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All About Pugs... | 
One of the oldest
breeds, the Pug has been a loving companion to many for nearly two and a half millennia. When the Pug looks at you and cocks
his head, even the hardest heart has to melt. Pugs combine a cocky confidence with a friendly, sensitive nature. They are
great with kids and thoroughly relish playtime and exercise. Interestingly
enough, the Pug shares the same Chinese origins as the Pekingese. Pugs were prized possessions of Chinese Emperors and some
historians claim that at times they were even guarded by soldiers. The Dutch brought the Pug to the west. A Pug should be even-tempered, charming, and outgoing with a loving disposition. | Interesting
Breed Facts... |
Popularity: 15th in ranking for registration in 2001, according to the American Kennel Club. There are over
23,000 registered per year.
First recognized as a breed: Although the Pug breed is ancient - some put his origination
back to 400 B.C. - the Pug breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
AKC Grouping:
Toy
Size: Height between 10" and 11" at the shoulder
Weight: ranges from 14-18 lbs. Life
Span: 14-16 years, depending on diet and exercise
Appearance:
According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal Pug is compact in form and well-proportioned with well developed muscle, a
large, massive head, and dark prominent eyes. Ears are thin, small and soft and can either be rose or button shaped. Wrinkles
on the face should be large and deep, and the muzzle should be short. The Pug's coat is fine, smooth, soft, short, and
glossy. Standard colors are solid black, silver, apricot with a black mask as dark as possible. A Pug's expression should
be soft and solicitous, and when excited, his eyes should be full of fire.
#1 Preventable Health Problem: Skin
disorders are the most frustrating ailment for pug owners. Feed your pug a good food, use adequate flea prevention, and give
omega fatty acids supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E. Feeding your pug beef liver (1-2 tbs. per day) is recommended,
as well. This will keep your pug's immune system healthy and functioning properly and will prevent the most common skin
disorder seen in the breed, which is demodectic mange. Demodectic mange is not contagious, but is present in pugs with low
immune system function. The demodectic mites live naturally on the pug's body but will overproduce when immune function
lowers. Demodectic mange is treatable through over the counter medications and is not life threatening, but treatment can
take up to 9 months to show results. Pugs with demodectic mange experience hair loss and leathery bald patches which can be
very un-pleasant to look at and very embarrassing for the Pug.
Preferences: Pugs prefer the company of family
and friends and love to entertain. A pug who does not receive enough attention can become very sad and depressed and some
have been known to stop eating when time is not spent with them on a consistent basis. Never leave your pug outdoors or away
from you for long periods of time. Your pug needs love to survive and unlike the larger breeds cannot adjust to long periods
of owner absence.
Best Features: Pugs are known for their regal presence and ability to light up a room.
Biggest Challenge To Owners: Potty training can be a difficult challenge to overcome. Speak with your breeder about techniques
that work to train immature pugs as every line will respond to potty training differently. Also, take your pug to handling
classes or obedience classes early on. Pugs are not eager to please, and have no work ethic, so establishing boundaries in
the early stages of life is the key to a lifetime of happiness with your Pug. |
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