Pugs are highly adaptable, full of character and thrive in different environments. They are playful, with lots of energy, making them a popular dog for families with or without children. One of the oldest breeds, Pugs’ history can be traced back to 400BC China.
Facts & advice
Pug
An adaptable companion who’s small, sturdy and very playful.
Vital stats
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| Size: | Small |
| Coat: | Short glossy coat, requires regular brushing |
| Exercise | Up to 1 hour a day |
| Life span: | 7+ years |
| Flat-faced: | Yes, consider this breed's additional health needs before buying |
| Breed group: | Toy |
| Temperament: | Playful, sociable, loving |
Pug temperament & personality
Like their Toy group cousins, Pugs love nothing more than being around people at the centre of it all.
- These out-and-out extroverts love people and being the centre of attention.
- Pugs are a popular pet for many people and easily adapt to different living environments, from busy family homes to quiet single owner households.
- Their friendly and playful nature, along with their small size, makes them ideal playmates for children. However, like any breed, they should be supervised with children at all times.
Pug training & exercise
Pugs are intelligent and sensitive. These little dogs also often have a stubborn streak and so may need a firm but fair hand when it comes to their training.
Exercise
- As the original lapdog, it’s no surprise that Pugs are happy to spend all day indoors and love their food. That means it’s vital that they’re exercised for up to an hour each day to keep them healthy and stop weight gain.
- Walking and playing outside are both good ways to exercise your Pug – they’ll love spending time with you!
- As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs’ short muzzles make them less suited to hot weather. It’s best to limit their time spent outdoors during the warmer months.
Keeping them happy
- Avoid leaving your Pug alone for long periods of time, as they can be prone to separation anxiety and prefer having someone to keep them company.
Training tips
- Due to their sociable nature, puppy training classes will be a big hit with your Pug and will help to socialise them as well as teach them basic commands.
- Pugs can be sensitive to your tone, so use plenty of positive reinforcement.
Game ideas
- Pugs love a game of tug-of-war, all you need is a (dog-safe) rope toy and you’re ready to go!
Common Pug health conditions
There are certain health conditions that affect Pugs more frequently than other dog breeds. We’ve outlined some of our recent claims data to help you understand some of the health issues we see more in Pugs than in other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Pug breeder.
Pugs can develop different types of eye disorders including keratitis, entropion (inturned eyelid) and corneal ulcers. Their bulging eyes expose a large area of their corneas, which puts their eyes at risk of drying out or forming ulcers. Trauma or injury is the most common cause of a corneal ulcer. This may simply be a blunt trauma where your pug has been rubbing an itchy eye or scratch. They can be painful so if your dog is having trouble keeping an eye open or if there is discharge around the eye area then make sure to seek veterinary advice.
Neurological disorders that can result in seizures or fitting may begin in dogs as young as six months old. These physical attacks can come with or without a loss of consciousness caused by a number of issues such as genetic abnormalities, brain tumours and exposure to toxins. Seizures can be unpleasant to witness but can be controlled with the right medication and advice from your veterinary practice.
Pugs are prone to breathing problems due to their short facial structure that creates a squashing effect of the tissues at the back of the nose and in the throat, known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Because of their flattened faces it makes it hard for them to pant and cool themselves down; in hot weather they can overheat which can cause health issues. If your Pug is showing any signs of respiratory problems you should speak to your vet.
The skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body and can be affected by a number of disorders. Like many other breeds, Pugs can suffer from allergies that lead to dermatitis (skin inflammation). Allergies can be caused by many different items, including things that are inhaled (such as pollen or dust mites), items that are eaten (for example, wheat), items that the dog comes into contact with (for example, washing powders), or bites from parasites such as fleas. As allergies cannot be cured, treatment may be required for life, but is usually effective enough to ensure that the dog can enjoy a happy, normal existence.
Mast cells tumours are malignant tumours and can occur in any age of dog, but they are more common in the senior years of a pet’s life. They are usually found as individual masses but can present with multiple tumours ranging from benign to highly malignant. Pugs have an increased risk of developing MCTs but often these are low grade tumours that are easier to treat. There isn’t a known cause for the development of MCTs so it’s important that you regularly examine your pug by running your hands over their body, checking and feeling the surface of their skin for any bumps, swelling, fur loss or redness.
Pug grooming
Despite their short coats, Pugs shed a lot of hair and need regular grooming.
- Use a soft bristle brush to brush your pet on a weekly basis.
- Pugs don’t need regular bathing but if you do bathe your dog, make sure you dry them thoroughly afterwards, paying particular attention to skin folds and wrinkles as trapped moisture can lead to sores if left unchecked.
- Use grooming time to also check your pug for other health issues. Check their ears for signs of infection, such as black or brown ear wax or a strange smell, and their eyes for weepiness. You should also check for lumps and bumps and signs of parasites.
Pug nutrition
Pugs are known for their love of food, which can lead to obesity and affect their life span if not well managed.
- Feed your Pug appropriately according to their age, weight and daily activity level. Follow the guidance on their food packaging and check in with your vet if you’re unsure.
- Make sure you balance food with plenty of exercise to keep your Pug in tip top shape.
Pug frequently asked questions
Playful and adaptable, Pugs make excellent companions for children. These energetic and sturdy little dogs make ideal family pets and their small size means they are a good choice for families with younger children. As with any breed, Pugs should always be supervised when around children to make sure everyone is safe and happy.
As a high shedding breed, Pugs are not generally considered to be suitable for those with allergies. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some may be better suited to allergy-sufferers than others.
Pugs are not considered to be an aggressive breed and generally have playful and adaptable temperaments. However, like other small breeds, Pugs can be easily frightened and aggressive behaviours, such as barking and nipping, may arise if your dog feels scared or threatened. Good socialisation can help your dog to be confident and sociable when out and about and help avoid any unwanted aggression.
Whilst they are intelligent, Pugs do have a few personality traits that can make training a little more challenging than other breeds. Pugs are known to have a stubborn streak and their playful natures makes them easily distracted. What’s more, Pugs can be incredibly sensitive to your tone so positive reinforcement and plenty of praise is vital.
Bred to be companion dogs, Pugs love nothing more than the company of their owners and don’t tolerate being left alone very well. They’ll be happiest at your side and can be very prone to separation anxiety. If you do have to leave your Pug alone for a few hours, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy and ask someone to check in on them.
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Pug insurance considerations
Pugs sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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