JOYPETSHOP

Size: The Pug has a shoulder height of 35 cm (14 in) and weighs about 7 kg (15 lbs). It has a large, spherical head with big eyes, small ‘rose’ (folded toward the muzzle) or ‘button’ (folded at ninety degrees) ears, slight underbite, deeply wrinkled forehead, and a distinctly short, square muzzle. Pugs have a compact, muscular body with arched neck, deep chest, and tail curled tightly over the back.

Coat: The Pug has a glossy short haired coat which can be apricot, black, fawn, or silver. All have a black mask. Pugs are an average shedder, but shed year round. Fawn Pugs have a double coat and are especially notorious shedders. Special shampoos or regular grooming can be used to control shedding.

Character: Pugs are easygoing, straightforward, sociable, intelligent and calm. The Latin phrase ‘multum in parvo’ (much in little) is often used to describe the Pug’s huge personality contained in a small body.

Temperament: The Pug gets along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets. It has a high socialization requirement and may get jealous if ignored by its owner. Pugs are lovable lap dogs who like to stick close to their owner’s side. Most Pugs wheeze or snore.

Care: The Pug should have loose hairs removed periodically with a rubber brush. A special lotion must be applied to the facial creases. The shape of the Pug’s face makes it susceptible to eye injuries and scratched corneas, as well as breathing difficulties. Pugs are also susceptible to obesity, which makes exercise and a healthy diet important. The Pug has difficulty dissipating heat and should never be left outside in hot weather or locked in a car without air conditioning. The Pug is also prone to breed-specific Encephalitis known as (PDE). The Pug may ‘reverse sneeze’, which is a fit of gasping and snorting to remove fluid caught under the palate. This is not dangerous, but may frighten the Pug and its owner; it should be handled by talking to the Pug calmly and gently rubbing its throat. The Pug has a lifespan of 12-15 years.

Training: It is necessary to be gentle when training the Pug, as it is very sensitive to the tone of is master’s voice. Pugs are sometimes stubborn but do well with obedience training.

Activity: Pugs love to romp and play outdoors, provided the weather is good. Always make sure they have a cool place to spend the day if it is hot outside. The Pug is well suited to apartment life.