Overview
Average lifespan
Pugs can live in excess of 12 years of age.
Average height & weight
18cm to 20cm
6.3kg to 8.1kg
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The perfect blend of little dog appeal and wistfulness and big stamina and courage is to be found in the adorable Pug. If you only have a small yard or live in a flat, the Pug is for you. They are remarkably free of ‘doggy’ odours, and their short coat sheds very little, they are also exceptionally clean.
Care requirements
Most Pugs tend to laziness if left to their own devices and so a brisk walk or a vigorous game of fetch every day is needed. Do not allow strenuous exercise in hot weather or just after meals.
Pugs, being intelligent and tending to independence, are not the easiest dogs to train, but they are trainable and it does them a lot of good to have a purpose in life. A local obedience club will put you on the right track and introduce you to another aspect to owning a dog and it becoming a companion – not just a pet.
Due to the shape of the eyes and face, Pugs are prone to eye injury. If your Pug is rubbing its eyes, or is squinting, or its eyes are watering, or there is any discolouration of the eye, see your vet immediately. And being a short-nosed breed, the Pug can have difficulties with its soft palate and needs to be monitored.
Decision time
Ideal owners
They love to be with people and so make excellent companion dogs. They are sturdy little dogs. They are natural clowns and they will keep you laughing. They snore, wheeze, grunt, snort and sneeze in your face.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders