The Pug Breed: Is a Pug the perfect dog for you?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the Pug (a.k.a. Chinese Pug) this way:

The Pug is well described by the phrase "multum in parvo" which means "a lot of dog in a small space." He is small but requires no coddling and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.

Pugs are confident little dogs that seldom fail to make people smile. They are the clowns of the dog world - comical in both appearance and behavior. Pugs are alert, good-natured, very sociable, and affectionate companion dogs. They make devoted family pets - lively and playful enough for children, quiet and calm enough for adults. Most are receptive and friendly toward strangers and seldom bark, which makes them a poor choice for a watchdog. Their quiet nature and smaller size, however, make them ideal for apartment dwellers and as travel companions. Most housebreak easily, but can be a challenge to obedience train. Pugs have been called “an acquired habit” - having once lived with a Pug, most people continue to choose that breed throughout their lifetime.

The Pug is stocky and muscular with a wide chest, blocky head, straight and strong front legs, and well-muscled hind legs. They have the flat, heavily wrinkled face common to many Asian dog and cat breeds. Their tails curl over their back similar to a pig and, like the pig, their tails will nearly straighten out and hang down as a signal that they are either sick or distressed. Common coloring is a tan body with a black facemask and black ears, but other colors include: solid black, apricot, silver, and fawn. They receive their name "Pug" from the Latin word that means "clenched fist". Their pugged faces cause them to make grunting nasal noises when active and they generally snore when sleeping. Pugs are prone to be overweight if overfed or spoiled with too many treats.

There are a few breed-specific health issues with Pugs you should be aware of. Foremost are breathing problems as a result of their flat face and pugged nose (no surprise there). Some may even require surgery to open the nasal passages. Their flat faces also make the eyes vulnerable to injury and Pugs will often lose their sight to cataracts in old age. Pugs have difficulty keeping cool, so they do not tolerate high temperatures or prolonged vigorous exercise. As with most pug-faced dogs, their teeth require regular cleaning to avoid gum disease and tooth loss. By and large, however, the Pug is a relatively hardy dog that can live well into it's fourteenth year and many suffer no serious health issues throughout their lifetime.

On a personal note, our family has had six Pugs over the past 30 years - 4 came to us as adults, 2 as puppies (Arnie is the newest member of our family). Every single one has been a true joy to share our home and our lives with. If you're looking for a loving and devoted family pet that's easy to care for and will make you laugh out loud, you can't go wrong with a Pug.