Pug

Everything you need to know about Pugs

Life Expectancytypically 10+ years
SheddingShort length with heavy shedding
SizeSmall

Pugs are generally small dogs with a short coat. Standard Pug colours include cream, tan and black. There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Pugs, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving. 

Thinking about giving a Pug or Pug cross a forever home? Here are some Pug facts that might help you decide.

Caring for Pugs

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Pug.

Caring for your chosen breed

Health issues

Before you give any type of Pug or Pug mix a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Remember, not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

Pugs are brachycephalic

How much food does a Pug need?

The amount of food a Pug needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, taking your ...

Signs your dog may be under the idea body condition

  • Ribs, vertebrae (spine) and pelvic (hip) bones are prominent or visible and very easy to feel
  • Not able to feel and fat layer over the ribs
  • Possible loss of muscle mass
  • Obviously thin waist

Ideal body condition

  • Ribs can be felt easily
  • Minimal or thin layer of fat covering the ribs
  • When viewed from above, the waist is obviously narrower that the rest of the body
  • When viewed from the side, the belly tucks in rather than being rounded

Signs your dog may be over the ideal body condition

  • Ribs are hard or impossible to feel under body fat
  • Waist is not obvious when viewed from above
  • Fat deposits at the base of the tail, the neck and on their legs
  • Rounded abdomen

How much exercise does a Pug need?

Pugs usually need daily walks, but they might not manage tough exercise like long walks or mountain hikes. They'll need plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they will need t...

How much grooming does a Pug need?

Although Pugs have short fur, they do shed so you'll need to brush them occasionally.

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching yo...

What size crate do you need for a Pug?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comf...

Pug behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Pugs, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

Training your chosen breed

What’s the temperament of a Pug?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Pug temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own like...

Are Pugs easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are Pugs good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

Similar breeds

Would a short-haired hound suit your lifestyle? Here are some more breeds that won’t have you at the groomer’s every week.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

French Bulldog

French Bulldog

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Whippet

Whippet

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