Is a Pug Right for You?
Before you get a Pug...
Pugs are a wonderful breed of dog, however they’re not for everyone.
When selecting a dog, it’s vitally important to match breed with owner, so that the experience for all involved is a positive one. There are many things you should consider before you even begin your search, and what follows is a compilation of the most commonly mentioned downsides to Pugs. This article is designed to focus on the people side of Pug ownership, to help you decide whether your personality and lifestyle fits with the nature and characteristics of the Pug breed. We urge you to consider these downsides carefully and seriously before deciding on buying a Pug:
Health Issues: The bottom line regarding Pugs and health is that Pugs are prone to a myriad of genetic health issues, and require more veterinary care than the average breed of dog. If you get a Pug, be prepared to make a lot of trips to the vet. Not every Pug will require frequent vet visits, but many do, so it’s in your best interest to plan on spending a lot of time, and money at the vets office. If you don’t have the time, money or willingness to commit the next 12 years to a dog that may have frequent and significant health problems, don’t get a Pug.
Shedding: Pugs shed a lot. In fact, they shed more than a lot. They shed tons. If you read or hear anything to the contrary, you’re either getting misinformation, or the input of someone whose Pug is a rare exception to the norm. If you get a Pug, you’ll have fur all over the place. On every piece of furniture, on all your clothes and in your car. You don’t even have to put your Pug in the car, the fur will just be there…and everywhere else. If this is at all a concern to you, don’t get a Pug.
Housetraining: Pugs are not the easiest dogs in the world to housetrain. They’re small, which makes them inherently more difficult to housetrain than large dogs, which have a greater capacity to “hold”. Their size may not be the biggest obstacle to housetraining however, as Pugs tend to have a stubborn streak which makes them less than cooperative students. Skilled and experienced dog owners usually manage to housetrain their Pugs within 3 months of bringing their dog home. The majority of Pug owners however, often find housetraining a task that takes a year or even longer. If the idea of a years worth of poops and pee on the carpet isn’t tolerable to you, don’t get a Pug.
A Pug is Your Shadow: Pugs are clingy dogs, because they’re people dogs which thrive on human companionship. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, because they were bred to be companion dogs. If you get a Pug, expect it to be at your feet and under your feet all the time. Not once in a while, or during meal time…all the time. A Pug will follow you, everywhere. Some people find this endearing, other people find it maddening or at least occasionally annoying. Think long and hard about this one, because you may not realize it bothers you until it happens. If this clingy nature is something that you think might bother you, don’t get a Pug.
Pugs Don’t Catch Frisbees: Pugs are low activity dogs. This means that they sleep a lot, as much as fourteen hours a day. It also means that Pugs have short bursts of energy, so you won’t see a Pug run very long or very far before it slows down and retreats for a nap. A Pug isn’t going to jog along side you on the sidewalk. It won’t even consider trying to catch a Frisbee. Most Pugs won’t even fetch a ball or a stick. If you’re an outdoor person seeking to share your active outdoor lifestyle with a dog, don’t get a Pug.
Pugs are Indoor Dogs: Stated quite simply, Pugs cannot tolerate high temperatures and humidity. This type of weather is unhealthy for Pugs, and over exposure to this type of weather can cause immediate or long-term health problems ranging from heat stroke to organ damage. If you live in a warm weather climate, and you don’t have air conditioning, don’t get a Pug.
Pug Maintenance: Pugs require a fair amount of grooming and general care. They have to be brushed frequently due to minimize shedding. Pugs have facial folds which need to be cleaned, every other day, every week or every month depending on the dog. Their nails grow fast, very fast, and need to be trimmed often. Pugs are also prone to having their anal sacs fill, and these sacs in turn, must be drained from time to time…not a pleasant, or easy task if you chose to do it yourself. If you won’t do it, then you’ll need to take your Pug to the vet to have it done, sometimes several times per year. If you’re looking for a low maintenance dog which requires minimal grooming, don’t get a Pug.
Pug FAQs
What is the origin of the Pug?
The Pug is considered an Oriental breed with ancestral ties to the
Pekingese and perhaps the Shih Tzu. There is no clear date of
introduction of the Pug and many people disagree due to the lack of records available. The Pug was introduced to America just after the Civil War and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the mid-1880’s
Is there a difference between Fawn and Black Pugs?
Aside from the color, there is no difference between the two. On average, Pugs live about 12 years, but they’ve been known to live well beyond their average life span with proper care, nutrition and of course some good luck.
Are Pugs easy to train?
Pugs are moderately easy to train, making them neither easy to train, nor difficult. They maintain a stubborn streak, which can present occasional problem. Fortunately though, a Pug is a people dog that is eager to please and receive attention…And they’re lovers of all things edible with the possible exception of lettuce and thus can be bribed to do what you want them to do rather easily.
Are Pugs good apartment dogs?
Absolutely! Pugs are small indoor dogs that don’t require a lot of room to run inside or outside, making them ideal for apartment dwellers.
Are Pugs good with children?
Yes yes…A thousand times yes! Pugs are among the most gentle and passive breeds of all. They will tolerate the prodding of a child, are not known to nip or bite and are quite protective of the family and home.
Do Pugs bark a lot?
Not usually. Pugs are generally very quiet dogs, though they can be taught to bark and make lots of noise. To answer a related question, the Pug’s bark is not yappy or shrill like the bark of some other small dogs.
Do Pugs shed a lot?
Do they ever! Most Pugs have a double coat of fur where the undercoat constantly grows and pushes the overcoat out. This, coupled with their being indoor dogs that don’t shed based on the season makes for a whole lot of shedding going on!
Are Pugs active dogs?
Generally, Pugs are not considered to be active dogs. There are some exceptions however. Pugs spend a good part of their day, approximately 14 hours worth, sleeping. They do have bursts of activity throughout the course of the day, but they are short and usually end with the Pug retreating for a nice little nap.
Do Pugs require a lot of attention?
Yes. Pugs are people dogs. They like, and some say need to be around people in order for them to be truly happy. They don’t bark or jump up and down on you however, so a Pugs need of people basically shows itself in where you’ll find your Pug…At your feet, on your lap or quietly following you around. It’s one of their greatest charms!
Do Pugs require any special grooming and care?
Absolutely. We plan shortly on putting a detailed article on the PugZone covering this very subject. For now though, Pugs need regular cleaning of their facial folds, constant nail clipping and have a problem coping with high heat that can threaten both their short and long term health.
How much do Pugs cost?
This depends on several factors. First, the price of a Pug pup varies greatly based on geographic location. Second, the quality of the Pug, whether it is pet quality or show quality also plays a role in their price. Finally, the source of the Pug pup makes a difference as well. To put this all together, a show quality Pug pup in the New York metropolitan area can cost upwards of $1500 to $2500 from a well known and highly regarded breeder. While a pet quality Pug pup from a reputable breeder can cost $800 in the same area. In another state, the range can drop dramatically, depending on the availability, popularity and quality of breeder involved. From New England to Washington state, the price of a Pug pup can range anywhere from $250-$2,500 depending on the three major factors listed at the top of this answer.
Pugs are a wonderful breed of dog, however they’re not for everyone.
When selecting a dog, it’s vitally important to match breed with owner, so that the experience for all involved is a positive one. There are many things you should consider before you even begin your search, and what follows is a compilation of the most commonly mentioned downsides to Pugs. This article is designed to focus on the people side of Pug ownership, to help you decide whether your personality and lifestyle fits with the nature and characteristics of the Pug breed. We urge you to consider these downsides carefully and seriously before deciding on buying a Pug:
Health Issues: The bottom line regarding Pugs and health is that Pugs are prone to a myriad of genetic health issues, and require more veterinary care than the average breed of dog. If you get a Pug, be prepared to make a lot of trips to the vet. Not every Pug will require frequent vet visits, but many do, so it’s in your best interest to plan on spending a lot of time, and money at the vets office. If you don’t have the time, money or willingness to commit the next 12 years to a dog that may have frequent and significant health problems, don’t get a Pug.
Shedding: Pugs shed a lot. In fact, they shed more than a lot. They shed tons. If you read or hear anything to the contrary, you’re either getting misinformation, or the input of someone whose Pug is a rare exception to the norm. If you get a Pug, you’ll have fur all over the place. On every piece of furniture, on all your clothes and in your car. You don’t even have to put your Pug in the car, the fur will just be there…and everywhere else. If this is at all a concern to you, don’t get a Pug.
Housetraining: Pugs are not the easiest dogs in the world to housetrain. They’re small, which makes them inherently more difficult to housetrain than large dogs, which have a greater capacity to “hold”. Their size may not be the biggest obstacle to housetraining however, as Pugs tend to have a stubborn streak which makes them less than cooperative students. Skilled and experienced dog owners usually manage to housetrain their Pugs within 3 months of bringing their dog home. The majority of Pug owners however, often find housetraining a task that takes a year or even longer. If the idea of a years worth of poops and pee on the carpet isn’t tolerable to you, don’t get a Pug.
A Pug is Your Shadow: Pugs are clingy dogs, because they’re people dogs which thrive on human companionship. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, because they were bred to be companion dogs. If you get a Pug, expect it to be at your feet and under your feet all the time. Not once in a while, or during meal time…all the time. A Pug will follow you, everywhere. Some people find this endearing, other people find it maddening or at least occasionally annoying. Think long and hard about this one, because you may not realize it bothers you until it happens. If this clingy nature is something that you think might bother you, don’t get a Pug.
Pugs Don’t Catch Frisbees: Pugs are low activity dogs. This means that they sleep a lot, as much as fourteen hours a day. It also means that Pugs have short bursts of energy, so you won’t see a Pug run very long or very far before it slows down and retreats for a nap. A Pug isn’t going to jog along side you on the sidewalk. It won’t even consider trying to catch a Frisbee. Most Pugs won’t even fetch a ball or a stick. If you’re an outdoor person seeking to share your active outdoor lifestyle with a dog, don’t get a Pug.
Pugs are Indoor Dogs: Stated quite simply, Pugs cannot tolerate high temperatures and humidity. This type of weather is unhealthy for Pugs, and over exposure to this type of weather can cause immediate or long-term health problems ranging from heat stroke to organ damage. If you live in a warm weather climate, and you don’t have air conditioning, don’t get a Pug.
Pug Maintenance: Pugs require a fair amount of grooming and general care. They have to be brushed frequently due to minimize shedding. Pugs have facial folds which need to be cleaned, every other day, every week or every month depending on the dog. Their nails grow fast, very fast, and need to be trimmed often. Pugs are also prone to having their anal sacs fill, and these sacs in turn, must be drained from time to time…not a pleasant, or easy task if you chose to do it yourself. If you won’t do it, then you’ll need to take your Pug to the vet to have it done, sometimes several times per year. If you’re looking for a low maintenance dog which requires minimal grooming, don’t get a Pug.
Pug FAQs
The Pug is considered an Oriental breed with ancestral ties to the
Pekingese and perhaps the Shih Tzu. There is no clear date of
introduction of the Pug and many people disagree due to the lack of records available. The Pug was introduced to America just after the Civil War and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the mid-1880’s
Is there a difference between Fawn and Black Pugs?
Aside from the color, there is no difference between the two. On average, Pugs live about 12 years, but they’ve been known to live well beyond their average life span with proper care, nutrition and of course some good luck.
Are Pugs easy to train?
Pugs are moderately easy to train, making them neither easy to train, nor difficult. They maintain a stubborn streak, which can present occasional problem. Fortunately though, a Pug is a people dog that is eager to please and receive attention…And they’re lovers of all things edible with the possible exception of lettuce and thus can be bribed to do what you want them to do rather easily.
Are Pugs good apartment dogs?
Absolutely! Pugs are small indoor dogs that don’t require a lot of room to run inside or outside, making them ideal for apartment dwellers.
Are Pugs good with children?
Yes yes…A thousand times yes! Pugs are among the most gentle and passive breeds of all. They will tolerate the prodding of a child, are not known to nip or bite and are quite protective of the family and home.
Do Pugs bark a lot?
Not usually. Pugs are generally very quiet dogs, though they can be taught to bark and make lots of noise. To answer a related question, the Pug’s bark is not yappy or shrill like the bark of some other small dogs.
Do Pugs shed a lot?
Do they ever! Most Pugs have a double coat of fur where the undercoat constantly grows and pushes the overcoat out. This, coupled with their being indoor dogs that don’t shed based on the season makes for a whole lot of shedding going on!
Are Pugs active dogs?
Generally, Pugs are not considered to be active dogs. There are some exceptions however. Pugs spend a good part of their day, approximately 14 hours worth, sleeping. They do have bursts of activity throughout the course of the day, but they are short and usually end with the Pug retreating for a nice little nap.
Do Pugs require a lot of attention?
Yes. Pugs are people dogs. They like, and some say need to be around people in order for them to be truly happy. They don’t bark or jump up and down on you however, so a Pugs need of people basically shows itself in where you’ll find your Pug…At your feet, on your lap or quietly following you around. It’s one of their greatest charms!
Do Pugs require any special grooming and care?
Absolutely. We plan shortly on putting a detailed article on the PugZone covering this very subject. For now though, Pugs need regular cleaning of their facial folds, constant nail clipping and have a problem coping with high heat that can threaten both their short and long term health.
How much do Pugs cost?
This depends on several factors. First, the price of a Pug pup varies greatly based on geographic location. Second, the quality of the Pug, whether it is pet quality or show quality also plays a role in their price. Finally, the source of the Pug pup makes a difference as well. To put this all together, a show quality Pug pup in the New York metropolitan area can cost upwards of $1500 to $2500 from a well known and highly regarded breeder. While a pet quality Pug pup from a reputable breeder can cost $800 in the same area. In another state, the range can drop dramatically, depending on the availability, popularity and quality of breeder involved. From New England to Washington state, the price of a Pug pup can range anywhere from $250-$2,500 depending on the three major factors listed at the top of this answer.
