Pug

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Chinese Pug Carlin Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mops Mopshond Puggu

Basic Info

The Pug's appearance is characterized by a flat, wrinkled face, compact body, and curled tail. Pugs have four color variations: fawn with a black mask and ears, entirely black, silver, or apricot. The silver or apricot-fawn colors should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and the trace and the mask. The breed generally stands between 10 and 11 inches (25–28 cm) tall at the withers with an ideal weight range of 14 to 18 lb (6.3 to 8.1 kg). However, current AKC judges indicate slightly larger Pugs as higher quality. "Fawn" is the most common Pug color, black is rare, and both silver (which is an almost white coat with no black guard hairs) and apricot are extremely rare. Silver is often confused with "smutty" which is undesirable and is characterized by a dark head and sometimes chest and forelegs. Most fawn Pugs have black facial masks.

Health

Because they have extremely short snouts and no skeletal brow ridges, Pugs can easily scratch their corneas (corneal ulcer) or puncture their eyeballs. Their short noses can also cause them to develop breathing problems. They are also prone to skin infections if the crevices in their faces are not kept clean. Additionally, Pugs may be prone to skin allergies, which if not treated can lead to infection as the Pug scratches the inflamed areas. The breed's characteristic flat face may also contribute to tooth and mouth problems. Pugs typically love to eat, and so are prone to obesity; they can quickly reach unhealthy weights. It is therefore important for Pug owners to make sure their pets get regular exercise. Due to their short snouts, Pugs are vulnerable to temperature extremes. It is important to make sure that they do not overheat in hot weather, and likewise they should not be left outside in very cold weather. They also have problems swimming and can drown if left unattended near a pool. Pugs can also suffer from a chronic form of granulomatous meningoencephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) specific to the breed called Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE). PDE is estimated to occur in 1% of Pugs. There is no known cause or cure for PDE, although it is believed to be an inherited disease. PDE is invariably fatal. All dogs either die or are euthanised within a few months after the onset of clinical signs. As with other brachycephalic (short muzzled), screw-tailed dogs, they are more prone to hemivertebrae [3]or "butterfly" vertebrae. This defect is present at birth and genetically based, although the genetic structure appears to be a complex (multiple genes involved) interaction. In fact the screw-tail is actually an example of a hemivertebrae formation. This malformation may be pleasing when located in the tail but can have serious repercussions when located elsewhere in the spine. A healthy Pug can be expected to live 10 to 13 years, although many well cared for Pugs have reached 18.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Pug is a very sociable dog, but quite stubborn. The Pug is a popular breed for a housepet, as it is easy to groom (though it sheds substantially more than other dogs of similar size). However, a pug likes to consider himself the boss. Therefore tiny children who do not understand how to correctly treat the pug can cause the pug to be scared, defensive, or shy. Pugs are true "lap dogs", in that they most often want nothing more than to curl up in their owner's lap (perhaps with a snack). They require regular exercise, and some Pugs will walk for an hour or more. When exercising a Pug, however, it is important to make sure they do not overheat, as their short noses do not cool them off as easily as those of longer-nosed breeds. Pugs are generally compatible with most children and other animals. Some Pugs, like many dogs, can suffer from separation anxiety; that is, when they are left alone more than they are comfortable with, they bark and whine. Pugs are capable of being trained to stop their crying and making sure the Pug gets plenty of attention and affection can help to remedy this. Pugs are not noted for high achievement in obedience competitions, although, like all dog breeds, they are intelligent and learn quickly in the right environment. According to the book The Intelligence of Dogs, they have only fair ability to learn new commands and to obey commands the first time. On the other hand, it is worth noting that there is much debate about how to accurately measure dog intelligence. Noise Pugs have a muffled bark and generally do not bark excessively. Many Pugs make a grunting nasal noise, which increases when they get excited. Nearly all pugs sometimes snort, almost as if they are sneezing, showering anyone who is too close. All may snore, especially if overweight. Pugs have an array of interesting noises they will make during play and rest and these noises, even the grunting and snorting, tend to grow on the owner and it becomes a fun trait of the Pug.

Origin

China

History

The Pug originated in the Far East in China, dating back to around 700 BC, though there is some debate as to the breed it was derived from. It was bred to be a companion dog, rather than a guardian. Pugs were kept by the royalty and were pampered and spoiled, and the expectation of such treatment is a characteristic that seems to remain with them to this day. Sometimes, as a mark of great esteem, Pugs were given to members of the court. When the Dutch started trading with China, sailors smuggled some Pugs home to Europe, where the small dogs and natural companions quickly became popular. Like in China, they soon became associated with nobility. The Pug of today has been accepted in programs as therapy dogs as well as hearing aid dogs. Mostly, however, they happily fill their role as cherished companion. Affectionate, charming, and playful, the Pug makes a great pet. They behave impeccably with children and visitors, especially when they are given lots of attention. A pug, being a natural clown, is always ready to show off. Yet a pug who feels ignored may become jealous. Pugs are devoted and make good watchdogs, without being too yappy. They also get along well with other pets. According to legend, during a campaign against the Spanish by Prince of Orange William The Silent, his Pug, Pompey, thwarted an assassination attempt. One night at Hermigny, while the prince slept, assassins crept toward his tent. Pompey heard them and began barking and scratching to warn his master, finally jumping on his master's face to alert him to the impending danger.

Common Foods

pellet dog food