This pint size Mastiff originated in China around 400 BC. Their sole purpose in life since then is to bring joy to their families. Early records regarding their breeding were destroyed per order of the First Emperor of China.
A favorite of Oriental and European royalty, for centuries the Pug has lived like a king or queen. Never expected to lift a paw, other than to shake it, this little dog has the fine art of being a lap dog down pat!
They are in the Toy group. Standing up to 14 inches high and weighing between 13-20 pounds, the Pug comes in four basic colors. You can chose between fawn, apricot, black and silver.
Known for their signature corkscrew tails, several Pug aficionados claim they can judge their dog’s health, by how they hold their tails. A tight curl, the dog is fine. A more relaxed straight tail, something is off. That may or may not be true. Some Pug’s don’t have the coveted corkscrew tail.
The shape of their ears also distinguishes them. There is the “rose” ear and the “button” ear. It seems the latter is favored by more Pug owners.
Like their gentle giant cousin, the Mastiff, it’s their people pleasing, charming, fun-loving, loyal, affectionate, even temper, and easy-going personality; plus, their sturdy build that makes the Pug a wonderful family pet. It doesn’t hurt that they are also pretty good watchdogs. Temperament as a rule is a combination of heredity, training and socialization. Pugs bred by responsible breeders usually have the good nature passed from one generation to the next. With positive reinforcement, punishment free Puppy Kindergarten, obedience training and socialization, your Pug could be the perfect pet. They normally get along well and even enjoy the company of other family pets.
This is not a retriever! Don’t expect your Pug to do something as undignified as to expect them to retrieve a ball. They may chase it, but few will return with it. However, they are fairly agile and will amuse you with some of their own creative forms of exercise.
This mini Mastiff loves to socialize. If deprived, they can develop inappropriate behaviors. To a well- adjusted Pug, the more the merrier.
The best way to train you Pug is to remain calm, yet be fair, firm and consistent. They can be obstinate so stay calm! They love to play games. Turn training into a game and there is nothing they can’t learn.
This tiny clown also makes a fantastic companion for older people. They do need a couple of long walks a day and plenty of play time, but they also like to snuggle up next to the ones they love. Watch what you feed them. If not exercised enough, they will look like a potbelly pig!
Pugs have their fair share of health issues, some grim. The two most serious are necrotizing meningoencehalitis, which is inflammation of the brain and meninges. The second is hemivertebre, which are malformations of the spine, compressing the spinal cord. Both are serious enough to warrant euthanasia.
Pugs can be vaccination sensitive. Speak to your veterinarian. Get only the shots they really need.
Other health issues include: eye problems, epilepsy, yeast infections, allergies, Leggs-Calve-Perthes Syndrome, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Demodermic mange, weakened immune system and obesity. Pugs are also prone to Pharyngeal Gag Reflex or reverse sneezing. It sounds terrible, but it’s not serious. Usually it occurs when they are overly excited.
Being brachycephalic, or short muzzled you will hear a lot of snorting, wheezing and snoring.
Being sensitive to extremes of heat or cold, they are not outdoor dogs!
With their smooth, double coat they are seasonally heavy shedders. Plan to keep a broom and vacuum handy. Their size makes them easy to toss into the tub. Some Pug owners have even trained their pet to join them in the shower. Be sure to keep the wrinkles and folds on their face and body clean and dry. Also keep those ears clean and dry too!
Their average lifespan is 10 -12 years.
Bottom line: Do your homework! Research this breed. Talk to Pug owners before purchasing or adopting one. Avoid like the plague: flea markets, backyard breeders, classified ads, and pet stores. They only perpetuate the horrific puppy mills that flood the market with poor quality pets. Spend a few dollars more. Find a responsible, trustworthy breeder, who takes pride in the quality of their dogs. Check shelters and rescues. As Pugs are a favorite of older people, many are surrendered due to nothing more than unfortunate life circumstances. Who knows, perhaps your new best friend may be there anxiously waiting for you.
Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-Augustine-FL/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486?ref=sgm
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