The Pug is a popular toy dog, known for displaying puppy-like antics well into their adulthood. Square, cobby, muscular and surprisingly heavy, pugs wear their coat short, soft and glossy. The flat face, bulging eyes and facial wrinkles divide opinions, but they are enchanting, fun-loving companions.
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 6.3–8.1kg |
| Height: | 25–33cm when fully grown |
| Colours: | Silver, apricot, fawn or black |
| Size: | Small |
| Kennel Club group: | Toy |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
This charming, good-tempered toy dog is a happy, sociable companion. Pugs are friendly with both owners and strangers, playful, funny and good with other dogs or animals. While pocket-sized, the Pug is still robust enough to cope with family life.
These little dogs have big personalities and are beloved by old and young alike. He can be calm and quiet but he can also have his mischievous, clownish moments. A super companion if you can offer him the time he needs, he does not like to be separated from his loved ones for too long.
Country of Origin: China
This is an ancient breed whose origins have been lost in the mists of time - and indeed there are many theories as to where and how the breed developed.
It is however thought that the Pug came from China where it had been known for some time (and may be one of the ancestors of the Pekinese), before accompanying traders to Europe, where they developed largely in the Netherlands - then travelled to England with William III and Mary II when they came to the English throne in 1688.
The Pug quickly developed fans around the world - especially in the courts of Europe. Queen Victoria was a fan of the breed, keeping 36 of them and indeed breeding and showing them. This passion was passed on to others in her family including King George V and King Edward VIII.
The Pug will suit an owner with a sense of humour who wants an affectionate, trainable small dog, willing to go everywhere with them. The Pug doesn’t need much exercise, but be aware that they do like to snore.
The most common health problems are related to the Pug's flat face, which results in obstruction of their airways and a difficulty in breathing. Over-exercising and over-heating are therefore to be avoided. They are also prone to eye problems and like many small breeds, they can suffer from kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place (luxating patellas).
The Pug needs only about half an hour of dog exercise a day, but he will happily potter around with you all day, and accompany you on errands. Never exercise him in hot weather or keep him in the car when it is even slightly warm, as he can suffer breathing difficulties.
A Pug is the perfect dog for a small urban space. They don’t need a garden as long as they have access to an outdoor area for exercise and toilet requirements - but they can also enjoy life in the countryside.
Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. They must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Check out our dog feeding guidelines for more information.
The Pug's coat is low maintenance, requiring a quick brush once a week. However, the wrinkle over the dog's nose will need to be cleaned daily, and the ears and eyes will also need to be checked every day.
It’s easy to underestimate these little dogs, but Pugs can be surprisingly trainable and they will enjoy learning both basic obedience exercises and fun tricks. They should be taught to walk on a lead and harness - as well as learn a reliable recall - not that they generally wander far from their beloved owners!
Pugs make great family dogs and are ideal for those with children. Although they should avoid boisterous games as their eyes can be prone to injury and their breathing restrictions prohibit too much running around especially in the heat.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
