How to Cut a Pug's Hair

Pugs have been around for centuries, originating in ancient China during the Shag dynasty before moving westward in the early 1600s --- when European trade routes with China opened up. They appear to be related to the Pekingese, as both dogs are from the same region in northeastern China and have many of the same features, except for their coats. Pugs have small, flat heads and short legs with medium-length curly tails. Because they are a short-hair breed, they don't require as much grooming as other dogs, but still need a trim from time to time. A quick trim with an electric trimmer can have your pug looking like a show dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Clean cloths
  • Clean, dry towels
  • Stiff natural bristle brush
  • Small dog grooming harness (optional)
  • Electric trimmer
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your pug and rinse completely with water. Lather thoroughly using a shampoo made specifically for dogs. Rinse it fully again. Pugs tend to shed more immediately after getting wet, so dry vigorously with a towel.

    • 2

      Use a stiff, natural bristle brush and fully brush your pug all over. This should remove any shedded hair.

    • 3

      Place the pug in a small grooming harness, if possible, to make it easier to clip the underside.

    • 4

      Use an electric trimmer with the 1/4-inch attachment head, unless you are planning to shave your pug completely. This is not recommended as pugs' skin is highly sensitive to the sun and could burn easily when outdoors.

    • 5

      Remove any thick thatches of hair. Use your hand to feel along your pug's body for any spots where the hair is uneven. Trim the fur by going against the natural growth pattern, clipping from the rear and moving the clippers forward to the front.

    • 6

      Run the clippers underneath the pug in order to trim the chest and the lower part of the neck, going from the front to the back. Review to ensure the coat is trimmed to the same level all around.

    • 7

      Trim long hairs carefully around the pug's eyes and below the base of the tail. Use scissors for a more precise cut.

    • 8

      Brush your pug again after the haircut to remove any hair left over from trimming.