Your Pug

Gassiness can be an embarrassing problem, and housebreaking can be a challenge, especially in the rain, which Pugs detest. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

Instead you should establish the right relationship between the two of you, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, you must teach your Pug to respect you. Read more about Pug Training. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method.

I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. My puppy training book is Respect Training For Puppies: For puppies 2 to 18 months old, this highly-acclaimed training program is based on respect. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all great family dogs need to know.

Since dogs can be very protective of their bowls, a good time to do this is in the evening, after dinner or once your Pug has gone to sleep. Follow exercise requirements and restrictions. Despite their reputation for being lazy, Pugs can have a good amount of energy.

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And, you'll want to meet this by keeping your Pug moving along, for several reasons: Exercise plays an important role in a Pug's physical health; it's good for the heart and lungs, regulates metabolism, helps maintain proper muscle composition, boosts the immune system, and can keep certain diseases at bay including canine diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Exercise also plays a vital role in a dog's mental health; it allows a dog to release any restlessness that bottles up and allows for desensitization and socialization to all outside elements.

At the same time, too much exertion in either duration or intensity can lead to breathing difficulties or overheating for this brachycephalic breed. So, the goal for this care element is to exercise your Pug on a regular basis while keeping in mind your dog's limitations. Pugs do best with at least two walks per day. Each session should last a minimum of 20 minutes, but can extend to 45 minutes or even longer if your Pug is game. Breaks should be taken at the halfway mark of a short walk, every 15 to 20 minutes for a longer walk, or any time that a Pug is breathing noticeably heavier than normal.

Bring your Pug into the shade and offer fresh water, ensuring that breathing is back to normal before starting up again. Light to moderate cardio sessions can also be added in, with a rousing game of fetch being the easiest to play and one that most dogs love. Pugs are sensitive to seasonal changes in temperature and some care elements will need to be adjusted. Summer - Hot humid weather makes summertime care a bit tricky with Pugs. Breathing issues are more pronounced and it's more difficult to keep a Pug active. It can help to take your little guy or gal for walks in the early morning and then later in the evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day.

You can help your Pug stay cool by offering lots of water and refreshing treats like frozen blueberries or raspberries.

Pugs: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?

Stay aware of hot walking surfaces which can cause burns to a dog's paws. Take routes in the shade when possible and use a paw wax to offer a layer of protection. Another helpful care tip is to give your Pug a cooling mat to rest on. The Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Pet Pad works by drawing excess heat away from the body, is self-activating you don't have to plug it in , and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Winter - Plunging temperatures and slippery weather conditions can make wintertime care a bit challenging as well.

Fortunately, Pugs have thick coats which help them stay warm in the winter, but never-the-less, many don't like to go out when it's snowy and cold. And, even with dense fur, dogs that are outside for too long, particularly when it's below freezing, are vulnerable to developing hypothermia. So, continue to take your Pug out for their regular exercise sessions, but limit this on days with heavy winter precipitation or below-freezing temperatures. Another aspect to keep in mind is that arid winter air can lead to issues with dry skin.

Be sure you are using a hydrating shampoo see care tip 2: Baths and apply a paw wax every two weeks to offer better traction and keep the paw pads in good shape. The Pug is prone to certain issues related to the joints, bones, and ligaments including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes.

In addition to this, all dogs age 8-years and up suffer from some level of osteoarthritis and this is more common with breeds that have the aforementioned issues. Either a flat mattress or a bolster bed will work and sometimes dogs do have a preference. Because Pugs tend to snore and may have other sleep-related breathing issues, like sleep apnea, being able to place their head on a bolstered cushion which helps extend the neck can be helpful. A bed like the BarksBar Orthopedic Snuggly Sleeper Dog Bed has a nice 4-inch memory foam base and great padded cushions to provide head and neck support.

This also has a non-slip backing and the cover is machine-washable. There are lots of effective toys that can help your Pug in a number of ways and it's always better to have just a few that do their job than a ton that are ignored. Teething puppies need teething toys that help them scratch their itchy gums and soothe the discomfort of erupting teeth. Pugs of all ages that enjoy chewing should be given durable chew toys that they find pleasant to use, as opposed to looking to non-toy items in the house. Pugs that are home alone and suffer from separation anxiety can be helped with interactive toys that respond to them and a companion toy that helps ease feelings of isolation.

Toys breeds and brachycephalic breeds are both prone to tooth decay, so that means that if you have a Pug you need to pay particular attention to keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy. A build up of plaque, which eats away at tooth enamel and can travel under the gum line, can lead to terribly painful infections, tooth loss and more.

Taking care of your Pug's teeth includes brushing the teeth with a quality canine toothbrush and effective canine toothpaste, or using a spray if your Pug is intolerant to brushings, and offering daily dental treats like GREENIES Dental Chews. Note that this applies to puppies as well, since decay on milk teeth can affect adult teeth that are waiting to emerge. Pugs should have their teeth examined by the veterinarian at least once a year during their wellness checks. An x-ray may be taken to look for any decay and if there is plaque or tartar present, this may require a 'full dental' which involves scraping the teeth clean.

This is done with a dog under light sedation. Trauma is one of the leading causes of death for all puppies, the Pug breed included, and is a top concern for Pugs of all ages. Many instances of severe injury and death can be prevented by following some simple care tips: Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise -- especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, such as herding or hunting. Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, such as barking, chewing, and digging.

Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

The Pug's comical face, with deep wrinkles around big, dark eyes and a flat round face, can't help but make you smile. It is believed that the Pug's name comes from the Latin word for "fist" because his face resembles a human fist. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes.

They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. Especially prized were dogs with wrinkles that seemed to form the letters for the word "prince" in Chinese. The moles on a Pug's cheeks are called "beauty spots. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous.

They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging.

5 Ways to Keep a Healthy Pug

While Pugs can be good watchdogs, they aren't inclined to be "yappy," something your neighbors will appreciate. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Due to the flat shape of the Pug's face, he does not do well in extremely hot or cold weather, and should be kept indoors. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely.

If you live with a Pug, it's a good idea to invest in a quality vacuum cleaner! Pugs originated in China, dating back to the Han dynasty B. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers.

Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: Some think that the famous "Foo Dogs" of China are representations of the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast.

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He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. As the Pug's popularity spread throughout Europe, it was often known by different names in different countries. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. Since her beloved Pug was the only "visitor" she was allowed, she would conceal messages in his collar to take to her family. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. The other line was developed by Lord and Lady Willoughby d'Eresby, and was founded on dogs imported from Russia or Hungary.

Pugs were first exhibited in England in The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. These two "pure" Chinese lines were bred and produced Click. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines.

Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned.

A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Advantages

Don't expect a Pug to hunt, guard or retrieve. Pugs were bred to be companions , and that's exactly what they do best. The Pug craves affection — and your lap — and is very unhappy if his devotion isn't reciprocated.

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He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. This doesn't mean the Pug is a stick-in-the-mud. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up.

Like every dog, the Pug needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Pugs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Pugs will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

In Pugs, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA for hip dysplasia with a score of fair or better , elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that eyes are normal.

You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Their compact package belies a great deal of energy , so expect to be entertained with some goofy antics if your Pug doesn't get a walk or some playtime.

They are sensitive to heat and humidity, however, so if you live in a hot or humid environment, be sure your Pug doesn't spend too much time outside. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

While the Pug's first love is human attention, his second love is food. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Even though the coats are short, Pugs are a double-coated breed. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black.

The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. The coat is short and smooth, but don't be deceived. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair.