Pug

Pugs, with their distinctive wrinkled faces and endearing personalities, have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. 

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Breed history

Pugs have a breed history that dates back over 2,000 years. Originating in ancient China, they were bred as companions to Chinese emperors, cherished for their playful nature and loyalty. Pugs eventually found their way to Europe, where they became a favorite of European royals, including Queen Victoria. This royal connection further elevated their popularity, solidifying their reputation as charming and beloved companions.

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Life expectancy

Pugs have a lifespan typically ranging from 12 to 15 years.

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Size

Pugs are classified as a small breed, with a height ranging from 10 to 13 inches (25 – 33cm) at the shoulder. Their weight usually falls between 14 to 22 pounds (6-10 kg).

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Exercise & Training

Pugs are not overly energetic dogs, but they do enjoy moderate exercise. Short daily walks or play sessions are enough to keep this breed content. Pugs are renowned for being stubborn and doing exactly as they wish. As a consequence, during training patience and positive reinforcement are key. Starting training early and keeping sessions short and engaging can lead to more successful outcomes. This breed is very prone to obesity due to their high food drive and general apathy towards long walks and exercise. It is incredibly important to be aware of this as a prospective owner and be conscious of moderating their food intake according to their activity level.

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Grooming/Shedding

Pugs have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colours, including fawn, black, and silver. Their coat is relatively easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat looking its best. Their prominent facial wrinkles require special attention to prevent moisture build up and infections.

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Common traits

Pugs are known for their charming personalities and distinctive physical features. Their large, round eyes and wrinkled faces give them an almost human-like expression. They are sociable dogs that enjoy the company of their human families and often get along well with other pets.

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Common health problems

Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning they have flat faces, which can lead to certain health issues. Other breeds such as French Bulldogs share similar problems related to their flat faces. These include:

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• Brachycephalic syndrome. This is a syndrome made up of several characteristics: narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, narrow trachea and everted laryngeal saccules (small pouches near the vocal cords which, when everted, further narrow the airway). All of these characteristics make it incredibly difficult for the affected dog to breathe effectively. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw. This is what life can be like for the most severely affected dogs. This condition can in turn lead to secondary (life threatening) problems such as heat stroke or exercise induced collapse. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can be helped with surgery from a veterinary surgeon to try and correct the abnormalities listed above, however it can be incredibly expensive and will not completely resolve the problem. Prevention is always better than cure so if you have the choice then we would advise to find a Pug with a longer nose and face whose features are not so exaggerated to have caused these problems in the first place. An even better choice would be a pug x breed, such as a pug x jack russell (or Jug as they have become known). This diversification of genes and elongation of the muzzle helps to almost entirely eliminate the problems described above.