Pug Traits
Pug Height
27-30 cm
Pug Weight
6-9 kg
Pug Life Expectancy
13-15 years
Pug Other Names
- Mops
- Dutch Bulldog
- Dutch Mastiff
- Mini Mastiff
Pug Appearance
- Short-haired
- Short
- Full of love
- Energetic
- Tame
- Mischievous
Pug General Character
Compassion towards the family
X
Communication with children
X
Communication with other dogs
X
Communication with strangers
X
Pug is a breed that is easy to train and maintain, prone to health problems, has a high potential for weight gain, is suitable for living in an apartment, and has strong loyalty. It is known that this breed, which originated in Asia, was produced from or related to the Pekingese breed of dogs. It is also among the common theories that their ancestors were Bulldogs.
It is suggested that the Pug derives from the Latin word "Pugnus" meaning fist, with a face likened into a fist.
Pug History
Pugs, whose origins date back to 500 BC, are considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is among the information in the history books that they were first bred as lap dogs in ancient China. Although they have Chinese origins, they were popularized by the Orange dynasty of the Netherlands and the Stuart dynasty of the United Kingdom.
The return of Dutch traders from Asia to Europe with Pugs in the 1500s started the international journey of this breed. According to legend, a Pug who warned the prince of the House of Orange against an attack by Spanish soldiers by barking and saved the prince's life became the mascot of the dynasty.
In 1688, Prince William from the Orange Dynasty and his wife went to England with their Pug dog, which made the Pug popular among the English.
Pug Personality & Character Traits
The happiest time for Pugs raised as lap dogs is when their owners are by their side. This breed, famous for its addiction to contact, is generally known for its cute, playful, good-natured and sweet facial expressions. From time to time, they may disobey the commands given by their owners, exhibit stubborn stances, become stubborn with larger animals and show tendencies to fight from a distance. But besides all this, Pugs usually like to please their owners, and their stubborn mood lasts quite a short time.
Pugs, who like climates that are not too cold or too hot, love to nap, and their characteristic feature is their loud snoring. However, this snoring occurs because they have difficulty breathing due to their facial structures and sensitivity to heat rather than laziness.
Pug Appearance
Compared to other dog breeds, gender in pugs does not affect the overall size. Both the female and the male grow at almost the same rates. Reaching their adult size is completed in about the ninth month. The colors of their short, smooth, velvety plumage can vary in light brown, apricot color, brown and black shades. It is expected that their weight will be controlled between 6-8.
Their ears are seen in two ways, known as the rose and the button. The parallel appearance of the hind legs attracts attention, mainly the front two legs provide balance when standing. Although very short, their feather is two-layered, which makes it easier to adapt to different climatic conditions. Their bun-like curved tails are one of their most noticeable physical features on their hairless and wrinkled bodies.
Pug General Care
Pug Feather Care
Although the smooth, short and shiny feathers of pugs do not require much maintenance, these feathers are quite prone to shedding. Food allergies are among the main causes of hair loss. Brushing once or twice a week, in addition to beautifying the appearance of feathers, allows the skin to get air and refresh. Especially in the summer months, i.e. during the shedding seasons, it is necessary to create daily brushing routines to prevent the shed hairs from spreading around and disturbing the Pug.
Pugs may exhibit exaggerated behavior during the nail cutting process. These behaviors can be seen in the form of squirming, crying, or screaming, rather than small whining or restlessness. For this reason, it is very important for them to acquire nail cutting habits from a young age, to accustom them to this routine and to minimize their struggles in the future.
Wrinkles, which are the biggest reason for the loveliness of pugs in their external appearance, may cause situations that will negatively affect their lives at some points. Wrinkles on their faces provide a suitable environment for bacteria and yeasts to settle and grow in this area. This condition can also cause itching, skin inflammation and even some serious open wounds. For this reason, wrinkles should be cleaned at regular intervals depending on their contamination. A solution that the veterinarian deems appropriate should be used or a bath should be taken on the recommendation of the physician.
Pug Health
Pug dogs, like all breeds, have a tendency to encounter some hereditary health problems. That's why it's important for people who want to own a Pug dog to be aware of these situations first.
Since pugs do not have a pronounced eyebrow arches and long noses, corneal tearing, inward curling of the eyelids and some eye disorders may occur. Due to their skin structure, they may also face many genetic health problems such as cancer, dislocation of the kneecap and skin irritation.
One of the most important health problems is brachycephaly syndrome. This syndrome makes it difficult for Pugs to breathe due to their nose and facial structures and may cause them to experience respiratory problems over time. The health problems commonly seen in Pugs, which are from breeds that do not have much resistance to heat stroke due to difficult breathing conditions, can be listed as follows:
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Nerve degeneration
- Breathing difficulties
- Eye problems
- Corneal ulcers
- Scabies
- Hip joint dislocations
- Obesity
- Diseases of the teeth and gums
- Pug dog encephalitis
- Diseases of the spinal cord
- Skin diseases
Pug Nutrition
It is necessary to resist the fact that pugs exhibit overly affectionate and human-like characteristics, especially when they demand food. This race, which has tendencies to overeat and beg for leftovers, is quite prone to gaining weight. Therefore, eating habits should be closely monitored.
Did you know?
- The pug is one of the oldest dog breeds and their history dates back to the 500s BC.
- Pug breed dogs are included in historical sources as pets of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
- It is said that Napoleon's wife Josephine used her Pug dog to carry secret messages to Napoleon.
- Their main purpose of upbringing is to serve the Chinese emperors as lap dogs.
- Pugs are featured in many of the Chinese legends.
- Pugs can snore at very high decibels.
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