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Pug dogs are not the most handsome of dog breeds but they are spunky, affectionate, clever, and make lovable family pets. They have thick bodies that are squared and stocky. Their compact frame sports a sleek, soft coat that may come in an assortment of colors. Some of the more common colors seen on Pugs include black, fawn, apricot, or silver. Pug dogs are known for their short black muzzle and their velvety ears. They have prominent eyes that bulge from their faces and small teeth that meet in an underbite. Pugs’ tails are tightly curled and normally rest up on their short backs. Some dogs have double curls in their tails. Strong, straight legs give Pug dogs a distinctive jaunty gait that in ways resembles a waddle. Male dogs are typically 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) tall and they weigh 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg). Female dogs are usually about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall and weigh about 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg).
Playful, charming, loyal and affectionate are all terms that describe the temperament of most Pug dogs. These intelligent dogs can be easily trained with positive reinforcement. They are very sensitive to the tones of human voices so harsh punishment is not recommended. Pugs even make good watchdogs since they pack a big bark for such a small dog. They make great pets that are very well behaved and even-tempered around children, other pets, and visitors. Pugs demand a lot of attention and affection from their owners and may become jealous if they feel ignored or left out of family activities. They make a habit of following their owners every move and they love to curl up in a nice warm lap.
Grooming a Pug’s shorthaired coat is easy. Brush and comb the smooth coat daily with a firm bristled brush and clean the creases on the dog’s face daily. Shampoo these dogs only when necessary. Pugs enjoy energetic games in which they receive moderate levels of exercise. This breed has a tendency to eat more than it should and may become obese quickly as a result. Feeding these dogs in moderation and seeing that they get some regular activity will increase their life span that can range from 12 to 15 years on average.
A number of health problems that Pugs are susceptible to make them better suited for living indoors. They are prone to allergies, problems with their corneas, chronic sinus & breathing problems, and they catch colds easily. Pugs tend to snore and wheeze quite a bit too. In general they are not hard to care for and make very devoted family pets that are very good with children.
Pug dogs are believed to be one of the older breeds that may have originated in Asia as early as 400 BC. There is much debate and mystery about their heritage but the American Kennel Club began recognizing Pugs as a show dog breed in 1885 and they have since become quite popular in the United States.
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