About Pugs

Pugs make excellent pets, because they don't have the typical dog odor, excessive shedding or drooling that some types of dogs have. If you have children, pugs can stand in as playmates, and they are affectionate by nature. Pugs are a smaller version of the Mastiff, and although they are small they can serve as loyal watchdogs.

  1. History

    • Around 400 B.C., pugs were common pets to Buddhist monks. Chinese emperors also acquired a liking to these animals and pampered and spoiled them during their reign. When Dutch traders brought pugs over to some European areas, they became pets for European monarchs. This dog breed has had a luxurious and royal past. It's thought that this dog's name originated from the nickname given to marmoset monkeys, which was "pug."

    Types

    • Pugs have been crossbred with greyhounds, bulldogs and spaniels. Breeders have also tried to create smaller pugs called teacup pugs as well as larger sized ones that weigh over 18 pounds. Chinese pugs, which have a stockier build and a more condensed snout. There are also single-coated and double-coated pugs. Double-coated pugs have thicker fur, which tends to shed more frequently.

    Features

    • Pure bred pugs have a stocky build and are low to the ground. Their eyes protrude, and their snout is condensed to their face. Although they have short hair and don't shed as much as long-haired dogs, they still shed hair all year round. They are usually less than 18 pounds. Pugs can have white, black and fawn colored fur.

    Misconceptions

    • Pugs are smaller dogs, but they are still capable of being trustworthy watchdogs. While most dogs can learn to adapt to living with cats, it's recommended that pugs not be around cats that have not been declawed. Due to their protruding eyes, it's possible for a cat to injure or scar the pug's eyes.

    Considerations

    • Crossbreeding can create numerous and different health problems for pugs. For example, the pugs that are bred to be larger can have problems with their legs or heart while smaller pugs might develop respiratory problems. These types of dogs can be gassy at times, especially if they wheeze or gulp the air on a regular basis.