Cutest Pet Contest

Pug

Height: 10 - 11 inches
Weight: 14 - 18 pounds
Life span: 12 - 15 years
AKC group: Toy
AKC rank: 13

  • Jogging Partner
  • Lap Dog
  • Children's Dog
  • Outdoor Dog
  • Warm Weather
  • Cold Weather
  • Grooming Requirements
  • Shedding
  • Barking
  • Ease of Training
Breed History | Background:

  • Pugs originated in China in ancient times. They were developed as lap dogs rather than as any sort of working dog.
  • The facial wrinkles were an essential breed feature. The vertical forehead wrinkles were thought to resemble the Chinese mark for “Prince.”
  • Dutch traders brought pugs back from China with them, and Holland subsequently became the pug’s adopted homeland.
  • The pug became the official dog of the House of Orange because they sounded the alarm at the approach of invading soldiers in 1572.
  • Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, used her pug to carry messages back and forth when she was imprisoned.
  • The pug became the most popular royal dog in England during Victorian times.
  • The pug was known as Mopshond in Holland, as Mops in Germany, and as Dutch or Chinese pug in England.
  • The AKC recognized the pug in 1885.
  • The pug took a while to catch on in America, but it has a steady following and has been among the top 20 breeds for years.

Behavioral concerns:

  • Makes a devoted and entertaining family member.
  • Playful, affectionate and gentle with children, pugs make excellent companions for them.
  • Known for its clownish behavior and sense of humor.
  • Affectionate and demonstrative.
  • Reserved toward strangers.
  • Usually good with other dogs and pets.
  • Willing to please but doesn’t like to be forced, which brings out its stubborn streak.
  • Does best with reward-based training with good control and leadership.

Suggested exercise needs:

  • Makes a calm and alert housedog.
  • Requires daily exercise in the form of a leisurely walk, very short jog, or quick game. It is not physically suited to overly vigorous exercise.
  • Overheats easily.
  • Swimming is not recommended, as many pugs cannot stay afloat.
  • Obedience and trick training provides essential mental exercise.

Grooming:

  • The pug’s coat is fine, smooth and short. The skin is overly abundant, and wrinkled on the face.
  • The coat needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair.
  • Wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections.
  • Shedding is above average.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

  • Pugs have a tendency to become obese.
  • Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Medical conditions seen:





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