Is a Pug right for you?

Pugs love human companionship and need lots of attention.  You should only get a pug if you are looking for a dog to spend a lot of time with, one that will be included as one of the family.  Pugs normally love everyone and get along well with children, older people, even other pets.  Of course, small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog.  In general, pugs are a very friendly breed. 

Pugs are NOT outdoor dogs.  In fact, they should be kept indoors unless supervised.  If you are looking for a dog that you can stake outside or leave outdoors while you are away, then a pug is NOT for you.  A pug can't take high temperatures.  Leaving a pug outside on a warm summer day, can easily cause the pug's death.

Do you already have or are willing to provide air conditioning for your pug? That's right...a pug left in an un-airconditioned house or apartment during the hot summer months can also suffer and possibly die from the heat.

A Pug is not an athletic dog.  They do enjoy and require some exercise, but shouldn't be taken for long walks or expected to perform like a Labrador Retriever.  This has to do with the way a pug looks, the flat faces, which cause breathing difficulties.

Pugs are intelligent, but sometimes willful.  This means that sometimes they would rather do what they want to do, instead of what you want them to do. This does NOT mean that they are necessarily hard to train.  They should never be harshly disciplined and require a "softer", persistent approach.

It has been said that Pugs stay "puppies" much longer than some other breeds.  This is to say that they can exhibit puppy behavior until they are 2-3 years old.  For some, this is a joy...but for others it may be more of a frustration.   You should be a patient person if you wish to own a pug.

If dog hair bothers you, then a Pug is NOT for you.  Pugs, although they have a short coat, do shed a lot.  They have a top coat and undercoat of hair.  Although they don't require hours of grooming each week, they should be brushed at least once weekly and the wrinkles on their face should be checked/cleaned regularly.  Moisture can get trapped in the wrinkles and cause skin problems.

Pugs can suffer from many genetic disorders.  They need an owner who is well informed and aware of how to recognize the symptoms of these illnesses/disorders and be willing to seek treatment right away.  For more information visit my pug health page.