John Williams asked:

Pug dogs are perky, small dogs that have a short, sleek coat and cute inquisitive face. These loyal dogs are extremely smart and sensitive to commands. They are sturdy and rugged, love to play and are fantastic with kids. They are not yippy like some small dogs tend to be and are great for a small house or apartment. They typically are outgoing and sociable with humans as well as other animals. They do need attention, like any other pet, and will reward you with their loyal companionship.

History

Pug dogs are an Ancient Asian breed. In the sixteenth century Pugs were all the rage in European high society and a Pug is rumored to have saved the life of William, Prince of Orange when the dog barking gave them notice of the Spanish invasion. Many pugs were found in Chinese Imperial palace in the mid 1800’s. The AKC recognized pugs in 1885.

Breed Standards

Pug dogs should be 12 to 14 inches tall for males and 10 to 12 inches for females. They grow a short coat in black, fawn, apricot or silver. These dogs are stocky with a round eyed face, prominent eyes and curly tails. Pugs should weigh in between 13 to 20 pounds.

Medical Concerns

Pugs often have respiratory and skin related problems. Their “button” ears which fold overcan create a friendly environment for mites – therefore their ears should be checked frequently. These little dogs have flat faces with protruding eyes which might make them prone to ulcers on the cornea. Pugs are also prone to colds and should avoid harsh weather- either very cold or very hot.

Grooming and Care

Bathing pugs is recommended but care should be take to be sure you dry them completely after bathing as they can catch cold easily. Care must be taken with Pugs to insure their ears do not harbor pests and the folds of skin on their faces should be cleaned. Pug dogs are rather easy to care for and groom because of their short hair.

Pugs make loving and loyal companions but like most toy breed dogs do take extra care and attention. Before you adopt a pug, you need to make sure that you can provide him with a proper home. Pugs should not be kept outdoors for any length of time so you will need to provide suitable housing inside the home. Also, make sure you have the time to devote to your dog as he does require your attention.

Dog Food Dangers

Isha Vashist asked:

They are great little dogs to live with. They love nothing more than being centre of attention and are the funniest little characters to be around. Pugs are at their happiest curled up on your lap or with their heads in their food dish! They are extremely loving and affectionate and love being around people. They do not do well being left alone for long periods of time as they are companion dogs.

Living with a pug is relatively easy, however, they do require a little extra care than other breeds. Care and attention should be spent on the fold of skin across the face. Above and underneath the fold must be cleaned and thoroughly dried on a regular basis to prevent bacterial build up leading to skint infections. Care must also be taken to protect the eyes as they can easily become scratched or damaged when playing with other dogs/walking through woodland etc.

I must also warn you, pugs shed like crazy (fawn sheds more than black). Their hairs get everywhere and wearing black becomes out of the question! I hope you enjoy vaccuming lol. Another thing I feel I should mention is the snoring. They are the nosiest little devils!

Just like any breed of dog, buying from a reputable breeder who health screens their dogs reduces the risk of your pup being ill. However, pugs stand a greater risk of developing problems, especially with their breathing. Buying a cheap pug from a BYB maybe cheaper initially, but you will be forever at the vets due to the poor condition the pup has been raised in and the ill-health of the mother before and during breeding/whelping.

My pug *touch wood* doesn’t have any of the serious issues than can be common in pugs, but he does suffer terribly with his skin which has cost me around

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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Pugs are an adorable breed of dog that make perfect house pets. Their heavily wrinkled round, flat faces characterize these dogs. Pugs are classified as toy dogs by the American Kennel Club and are the largest breed in the category.

Pugs originated in China in about 700 BC. They were not bred as a guard dog but as a human companion. The breed comes in four colors, namely black, fawn, silver and apricot. All Pugs have their tail curled up tightly over their hip.

It is said that all puppies are adorable, but Pug puppies have a charm of their own. These pups are born in a litter of about 2 to 5 pups. At birth, a Pug puppy is no bigger than a large mouse and hence will need extra care and attention. Pug mothers tend to care well for their litter. When born, Pug puppies are distinctly different from their parents. Their color tends to be different at birth and changes over time. A very common example is that of a fawn Pug, which at birth is completely black. Its tail is straight at birth and curls as the pup grows up.

Although they might seem small and frail, Pug puppies are extremely active. They require a lot of exercise to stay fit and enjoy running around. Owing to their size, they tend to tire easily and sleep for hours on end. In spite of their active nature, Pug puppies are rarely destructive. Owners usually do not have to worry about the safety of household appliances and furniture.

Pugs mature and stabilize as they grow up. As the breed is known to be stubborn, one must start training early to get a positive result. While training a Pug puppy, one should be patient as they get easily bored by repetitive training sessions. Pugs are sensitive dogs and therefore harsh punishment should be avoided during training.

The puppy should be given its time and space to grow and learn the rules of its home. When fully matured, Pugs make a great family pet.

By: Steve Valentino

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