For many people, there is little cuter than a Pug puppy. However, before falling for that adorable face and bringing one home, it’s important to remember what owning a Pug truly entails. The puppy phase eventually fades, and you’ll be left with an adult dog who is a product of your care and training. In the right hands, a Pug is a small dog with a big heart.
So valued was this little dog historically, that they were guarded by the soldiers of the Emperors of China. One of only three breeds to receive such an honor, the Pug is Chinese in origin and dates back as far as 700 BC. While they are related to the Pekingese, they are not, as many believe, related to the bulldog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized the Pug in 1885 after the breed was brought to the USA from England and Holland by traders. The Pug enjoyed a surge in popularity at the time, but this cooled somewhat at the turn of the century. Today, they are neither too common nor too rare—easily recognizable but without the downsides that often affect overly popular breeds.
Physical Characteristics
The Pug should have a round head and a square body. From a show perspective, this means they should not be overly leggy or too long in the body. While these Pugs still make great pets, ideally, they should be compact with well-muscled bodies weighing between 14-18 pounds—not just fat. As a toy breed, they are defined more by their compactness than by their height. Excessive size can cause them to lose the characteristic, cobby look the breed is known for.
The Pug’s head is distinctive, broad, and round when viewed from the front. Too much or too little chin is considered undesirable, and the head should be proportionate to the rest of the dog. Their eyes are bold and prominent but should not bulge out. The Pug carries a natural expression of intelligence, affection, and curiosity with a hint of mischief.
They may come in silver, apricot-fawn, or black. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, even for show, with just regular nail and whisker trimming. The breed is shown in its natural state. The Pug is an even-tempered, playful breed that is outgoing and self-confident. On the downside, they can be willful and stubborn, so patience and a good sense of humor are essential when training a Pug. They are generally not nervous, make excellent alarm dogs, and love to play.
Like many breeds, the Pug is prone to certain health issues. Due to their very short face, they may struggle with heat and cold weather, so exercise them with care in extreme conditions. This short face can also restrict breathing. While surgery can correct this issue, altering a Pug for show through surgery is prohibited by breed ethics. For pets, this is generally not a major concern.
Their short head also leads to more teeth in a smaller space, so extra attention is required for dental care. The Pug’s head requires regular maintenance due to the folds in the skin. Clean their ears, nose roll, and wrinkles regularly to prevent the buildup of debris and moisture, which can cause irritation and problems. Some Pugs require daily cleaning, while others need less attention—but this is something to keep in mind.
Another potential issue is a type of mite that causes a skin condition known as Cheyletiellosis or Walking Dandruff. If your Pug develops heavy flaky dandruff along the middle of their back and seems extremely itchy, consider having them checked for this condition.
It’s important not to jump to conclusions, though, as similar symptoms can also be caused by mange, allergies, or skin infections—all of which can affect Pugs.
There is also a disease unique to Pugs called Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE). This serious and fatal inflammatory disease only affects Pugs. Its cause, transmission, and treatment remain unknown, and it can only be diagnosed posthumously through brain tissue from deceased dogs. Researchers at Cornell University and Texas A&M are investigating whether PDE has a genetic component. Symptoms of PDE include seizures, blindness, circling, coma, and death.
Be sure to consult a veterinarian if your dog experiences seizures, as they may not have PDE. Epilepsy can also occur in Pugs and can often be managed with the correct diagnosis.
Older Pugs can also experience a nerve degeneration disorder, which currently doesn’t have a name, and little is known about it. Symptoms may include dragging of the toes, difficulty jumping, an arched back, and incontinence. This condition is progressive, and anti-inflammatory medications don’t seem to help at this stage.
Some eye issues are also worth noting. Pugs can develop corneal ulcers or dry eyes, both of which require veterinary attention. Dystichia and entropion involve the eyelashes or eyelids causing irritation to the eye. Due to the Pug’s prominent eyes, any trauma or damage near the eye can push the eye out of its socket. Though nerves and muscles may still keep it attached, this is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately to have any chance of saving the dog’s eyesight.
Vertebral issues can develop as early as 4-6 months of age, manifesting as an uncoordinated gait. Legg-Perthes is a disease that impedes blood flow to the head of the femur, causing the bone to deteriorate at the pelvis. This condition often develops in the same age range. Luxating patellas are also common, and Pugs are second only to Bulldogs for the prevalence of hip dysplasia.
Yes, there are many health concerns that Pugs face that are beyond our control. However, there is one condition that is within our power to manage: obesity. Limiting your pet’s food intake is one of the best ways you can show your love for them (along with a solid training program!).
The Pug’s primary purpose is to be a companion to humans. Unlike some breeds developed for hunting, herding, or other work, the Pug exists solely to be a companion. That said, they are highly intelligent and trainable. They can excel in obedience and agility, provided their physical limitations are taken into account and they are trained using positive reinforcement. While they exist to please you, harsh training methods can lead to problems, and a lack of discipline can also cause issues. A careful balance is needed with this breed.
As the Pug’s popularity has grown, so has the creation of “Puggles”—a crossbred dog made by mixing a Pug with a Beagle. Some claim that Puggles are healthier due to hybrid vigor, but this is a misconception. Both Pugs and Beagles are prone to similar health issues, such as obesity, epilepsy, and seizures, and crossing them can introduce genetic deficiencies. Additionally, mixing these breeds can cause physical traits and instincts to clash, which can lead to eye injuries from the Pug’s short nose and the Beagle’s tendency to follow scents.
Most breeders of both Pugs and Beagles strongly advise against breeding these two dogs together.
Be prepared for the health issues that can arise when you adopt a Pug. While the worst-case scenarios can sound alarming, they are just that—worst-case situations. Many healthy, happy, and lovable Pugs live long, fulfilling lives. Choose your dog wisely, and be prepared for the responsibilities that come with ownership. Above all, remember that Pugs are companion animals—they were bred to be with you!
