Pug
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic. Pug Rescue SA - details below. If you are looking for a Pug, please consider rescue first and foremost. if Pug Rescue SA is not near you, do search for another rescue in your area. https://www.facebook.com/PugRescueSA/
The Pug is one of the oldest breeds known today, believed to have originated in China before 400 BC. The exact origins of the pug are unknown because Emperor Qin Shi Huang - the first Emperor of China - destroyed all records, scrolls and art related to the pug at some point during his reign, which lasted between 221 and 210 BCE. There is, however, somewhat of a debate over this. Most researchers agree that they descended from a shorthaired Pekingese, another theory is that they are the result of crossing a small Bulldog, while others speculate that they are a miniature form of the French Mastiff.
This breed only became popular in the 1860 when the British took over the Chinese Imperial Palace and discovered several Pugs, they took the dogs back to England with them where their popularity grew.
Known in ancient China as lo-sze, pugs may have been responsible for the English Bulldog, the modern Pekingese and the King Charles spaniel.
The pug is a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a tail that curls tightly over the hip. The breed has a compact square body with well-developed muscle and a glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors from fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn, or black.
Although Pugs were bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty their other talents include: watchdog and performing tricks.
Personality
These dogs are known for having big personalities in small bodies. They are intelligent, keen, happy-go-lucky, animated, peppy, spirited, loyal, loving, affectionate with their families, playful, lively and rambunctious - and are sure to keep you laughing. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Pugs are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard, so they make good apartment pets. They are sensitive to hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature
They are devoted and make good watchdogs, they will let you know when someone is at the gate but they are not yappers and don’t bark unnecessarily.
It is important to socialize them from a young age or they can become jealous, and begin to display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys, or other sorts in the house.
Although these dogs don’t need a lot of exercise they will keep in better health if given regular exercise; daily walks of half an hour to an hour will be enough, they also enjoy energetic games. But be careful not to overdo it, because of the short nose they can overheat easily or struggle to breathe and start to wheeze. So in warm weather it is best to keep the exercise to the minimum.
These dogs were bred as lapdogs and they love nothing more that to be in human companionship as much as possible. They will sometimes do very strange and funny things to get your attention. They are definitely not backyard dogs and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Because Pugs have brachycephalic (short-head) skulls, including compressed sinus and oral cavities. They can’t control the fluids that leak from the sinus, they have wet noses, and they wipe their mucus and tears all over their owners.
In a nutshell, Pugs are for you if you:
This breed only became popular in the 1860 when the British took over the Chinese Imperial Palace and discovered several Pugs, they took the dogs back to England with them where their popularity grew.
Known in ancient China as lo-sze, pugs may have been responsible for the English Bulldog, the modern Pekingese and the King Charles spaniel.
The pug is a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a tail that curls tightly over the hip. The breed has a compact square body with well-developed muscle and a glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors from fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn, or black.
Although Pugs were bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty their other talents include: watchdog and performing tricks.
Personality
These dogs are known for having big personalities in small bodies. They are intelligent, keen, happy-go-lucky, animated, peppy, spirited, loyal, loving, affectionate with their families, playful, lively and rambunctious - and are sure to keep you laughing. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Pugs are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard, so they make good apartment pets. They are sensitive to hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature
They are devoted and make good watchdogs, they will let you know when someone is at the gate but they are not yappers and don’t bark unnecessarily.
It is important to socialize them from a young age or they can become jealous, and begin to display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys, or other sorts in the house.
Although these dogs don’t need a lot of exercise they will keep in better health if given regular exercise; daily walks of half an hour to an hour will be enough, they also enjoy energetic games. But be careful not to overdo it, because of the short nose they can overheat easily or struggle to breathe and start to wheeze. So in warm weather it is best to keep the exercise to the minimum.
These dogs were bred as lapdogs and they love nothing more that to be in human companionship as much as possible. They will sometimes do very strange and funny things to get your attention. They are definitely not backyard dogs and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Because Pugs have brachycephalic (short-head) skulls, including compressed sinus and oral cavities. They can’t control the fluids that leak from the sinus, they have wet noses, and they wipe their mucus and tears all over their owners.
In a nutshell, Pugs are for you if you:
- Want a small family pet
- Don’t want an aggressive dog
- Don’t mind a dog that snore when they sleep, can be really loud considering their size
- Don’t mind having a dog that sheds a lot
- Want a dog that is good with children
- Are willing to put in the time to train them, they aren't as easy to train as many other breeds
- Don’t mind a dog hat can be very needy and needs a lot of attention
- Want a dog that will go anywhere and do anything with you
- Don’t mind the dog constantly sneezing on you
- Are willing to spend time grooming them on a daily basis
- Realize that this breed is prone to various health conditions and can afford same
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or contact a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Pug?
Pugs will get along with most other breeds of dog, just keep in mind that they are small dogs and can get huts by larger breed dogs.
A good choice of breed would naturally be another Pug, Boxer, Greyhound, Labrador (although they can be very boisterous when young and may play a bit rough, but they calm down as they get older)
Herding dogs (collies, Australian shepherds, etc) might not be the best choice as they tend to try and "herd" and nip at a running pug.
Dogs like Pit Bulls or Staffies can get irritated by the pugs clownish nature and this can lead to disaster.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, they are not aggressive or dominant and don’t mind sharing their space with others as long as they get all the attention they need.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or contact a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Pug?
Pugs will get along with most other breeds of dog, just keep in mind that they are small dogs and can get huts by larger breed dogs.
A good choice of breed would naturally be another Pug, Boxer, Greyhound, Labrador (although they can be very boisterous when young and may play a bit rough, but they calm down as they get older)
Herding dogs (collies, Australian shepherds, etc) might not be the best choice as they tend to try and "herd" and nip at a running pug.
Dogs like Pit Bulls or Staffies can get irritated by the pugs clownish nature and this can lead to disaster.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, they are not aggressive or dominant and don’t mind sharing their space with others as long as they get all the attention they need.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
This breed is suitable for families with children, they are very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. However, Pug puppies are very small and vulnerable and children should be supervised to prevent them hurting the puppies by accident.
They also behave impeccably with visitors, even strangers, although puppy school and early socialization is required
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Pugs strife to please their owners and will do everything to gain approval, however they can be a bit stubborn and aren't as easy to train as many other breeds.
They don’t respond well to harsh punishment or training techniques, they need an owner who is calm, firm, confident and consistent. With enough patience and positive reinforcement they are very trainable and they love learning and performing tricks.
Grooming
Grooming these dogs is not very expensive but it is a daily job.
Due to their short faces they have a lot of wrinkles that collect moisture, and can lead to growth of fungi and bacteria. To prevent this, the wrinkles need to be cleaned out daily. The same goes for their floppy ears, they tend to be moist inside and need cleaning twice a week.
Like most dogs baths are not needed very often, frequent baths can dry and irritate the skin - once a month should be enough.
Only occasional brushing is needed but because they are heavy shedders this can be done daily to reduce the hairs in your home, it also stimulates natural oil production in the skin. Their claws also grow quickly and need to trimmed regularly if they don’t wear them down naturally
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
This small breed is prone to quite a few health problems, this is not to say that they are guaranteed to have health issues just that there is more that can go wrong. Most Pugs live long healthy lives.
Some of the issues include:
Life expectancy
Their life expectancy is 11 to 15 years.
This breed is suitable for families with children, they are very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. However, Pug puppies are very small and vulnerable and children should be supervised to prevent them hurting the puppies by accident.
They also behave impeccably with visitors, even strangers, although puppy school and early socialization is required
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Pugs strife to please their owners and will do everything to gain approval, however they can be a bit stubborn and aren't as easy to train as many other breeds.
They don’t respond well to harsh punishment or training techniques, they need an owner who is calm, firm, confident and consistent. With enough patience and positive reinforcement they are very trainable and they love learning and performing tricks.
Grooming
Grooming these dogs is not very expensive but it is a daily job.
Due to their short faces they have a lot of wrinkles that collect moisture, and can lead to growth of fungi and bacteria. To prevent this, the wrinkles need to be cleaned out daily. The same goes for their floppy ears, they tend to be moist inside and need cleaning twice a week.
Like most dogs baths are not needed very often, frequent baths can dry and irritate the skin - once a month should be enough.
Only occasional brushing is needed but because they are heavy shedders this can be done daily to reduce the hairs in your home, it also stimulates natural oil production in the skin. Their claws also grow quickly and need to trimmed regularly if they don’t wear them down naturally
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
This small breed is prone to quite a few health problems, this is not to say that they are guaranteed to have health issues just that there is more that can go wrong. Most Pugs live long healthy lives.
Some of the issues include:
- Ear infections, as well as infection between the wrinkles on their faces if not cleaned properly.
- Allergic reactions, insect bites and stings to the head, neck, or face can be fatal.
- Hemivertebrae; when two parts of the spinal vertebrae do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in pressure on the spine - causing such severe paralysis that euthanasia is a serious recommendation.
- Chronic breathing problems - due to their compact breathing passageways, many are unable to breathe properly or efficiently regulate their temperature through evaporation from the tongue. This causes them to wheeze & snore and they easily overheat.
- Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), also known as pug dog encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain and meninges. There is no known cause or cure for NME, although it is believed to be an inherited disease. Dogs usually die or are euthanised within a few months of onset of clinical signs of the disease, which typically appear between six months and seven years of age.
- They are not the easiest whelpers, dams usually have to have cesarean sections due to the size of the pups’ heads.
- Eye problems; including keratites (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea. Since pugs lack longer snouts and prominent skeletal brow ridges, they are susceptible to eye injuries such as proptosis, scratched corneas, and painful entropion Eye prolapse - a common problem where the eye pops out of the socket, it can be caused by trauma to the head or neck (such as an injury or using a tight leash instead of a harness) and can be fixed by returning the eye back to its socket by the owner but a visit to the vet is required to check for eye and eye socket injuries. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery to save the eye, or in a worst case scenario the dog may have the eye removed.
- Obesity - Pugs love food and they will eat more than is good for them, so regular exercise and a healthy diet is very important to avoid this.
- Hip dysplasia affected 63.8% of pugs in a survey performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; they were ranked second worst affected by the condition out of 157 breeds tested.
- "Reverse sneezing", this occurs when they get excited and during this phenomenon, the dog will quickly (and seemingly laboriously) gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is Pharyngeal Gag Reflex. This is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. "Reverse sneezing" episodes are usually not harmful to pugs. Massaging the dogs' throats or covering their noses in order to make them breathe through their mouths can often shorten episodes.
- Demodectic mange, also known as Demodex. This condition is caused by a weakened immune system, and it is a minor problem for many young pugs. This causes them to catch diseases much more easily than regular dogs. It is, however, easily treatable.
Life expectancy
Their life expectancy is 11 to 15 years.
Interesting Facts
o Queen Victoria had many pugs, which she bred herself, included Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima and Venus.
o Prince William II, one dog in particular was said to have saved his life in 1572 at Hermingny, when the dog barked at approaching Spaniards alerting him of their presence.
o In France, Napoleon's wife Josephine had a Pug named Fortune. On their wedding night, when Napoleon refused to allow the dog to sleep in their bed, Josephine told him, "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I!" When Josephine was sent to prison she used the little dog to send secret messages to her husband by placing a note under the collar of her Pug.
o The artist Hogarth had a Pug named "Trump" that he often depicted in his works.
o Hotel for Dogs
o The Adventures of Milo and Otis
o Disney's Pocahontas and Pocahontas II
o Dune
o 12 Rounds
o Marie Antoinette
o 101 Dalmatians
o The King of Queens
o Spin City
o Legend of the Dragon
o The West Wing
o East Enders
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pug.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pug
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pug.htm
http://www.lucasfrancisstudio.com/animal_art/pug/puginfo/puginfo.htm
http://pugs.cc/pug-information/
- Pugs were used by nobility to warm their abdomens for pain relief.
- Famous people that owned pugs:
o Queen Victoria had many pugs, which she bred herself, included Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima and Venus.
o Prince William II, one dog in particular was said to have saved his life in 1572 at Hermingny, when the dog barked at approaching Spaniards alerting him of their presence.
o In France, Napoleon's wife Josephine had a Pug named Fortune. On their wedding night, when Napoleon refused to allow the dog to sleep in their bed, Josephine told him, "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I!" When Josephine was sent to prison she used the little dog to send secret messages to her husband by placing a note under the collar of her Pug.
o The artist Hogarth had a Pug named "Trump" that he often depicted in his works.
- A Pug plays the role of Frank in the film Men in Black, its sequel, and the follow-up animated series.
- Pugs have also been featured in the following television programs and films:
o Hotel for Dogs
o The Adventures of Milo and Otis
o Disney's Pocahontas and Pocahontas II
o Dune
o 12 Rounds
o Marie Antoinette
o 101 Dalmatians
o The King of Queens
o Spin City
o Legend of the Dragon
o The West Wing
o East Enders
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
- Give this dog lots of attention and love
- Start training and socialization early, they can be a bit stubborn and can take longer to train
- Groom them daily
Don’ts
- Leave them outside as they are sensitive to heat and cold, and can struggle to regulate their body temperature
- Over exercise them, they can struggle to breath.
- Leave them alone for long periods of time without human companionship
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pug.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pug
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pug.htm
http://www.lucasfrancisstudio.com/animal_art/pug/puginfo/puginfo.htm
http://pugs.cc/pug-information/