Pug

Pug

Pugs are happy little souls who just want to be by your side.

Breed at a glance

Weight
6-8 kg
Size
Small
Shedding
Moderate
Exercise needs
40-60 mins
Grooming needs
Moderate
Sociable with pets
High
Life expectancy
12-15 years
Training
Moderately easy

Stop and think before getting a brachycephalic flat-faced dog

Breeds like this have extreme conformation, including exaggerated body features or a flat face and shorter nose (brachycephalic). These characteristics can negatively affect their health and welfare in various ways, and you may face higher insurance and veterinary costs. For these reasons, we wouldn’t recommend buying this type of dog. See here for more information.

If you decide to go ahead, please consider rescuing a dog in need rather than buying a puppy.

What our experts want you to know

Pugs are compact, sturdy, little dogs who were bred to be lapdogs. They’re loyal and loving companions that just love to be your side. Pugs need daily exercise but they’re not one for going on long hikes due to their breathing issues. They are adaptable, friendly dogs who fit into any home.

Sue Ketland

Dog behaviour and training specialist

Temperament and personality

Pugs are a happy, funny and playful little breed. They love nothing more than to curl up on your lap for a snooze. You can take them on a little stroll, and they’ll just be happy to be with you and enjoy the occasional off-lead escapade! You cannot help but smile in the company of a Pug. 

They may be good little watchdogs, but they’re likely to greet an intruder with an affectionate nuzzle, begging for a bit of fuss. Due to their genetics, Pugs are renowned for their snuffling and snorting, not to mention their snoring. While some may think this is utterly adorable, the sad reality is, they just can’t breathe properly.  

Disclaimer

While these breed traits give a general idea of what to expect from a specific type of dog, it's important to remember that every dog is unique. just like people, each dog comes with their own distinct personality, quirks, and characteristics!

Affectionate:
Sociable with people:
Tendency to bark:
Ability to stay home alone:

Your questions answered by experts

Sue Ketland
Dog behaviour and training specialist
Is this breed a good family dog?
Yes! Pugs are tolerant, affectionate, and playful, making them a great choice for families and kids. Whilst family walks aren't out of the question, they don’t have as much stamina as other breeds. They also like their downtime and need lots of sleep as they become adults, so children need to know how to respect their space.
Is this breed affectionate?
Absolutely! Pugs are very affectionate and crave human attention.  You will find they spend every waking hour following you around the house. When they’re not following you, they’ll be sleeping next to you, whether that’s in the day for a little nap, or beside you at night – that’s if you’re willing to share your bed with a snoring Pug! 
Is this breed playful?
Pugs are a very playful breed; they enjoy engaging with people and other dogs they come across. Depending on how well your Pug can breathe, will dictate how long they can last for during a play session. It’s important to monitor this so they don’t get stretched too far.

As well as playing outdoors, they also enjoying chasing toys at home and giving them a good chew – it’s very entertaining to watch.
Does this breed bark a lot?
Pugs are not nuisance barkers and will only bark to let you know someone’s at your door. They’re not usually set off by other sounds outside like other dogs barking or workmen and their tools. Apart from that, the only other noise to mention is their constant snuffling and snorting sounds they make, even if they’re just resting beside you! 
Is this breed more likely to have certain behaviour problems or traits?
Knowing that Pugs are bred for companionship, it’s no wonder they struggle with being home alone for long periods of time. This type of anxiety can lead to separation related behavioural issues, including accidents in the home and destruction of furniture.

If Pugs do not receive the love and attention they crave, they’ll be constantly begging for your attention which may press their owner’s buttons.

Pugs love their food so don’t be surprised if they’re always at your feet sniffing and nudging you for treats. Do not be tempted to give in to their big eyes and cute head tilts, they’ll think they’re being good and keep doing this, not to mention over-feeding a Pug can lead to excessive weight gain. 

If you fulfil your Pug’s physical and emotional needs, they’ll make for a wonderful and easy companion.
What does this breed need from a home?
Pugs can live well in any type of accommodation that has access to a garden or outdoor space, if not, housetraining could be particularly tricky. They make great family pets, but also work well for couples whatever their age. 

Remember, Pugs are a companion breed so they will not thrive in a home where they need to be left a full working day. They can get along with other dogs in the home, as long as they’re not too big or boisterous. If they’re introduced correctly, Pugs can also live happily with friends of the feline variety.

If you provide your Pug with love, attention, interesting walks, playtime, and companionship, they’ll be a pleasure to live with.
How much exercise does this breed need?
A well-bred Pug only needs two walks a day. They enjoy the opportunity to have some free time off-lead with other dogs, or their owners to play with their toys.

Pugs don’t mind what it is, they just want to be doing something with their people. That might be going for an interesting walk, a picnic, or snuggling up on the sofa.

They’re also a smart little breed that adores food, so puzzle feeders are a great way of encouraging them to make the most of mealtimes while using their brains.
Is this breed easy to train?
All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, in a calm and polite way (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Pugs are smart, but they’re not interested about flaunting their abilities or winning any obedience titles. 

They adore food, so use this as a motivational tool to reach a basic level of obedience. Start your training from when they’re a puppy, at this age, they’re like a sponge, so training will be that bit easier. 

The adolescence phase of a dog’s life will always test an owner's patience, but hang in there, your dedication will reward you.
When walking on a loose lead, you should teach your Pug to keep all four feet on the floor when greeting people.
Grooming needs
Pugs have a double coat, which means they’re moderate shedders. The best grooming tool for the job is a rake which you only need to use every other day to keep the shedding under control.

Considering how much Pugs enjoy being on the sofa with you, you may have short little hairs sticking to the fabric, so bear this in mind. Pugs also need the deep-set wrinkles on their face to be cleaned every day to prevent a build-up of bacteria and infections.
Health Conditions
This is where it all starts unravelling for the sweet little Pug. They’re prone to several health conditions.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition that affects their ability to breathe properly. Other breeds such a Bulldogs and French Bulldogs also suffer from this condition.

Dogs affected with this condition usually require surgery to help their breathing. Luxating Patella (a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location) is also a problem with this breed.

Pugs are affected by:
- Narrowed nostrils
- Eye ulceration
- Skinfold infections
- Ear discharge
- Allergic skin disorder
- Demodectic mange
- Dental issues
- Obesity

What do I need from you?

Activity needs

Two good walks a day suits me, somewhere I can scamper about and play with my toys and canine friends. You won’t see me being active in warm weather though, I can’t cope!

Mental stimulation

I like to play with my toys and spend time chewing them. I also love my food and especially enjoy using puzzle feeders to eat from.

Training needs

I love my people, so I’ll need support to cope with being home alone. Loose lead training will prevent me getting tired before reaching the park.

What will this pet cost you?

A Pug puppy costs anywhere from £600 to £3,000 depending on the breeder. The best thing you can do is to buy from a responsible, trustworthy breeder that carries out all relevant health checks. You’re looking on the higher end of the price scale here. 

Preparing for the arrival of a Pug also costs money and this can cost several hundred pounds. This includes food, bowls, bedding, toys, collar, harness, lead, puppy pen and baby gates.

Then there’s the ongoing costs including food and monthly pet insurance premiums. Pugs are an expensive breed to insure but it’s absolutely worth it if you need to see your vet for treatment.

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