Pug

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.

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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.

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

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, which means they have short noses, flat faces, or both. They can struggle with various health issues related to this body shape. Find out more about brachycephalic dogs and potential health problems.

To find out more about potential health issues for Pugs, speak to your local vet. Some vet practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations’ where you can get advice on potential health conditions, treatment options and ongoing costs.

If you’re thinking of buying a puppy, they’ll also be able to give you advice on finding a responsible breeder, as well as testing for inheritable diseases.

Whatever the breed, all dogs need basic preventative health care like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. You’ll also need insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills.

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 ...

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 dog’s individual needs into account.

Your dog's body condition is helpful for deciding how much food to give your dog. You can find more about body condition scoring from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA). If you’re not sure, ask your vet for advice. 

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...

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 training and will benefit from daily enrichment.

Pugs are also at higher risk of developing heat stroke. Take a look at our warm weather advice for more information.

If you enjoy regular relaxing strolls, this breed could be a great match for you.

Things that you need to think about when exercising your Pug include their:

age
health
personality.

For example, young or growing dogs might need a few shorter walks each day, rather than one long one. Older, injured or ill dogs will have different exercise needs which should be tailored to them based on advice from your vet. Some dogs will need peaceful walks, without many other people or dogs around. Others will enjoy meeting new people and play dates with their furry friends.

Check with your vet if you need advice on exercising your dog. 

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 <...

Pug behaviour and training

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

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...

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 likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways. 

For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs and some may not. Some might like new experiences and others may need to go slowly. 

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 ...

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 rewards is the best way for your dog to learn.

As dogs are clever animals, they need suitable mental and physical exercise so that they don't get bored. Learning useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and settling are just as important. This ensures that you and your dog can spend enjoyable time together, both at home and out and about.

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...

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 some universal ways to behave safely around them and treat them with respect.

As this is an important skill for the whole family — adults included — why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? It’s suitable for children aged seven to eleven.

On this page...

Caring for Pugs

Health issues

Why dog insurance is important

Preparing for your new dog

How to have a happy vet visit

How to perform a health check on your dog

How much food does a Pug need?

How much exercise does a Pug need?

Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained

How to find a good dog walker

How much grooming does a Pug need?

What size crate do you need for a Pug?

Playpen and crate training a puppy

Pug behaviour and training

What’s the temperament of a Pug?

How to understand your dog's body language

Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog

Introducing your puppy to the world around them

Are Pugs easy to train?

Top 10 dog training tips

Positive reinforcement – training with rewards

Are Pugs good with children?

Getting a dog when you have children

Related dog advice

Buying a puppy safely and responsibly

Should I get a dog? 10 questions to ask yourself

Top 10 benefits of adopting from us

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