A Pug is a small breed that has a short muzzled face and a lot of wrinkles. While the breed has a sullen sad expression, the name of the breed has been means a frisky and prankish little devil. The Pug is a sociable dog and fairly charming. A Pug needs lots of attention and tends to get agitated unless attention is showered by the owner. The life span of a Pug is generally between 12 to 15 years and while there are no major issues with the breed, there are a fair number of minor health issues that the breed is prone to. Pug puppies are very cute.

Feeding and Grooming

Pugs are hungry and greedy dogs that tend to eat more food than they require if it is made available. This can result in obesity and heath issues associated with being overweight. While most adult dogs should be given one or two meals in a day, Pugs should be offered food two to three times a day. Smaller portions should be made available so that the dog eats only a specific measured amount. Fresh meat and vegetables make a good meal for Pugs. Use only the best brands of commercial food if you are not able to provide home food for your pet.

We Are Pugs

While the short coat of a Pug is generally easy to maintain, the wrinkles need special attention.  Brushing and combing should be done at least a couple of times a week, while making sure that all the folds are attended to. While a bath is not necessary and a dog shampoo should be used only when absolutely necessary, cleaning the folds daily is required to prevent skin infection. Clipping the nails regularly is also required since Pug nails tend to grow fairly quickly.

Exercise

Being a small dog, the Pug needs relatively lower levels of exercise. A walk in the park is enough to keep them fit. However, this needs to be combined with diet regulations since Pugs tend to overeat. While exercising your Pug, make sure that you do not leave them in the sun for too long since Pugs are not accustomed to extreme heat or cold.

Special care and health concerns

- The wrinkled face and large eyes of the dog combine to create a situation where the drainage from the eyes can get caught in the folds of the skin. Dust particles and other dirt can also get inside the folds of the wrinkles and start to cause infections. Therefore the folds of a Pug’s face should be cleaned carefully.

- While obesity has been mentioned above, it is important to reiterate that obesity can cause other health issues that may be fatal in the long run.

- The long palate accompanied by the short snout causes Pugs to ‘reverse sneeze’. This manifest itself in gasps and snorts that emanate from the Pugs mouth from time to time. While some owners tend to feel that their pet is asphyxiating, there is actually no reason to worry about a ‘reverse sneeze’

- Pugs are also more susceptible to eye injuries like puncture wounds and scratched cornea.

- Demodectic mange is another health concern with Pugs.  The weakened immune system causes Pugs to catch diseases more easily than other dogs.

- Since Pugs have a short snout and smaller breathing passages, they tend to have breathing issues too. This also causes the additional concern with being able to use panting effectively to regulate temperature. Extreme heat can actually result in death and therefore it is essential to keep your Pug in areas that have proper cooling or have a temperature that does not go beyond 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Pugs are also known to suffer from an inflammation of the brain called ‘granulomatous meningoencephalitis’. This chronic condition is specific to Pugs and is also called ‘Pug dog encephalitis (PDE)’. The cause of the inflammation is considered to be hereditary in nature and there is no cure. In most cases, the pet either dies or is euthanized in a few months.

- Another health issue that Pugs, like other brachycephalic dogs, are vulnerable to is hemivertebrae. While the screwtail is also a hemivertebrae, when this occurs in other places, it can cause severe pain and then paralysis. However, it should be noted that this defect is generally congenital and can be detected with an x-ray as soon as a Pug puppy is born.

- Special care is required for Pug female dogs during pregnancy and childbirth. Small dogs such as these may require a Caesarian section and sometimes Pug female dogs also show apathy towards their newborns.

TAGS: Pugs, Pug breed, We are Pugs, Pug disease, Pug exercise, Pug health concerns, Small Dog Breeds, Pug Feeding and Grooming, dogs health, dogs.

  

Pug Faces:

You have to have a sense of humor to have a pug because usually their tongue is hanging around -outside their mouths. They have larger bulging eyes, which are moist and dark and very sweet and they snort a lot.

Fur:

Pugs usually have shorter fur and come in silver, black, or faun colors and can be hyper or laid back usually they adapt to the situation. Pug dogs can be pudgy or put on weight easily so exercise is important. Their fur can shed a lot also so be prepared for some daily brushing to keep loose fur to a minimum.

Pug Sizes:

The Pug is small, with short little stubby legs and females weigh in at 16 to 18 pounds and the males are a little bigger at 18 to 22 pounds. Pugs love to eat so portion control is very important to keep to their normal weight.

Pug Health:

Pugs can have a myriad of health problems with their breathing, and genetic issues.

Pugs are People Dogs:

Pugs are clingy and love to be around their owners so you can expect them to follow you everywhere you go, from room to room and they will be at or under your feet at all times. Some pet owners find this annoying so they should not get a Pug. Perhaps it is because they are so small a dog breed they need constant contact with their loved ones.

 Pug Training:

Training a Pug can be a challenge especially for toilet training, unless you are an experienced dog trainer this could last a year. Difficulty in house training is due to their stubborn streak but they eventually get the hang of it.

Pug Activity Level:

If you like slow and easy Pugs are for you. They do not catch things, like balls or frisbee , and some do not like running much. Pugs do not jog and you should not get a Pug if you expect them to keep up with brisk walks in the park. Pugs like the indoors mostly air conditioned since they are very sensitive to high temperatures you have to keep them cool. If you are an outdoorsy type, get a lab.

Tags: Pugs, Pug fur, pug dog breeds, buying a pug, training a pug, pug activity level, Pugs are people dogs.

 Written By: Teri Salvador