Multum in parvo, much in little, is the breed’s old motto. A Pug is never merely a dog in the room. They bring atmosphere, commentary and comedy. They snore, grunt and look at you as though they have an opinion, which they usually do. Few breeds are loved so unconditionally. Few have suffered so much through that love. This article is therefore more honest than some Pug lovers might like. It is written for the Pug’s sake.
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Breed profile
- Origin: China, present in Europe since the 16th century, a court dog of Dutch and English nobility
- Size: 25 to 30 cm
- Weight: 6 to 8 kg, often considerably more, which is the problem
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years with healthy breeding
- Coat: short and dense, fawn with a black mask or entirely black
- Temperament: people-focused, playful, good-natured, stubborn and comical
Temperament: companionship in dog form
For centuries, Pugs were bred solely as companions, rather than hunters or guards. It shows: they want to be with you, always. They follow you to the bathroom, lie on your feet and watch you cook. Friendly with strangers, children, cats and other dogs, they have no enemies. Their humour comes from that mixture of wrinkled face, large eyes and a mind of their own.
They are stubborn too. A Pug who does not want to do something sits down. A Pug who dislikes going out in the rain looks at you until you give in. Training works through food and charm, never pressure.
The cost of a short nose
1. Breathing is the number-one issue
The Pug is brachycephalic, meaning short-headed. The nose has been bred away while the soft tissues in the throat remain. The result is BOAS, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome: noisy breathing, panting at 22 degrees, collapse in heat and poor sleep. Not every Pug is severely affected, but very many are. What you can do: buy only a Pug with a visible muzzle and open nostrils, from breeding that prioritises breathing (Retromops and Altdeutscher Mops are attempts to restore healthy lines). In summer, go out early and late, never in midday heat, and never leave the dog in a car. Consult a vet about severe noisy breathing: soft palate surgery can substantially improve quality of life.
2. The eyes
Those large, prominent eyes are endearing and vulnerable: corneal injuries from grass stems, scratches and draughts; dry eyes because the lids do not close. Pugs need daily eye checks and an immediate veterinary visit if squinting or tearing develops. Losing an eye is not uncommon in this breed.
3. The wrinkles
The nose fold is a damp pocket. Without regular cleaning and drying, it becomes inflamed, smelly and itchy. Use a soft cloth two to three times a week, daily for some dogs.
4. Weight
A Pug cannot run much, so moves little, gains weight and then struggles even more to breathe. This cycle kills more Pugs than any other cause. A Pug must have a waist. Weigh food, avoid table scraps and provide short, frequent exercise sessions.
5. The breeding question
In Germany, Pugs are among the breeds that may fall under the prohibition on extreme breeding (breeds whose standard causes health problems), and breeding extreme forms is already prohibited in the Netherlands. This is an attempt to save the breed, rather than an attack on it. Buy only from breeders who conduct breathing tests, avoid extreme heads and show you the parents walking. A Pug who walks 500 metres and then gasps is suffering, rather than being cute.
What a Pug needs day to day
- Cool conditions. From 25 degrees it becomes dangerous. A cooling mat, shade and water; no midday walks.
- Short, frequent exercise. Three sessions of 20 minutes instead of one hour-long outing.
- A harness instead of a collar. Always. The larynx is sensitive.
- A care routine. Wrinkles, eyes, ears and weight, every week.
- Surgery insurance. Soft palate, eyes and discs: a Pug is an expensive patient.
Who is a Pug right for?
People who spend plenty of time at home and want a dog always by their side. Families with children, because few dogs are more patient. City flats without extensive exercise opportunities. Not athletes, people wanting summer hiking companions or anyone unwilling to search and pay for a healthy puppy.
With Pugs, the heart speaks loudest and reason most quietly. If you are facing this decision, “Which Dog REALLY Suits You?” (book in German) deliberately places the chapter on flat-faced breeds at the beginning rather than in the appendix.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthy Pug cost? 1,500 to 2,500 euros from a breeder with breathing tests and eye examination results. Lower prices are suspicious.
What is a Retromops? A breeding approach using some Parson Russell or Pinscher ancestry to restore a longer nose and better breathing. A better choice for many families.
Does every Pug snore? Almost every one. In some it is endearing; in others it is a symptom. A vet can tell the difference.
That wrinkled face as a portrait subject
The wrinkled face, large eyes and tilted head make a Pug a natural for cartoon style and for a majestic oil-style portrait as a king or general. The contrast is unbeatable. Photograph your dog at eye level with window light to bring out the wrinkles and make the eyes shine.
A wrinkled face needs space or the detail gets lost. From 40 by 60 centimetres, every fold comes through and that serious expression suddenly resembles a family portrait from a castle. Find posters, canvas, wooden frames and acrylic glass among our dog portraits.
If a Pug puppy will soon be joining you, “The First 30 Days” Puppy Starter Pack is free, with a vaccination schedule, guidance on changing food and an emergency page for the fridge.
Further reading
- The everyday cost of breathing problems in French Bulldogs: the same short nose, the same questions
- Chihuahua: why the barking starts at home: the other city dog in miniature
- Older dog, new rules: because short noses need consideration earlier
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