consistently scheduled baths to remove excess dirt from between the skin folds will help to prevent skin infections. Not bathing between the wrinkles can cause bacteria build up which could lead to infection.

Overeating is a problem with many Pugs. Keeping your Pug at a healthy weight by watching its’ food intake is important. Being overweight can be detrimental to them in the same way that it can be for humans. Heat can bother a Pug tremendously, so make sure there is ample shade available if left outside. As with any living thing, they should never be left in a car during the summer. High temperatures can cause difficulty in breathing in Pugs, so you should not leave them exposed to high temperatures.

Another place a Pug manifests health concerns is their eyes. The special shape of a Pug’s face and the location of its’ eyes are generally the cause of many eyesight problems. Consistently checking should alert you to any immediate inflammation in the eye. Any signs of inflammation is a signal to get your dog to the vet right away.

Going to the vet when needed and providing basic pet care are the best ways to keep your Pug in good health. For those that are responsible in their pet’s care, they can be rewarded with many years of companionship.

By: Debbie Foster

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