Questions about pugs?

Question

Do any of you have a pug? If you do, how do they act and are they good pets to have? Any other important info?

Answer 1

Hello!

We have 2 pugs. To answer your question, they make excellent pets but only for the right owner. They need lots of attention and are not for the owner who is away at work for 8+ hours each day. Below are details regarding the work and maintenance that pugs require.

Although it does seem like a lot of work, for the right owner, pugs are truly excellent pets. However, you should have at least 1 other dog if you get a pug so your pug has a playmate. After all, even if there is someone home all day long, that person can't be expected to spend all of his/her time with the pug.

Pug owners tend to be zealots when it comes to the breed. I think they are more human than any dog I've ever owned which may help to explain this obsession. Getting a pug was one of the best decisions we ever made, and if the breed is right for you, you'll probably feel the same way.

Some Considerations:

Health Issues: The bottom line regarding Pugs and health is that Pugs are prone to a myriad of genetic health issues, and require more veterinary care than some other breeds. Not every Pug will require frequent vet visits, but some do, so it’s in your best interest to plan on spending a lot of time, and money at the vets office. If you don’t have the time, money or willingness to commit the next 12-20 years to a dog that may have frequent health problems, don’t get a Pug.

Shedding: Pugs shed a lot. In fact, they shed more than a lot. They shed tons. If you read or hear anything to the contrary, you’re either getting misinformation, or the input of someone whose Pug is a rare exception to the norm. If you get a Pug, you’ll have fur all over the place. On every piece of furniture, on all your clothes and in your car. You don’t even have to put your Pug in the car, the fur will just be there…and everywhere else. If this is at all a concern to you, don’t get a Pug.

Housetraining: Pugs are not the easiest dogs in the world to housetrain. They’re small, which makes them inherently more difficult to housetrain than large dogs, which have a greater capacity to “hold”. Their size may not be the biggest obstacle to housetraining however, as Pugs tend to have a stubborn streak which makes them less than cooperative students. Skilled and experienced dog owners usually manage to housetrain their Pugs within 3 months of bringing their dog home. In our case, our first pug (who is a genius) was litter-box trained in 3 days. Our second pug (whom we believe suffers from some retardation), took three long, frustrating months.

A Pug is Your Shadow: Pugs are clingy dogs, because they’re people dogs which thrive on human companionship. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, because they were bred to be companion dogs. If you get a Pug, expect it to be at your feet and under your feet all the time. Not once in a while, or during meal time…all the time. A Pug will follow you, everywhere. Some people find this endearing, other people find it maddening or at least occasionally annoying. Think long and hard about this one, because you may not realize it bothers you until it happens. If this clingy nature is something that you think might bother you, don’t get a Pug.

Pugs Don’t Catch Frisbees: Pugs are low activity dogs. This means that they sleep a lot, as much as fourteen hours a day. It also means that Pugs have short bursts of energy, so you won’t see a Pug run very long or very far before it slows down and retreats for a nap. A Pug isn’t going to jog along side you on the sidewalk. It won’t even consider trying to catch a Frisbee. Most Pugs won’t even fetch a ball or a stick. If you’re an outdoor person seeking to share your active outdoor lifestyle with a dog, don’t get a Pug.

Pugs are Indoor Dogs: Stated quite simply, Pugs cannot tolerate high temperatures and humidity. This type of weather is unhealthy for Pugs, and over exposure to this type of weather can cause immediate or long-term health problems ranging from heat stroke to organ damage. If you live in a warm weather climate, and you don’t have air conditioning, don’t get a Pug.

Pug Maintenance: Pugs require a fair amount of grooming and general care. They have to be brushed frequently if you want to minimize shedding. Pugs have facial folds which need to be cleaned, every other day, every week or every month depending on the dog. Their nails grow fast, very fast, and need to be trimmed often. Pugs are also prone to having their anal sacs fill, and these sacs in turn, must be drained from time to time…not a pleasant, or easy task if you chose to do it yourself. If you won’t do it, then you’ll need to take your Pug to the vet or groomer to have it done, sometimes several times per year.

One more thing .... they SNORE. If like many pug owners, you find this endearing, then great. Otherwise, you might have trouble sleeping at night!

If you can deal with all of these issues, then a pug may be right for you.

Hope this is helpful!

Answer 2

Before I bought a black Pug, I never knew they came in any other color than the fawn with the black mask. I adore my Pug, the first one I have ever had, and would get another one in a New York minute! Yes, she sheds like crazy, snores all night, and makes the weirdest snorting and snoring noises during the day, but she is so intelligent and loveable, that I don't care about the downside. You do have to be careful when you buy one--be sure it is from a reputable breeder. Don't overfeed, no matter how much those eyes beg for treats. Housebreaking can be difficult because they do have a mind of their own, but I used a "crate" for my Pug, and she was house broken in 3 weeks. She loves my son's big dog, a 1/2 Husky, 1/2 stranger-in-the-night, and they get along well with no problems, probably because she thinks she is big, while he thinks he is small!
Pugs are very much a BIG DOG in their own minds, and have very little fear of anything. Mine has run out in the street twice and it scared me to death! We keep her dog tags on her always, and she is micro-chipped, but I don't know what I'd do if she ever got lost. We only let her out for a few minutes in our fenced yard during the summer because the heat is very bad for them. The short face can contribute to breathing problems. If you ever have a Pug, you will always want to have another. They are one of the friendliest dogs I've ever known. And they are wonderful pets for children.

Answer 3

Pugs are 1 of the more tolerant of the smaller breeds. They can be hell to housetrain. You must be very careful not to overfeed- they are prone to obesity. Most importantly, they are prone to breathing problems (like any flat faced breed). Because of this,depending on what part of the country you're in, air conditioning is highly recomended. They should only be out for short periods during very hot weather. Everyone I know that has 1 says they'd do it again.

Answer 4

Pugs have alot of health issues -Due to the Breeders Not being carefull what they breed--Watch for Pinched Nostrils-that is when their Nose holes collapse In when they breath-They have alot of shedding too-

Answer 5

Most pugs are wonderful little dogs, they don't know that they are little. They do have more respiratory problems than a lot of breeds because of their pushed in faces, and many have hip and/or stifle problems.
Go to akc.org and find a reputable breeder.

Answer 6

i have had my pug for almost 8 months and he is a phyco dog but the best dog i have ever had. and i have had 5 different dogs through out my life. they snore so loud but love to cuddle and are the sweetest pups you could ever ask for. but honestly they are attention seeking dogs and will always find away to put a smile on your face.

Answer 7

Shy and shed hair like a muther#ucker...