Pug

Our loveable dog breed with a great sense of humour and a desire to show off and thrives on companionship.

The Pug is an ancient breed of dog is traced back 2000 years! It is generally accepted that they originated in China and were owned by those within Court circles or from the ruling classes of the country. They were most likely bred as lap dogs for the Chinese monarchs and companions of Chinese emperors, unlike most other toy breeds that are full of energy.

There’s a recognised saying when it comes to Pugs, a motto that reads “Multi in Parvo”. This translates as “a lot in a little”, meaning there’s a lot of dog in a small frame!

This stubborn but affectionate dog breed has a life expectancy of 14-15 years, meaning plenty of time to enjoy the charming pug’s personality traits and love from these playful pets.

What does a Pug look like?

Pugs are recognisable for their square body combined with a very rounded head with a flat, wrinkled face. They are a Brachycephalic dog breed, (which is the technical term for a flat-faced dog). Their muzzles are short and full of wrinkles. Their eyes large and their small, delicate ears fall forward. Scan to the other end of their body and you’ll find a curly and short tail.

They have short legs with both male and females standing between 25 and 33cm tall. Their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly, (the ideal pug weight for both male and females sits between 6-8kg).

This small dog breed has a short and smooth coat that comes in two colours – black and fawn. They can cross over and have a mixture of both colours but you won’t find any other colours for this breed!

They are incredibly high shedders due to their dense coat. Regular brushing to ensure dead skin and hairs are not trapped can help to reduce shedding but be prepared for the vacuum cleaner to make a popular appearance in your house! Grooming needs for Pugs are moderate with only one bath every month or so needed. Their nails do need trimming regularly as Pugs don’t spend too much time outdoors for them to wear down themselves naturally.

The wrinkles on this breed’s face need to be kept in check to avoid infections forming. A daily wipe of the muzzle should be all they need. Ensure that their faces are completely dry after washing too so to avoid any moisture getting trapped in between. Pugs are also high susceptible to gum disease so it’s important to regularly brush their teeth. 

Hair Length and Coat Characteristics of Pugs

Pugs are known for their short, sleek and smooth coat, which is easy to maintain but surprisingly dense. This dense coat is responsible for their high shedding levels, meaning pug owners will need to manage fur regularly, even with the short hair. Unlike some breeds with long or curly coats, pugs do not require frequent trims but consistent brushing – at least twice a week – helps to minimise shedding and maintain their skin health.

Despite their short hair, their coat provides minimal insulation, so pugs can feel the effects of cold weather more intensely than other breeds. It’s a good idea to invest in dog-friendly jackets or sweaters during winter walks to keep them warm and cosy. Their short coat also means they are more prone to sunburn, so sun protection during summer is equally essential.

Usual Colours of Pugs

When it comes to coat colours, pugs primarily come in two recognised shades: fawn and black. Fawn pugs are the most common and are typically accompanied by a distinctive black mask around the muzzle, ears and eyes, creating a striking contrast. Their fawn coat can range from light cream to a richer tan but the defining feature is always the dark face and ears.

Black pugs, while less common, boast a glossy, solid-coloured coat without the contrast seen in fawn pugs. Occasionally, you may encounter pugs with a slight mix of these two colours, such as a black pug with faint fawn undertones or vice versa, but no other coat colours are officially recognised within the breed standard. Regardless of colour, their coat requires the same level of care and attention to keep it looking sleek and healthy.

Similar Dog Breeds to Pugs

If you adore pugs but are curious about similar breeds, there are a few options that share comparable traits. One such breed is the French Bulldog, which, like the pug, is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed with a charming personality and a stocky, compact build. French Bulldogs are slightly larger and less wrinkled but have a similar affectionate nature and adaptability to apartment living.

Another similar breed is the Boston Terrier, often nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like coat. Boston Terriers are known for their intelligence, energy and playful demeanour, making them a great alternative for pug lovers seeking a dog with a bit more athleticism.

For fans of the pug’s charming wrinkles, the Bulldog is another close relative. Bulldogs are larger and more muscular but share the pug’s love for companionship and a laid-back approach to life. While they require slightly more space, their calm nature makes them excellent family pets.

These breeds, like pugs, often require similar levels of care due to their brachycephalic nature and compact builds, making them wonderful options for those drawn to this lovable category of dogs.

Personality traits of a Pug

Pugs are well-known for their stubbornness and dry sense of humour but they are loved for their laid-back approach and eagerness to please. When it comes to pug temperament, they aren’t overly lively like other toy breeds of dog but they are overly affectionate and love to be in the company of others.

They get along well with other dogs and children and are not barkers. It is very rare if they do bark, dig or chew at anything in the house but it is not rare to find them snoring exceptionally loudly! The structure of their face makes it hard for them to avoid their snoring habit.

A pug doesn’t need too much exercise and will often make sure you know they don’t want it too. Their overall health needs can be affected by this, (see next paragraph). Their minimal exercise needs and high attention needs make them the ultimate house or apartment dogs.

What common health concerns do Pugs have?

Due to the nature of this dog breed’s structure, they are unfortunately susceptible to many issues. It is important to monitor a Pug's health through regular veterinary checkups and proper nutrition, as this helps prevent and manage common problems.

When considering health procedures such as breeding or desexing, always take the dog's age into account to ensure the best outcome for their well-being. Pugs are not considered hypoallergenic due to their shedding, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Choosing the best diet for your Pug is crucial high-quality dry food is often recommended for its nutritional value, ease of portion control, and benefits for dental health. Regular daily exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and providing mental stimulation, but always avoid strenuous exercise, especially in hot or humid weather, to prevent overheating and respiratory issues.

Obesity

The build of this dog breed and the amount of muscle packed into a small space, makes it easy for Pugs to gain weight. Dinner time snacks and little exercise can only make this worse. Allow your dog a diet that is without the suitable calories in order to maintain their weight. Excess weight on dogs can often cause joint related problems later on such as arthritis, (another disease that Pugs are extremely susceptible to).

Bone and joint problems

Other bone and joint problems such as hip dysplasia, hemi-vertabrae (misshapen back bone) and patella luxation are common in Pugs due to their small legs supporting a sturdy body as they grow. Avoid activities like jumping from high to low or vice versa to avoid causing a more serious injury.

Eye injuries

The eyes of a Pug are so prominent that they are open game to accidental injury! Something as simple as walking into an obstacle such as furniture may cause chronic irritation and pain. You may notice symptoms such as discoloured eye discharge, weeping eyes or discoloured spots on the eye.

Respiratory issues

This includes such as Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, (BAOS). Pugs with a reduced skull length and excess soft tissue in their airways may experience an obstruction in their airflow, making it hard to breathe generally but especially when exercising. Surgeries such as nose resections to enlarge their nostrils are common in the first year of their lives. The impact of these kinds of conditions can be reduced by keeping your dog cool in hot weather, avoiding excessive exercise and keeping your dog at a healthy weight.

Skin diseases and allergies

These come hand in hand with this dog breed. The wrinkles on a Pug’s muzzle can trap dirt and moisture, making it a playground for unwanted bacteria to develop. This often results in yeast infections and other skin diseases such as Pyoderma. Ensure this area stays dry and clean to avoid the build-up of unwanted bacteria. Symptoms of allergies (atopy) in dogs are itching, scratching, sneezing, rashes, hot spots and more.

Pugs don’t do well in heat. Their facial structure and short muzzles make it difficult for them to breathe or to cool themselves down in hot weather. Heat stress and heat stroke in dogs is extremely dangerous for Pugs.

Pug Life Expectancy and Average Lifespan

If you’re looking for a loving, playful breed of dog that has a goal to spend time with you, Pugs are the one for you!

Expert Health Resources for Pug Owners

Pugs are charming companions with unique physical needs. Explore our specialized guides to help manage your Pug’s skin, eye, and digestive health: