Before You Adopt
Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy
Adopt a Pug
Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen
Family:
companion, mastiff (bulldog)
Area of origin:
China
Original function:
lap dog
Average size of male:
Ht: 10-11, Wt: 14-18
Average size of female:
Ht: 10-11, Wt: 14-18
Other names:
mops, Carlin
- ••••
Energy
- •••
Exercise
- •••••
Playfulness
- •••••
Affection
- ••••
Friendliness towards dogs
- ••••
Friendliness towards other pets
- •••
Friendliness towards strangers
- ••••
Ease of training
- ••••••
Watchdog ability
- ••
Protection ability
- •••
Grooming
- ••••
Cold tolerance
- ••
Heat tolerance
Pug Dog Temperament
A delightful blend of dignity and comedy, the pug is an amiable, playful and confident companion. He can be stubborn and headstrong, but he is pleasant and generally willing to please. He loves to cavort and show off.
Pug Dog Care
The pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk on leash. He does not do well in heat and humidity and should not be kept outdoors. He needs minimal coat care but daily cleaning of facial wrinkles. His smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs; however, the wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections. The pug wheezes and snores.
Pug Dog Health
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: elongated palette, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg - Perthes, entropion
Occasionally seen: epilepsy
Suggested tests: (eye)
Life span: 12-15 years
Note: Skin fold dermatitis occurs if wrinkles are not regularly cleaned. The pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. He is prone to corneal abrasion and obesity.
Dogs Related to the Pug
Bulldog
French Bulldog
Pekingese
Shih Tzu
Mastiff
Bullmastiff
Shelters with Pug Dogs
Some animal welfare organizations with Pugs ready for adoption:
