If you have never owned a pug before but are considering this breed, understand that pugs are true companion dogs, a characteristic their owners love. Long sought after as therapy dogs, including therapy for the hearing impaired, pugs are easily trained, even tempered and people oriented. An amicable breed, pugs are general docile (lap dogs, if you will) but can be very vivacious when playing with their owners. Pugs are generally rather curious and fit well in families with children.

Pugs become quite attached to their parents, often following them from room to room within the home. They show a tremendous amount of affection… from laying across your lap for a nap, snoring, grunting and snorting like children. They also have a tendency to purr like kittens when they are happy. Though a small breed, pugs don’t typically walk around “yapping” routinely like some other small breeds, and they tend to adapt well to your routine, so unnecessary disturbances in the middle of the night is not common.

Because of their short noses, their built-in cooling system is quite different from other breeds. Thus, overexposure to heat or humidity can be extremely detrimental – even fatal – to these animals. It is best to take them for walks in the coolers hours of the day (mornings and evenings) and to avoid walks in extreme temperatures.

Although they have short hair, pugs shed quite a bit and need to be brushed at least once per week. We also recommend pug owners get into the routine of ear wax removal every other week to prevent buildup, and to get puppies used to having their teeth brushed. (Note: Groomers can brush your dog’s teeth for a small fee, but you can do this just as effectively with an inexpensive doggy toothbrush and flavored doggy toothpaste). Specific to pugs, though, is the fold around the nose (as mentioned, pugs are curious and tend to “stick their noses” in all sorts of things, causing this fold to accumulate “stuff”). A simple q-tip and warm water will work.

A pug puppy will truly become a member of the family, so it is important to assure that your pet comes from arespected breeder. While many do not understand the importance of selecting experienced and reputable breeders, understand that puppy mills exist solely for profit and are less concerned about delivering you a healthy, socialized pet. Ethical breeders do not breed frequently, and only pursue breeding when they have determined the right mix of both health and temperament to assure the best possibility of healthy, well-tempered offspring.