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Small and sturdy with a big personality, the pint-sized Pug has been wooing dog lovers for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. They’re friendly, easy-going, affectionate little dogs who absolutely adore human interaction.
In fact, they crave it. Pugs are social, sweet-tempered dogs that get along with pretty much everyone (okay, maybe not the postman!) They love being the centre of attention and are known to be quite the entertainer with their funny snorts and silly antics. But this breed isn’t all goofball and no brains. Pugs are intelligent dogs and are relatively easy to train. Down for games and activities whenever you are, Pugs are a solid choice for a loyal, devoted companion.
While playful, cheeky and lively, the Pug is definitely no athlete. They were bred to be companion dogs and wouldn’t know what ‘work’ was if it booped them on the snoot! These cuties can often be found on their owners’ laps or snoozing loudly on the sofa.
Their snores, snuffles, and grunts might be adorable (or annoying), but it’s actually a result of them being a brachycephalic breed. Dogs of this nature have flat, squished faces which causes a lot of breathing problems. Short daily walks and gentle, indoor playtime is enough for these couch potatoes.
Pugs are also prone to suffer from separation anxiety because they just love their paw-rents too much. This means they can’t be left alone for too long. Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a loving companion that’s full of character, the Pug could be the breed for you.
Sweet, loving and affectionate
Calm and even-tempered
Thrives on attention
Loves human interaction
People-oriented
Easygoing and laid back
Funny, playful and goofy
Friendly and social
Loyal and devoted to owners
Gets on well with people and dogs
Sometimes stubborn
Snores a lot
Doesn’t need much exercise
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loyal and affectionate companions | Known to be vocal and yappy |
| Good watchdogs | Suffers from separation anxiety |
| Highly adaptable with low exercise needs | Not the best choice for families with young children |
| Intelligent and easy to train | Requires a lot of grooming |
| Hypoallergenic | Housetraining can take longer than other breeds |
Absolutely! Pugs are a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They’re a happy, playful breed with super sweet souls. The Pug adores company and adapts well to many different family dynamics – old, young, big, small. As long as they’re involved in all the fun and have a comfortable lap to lay on, they’ll feel right at home. However, Pugs can’t be left alone for too long, so they need at least one person to be home most of the day for them to stay happy and healthy.
Yes, Pugs are known to get on well with children of all ages. They’re sweet, funny and love to play, making them an ideal buddy for toddlers and teens alike. They also have a sturdy build so they’re not as delicate as other toy breeds. However, their respiratory issues and injury-prone eyes mean Pugs aren’t built for sports, excessive running around or boisterous play.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, Pugs are social dogs that love to make furry friends. If well socialised from a young age, they generally get on well with most other animals, including cats, rabbits and other critters. This doesn’t mean to say a Pug wouldn’t be tempted to chase a neighbour’s cat out of the garden though!
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Pug is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Pug properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
When fully grown, these little guys and gals need around 30 - 40 minutes of physical exercise a day, ideally split into two walks. It’s highly recommended to use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
Staying active is essential to help prevent Pugs from packing on the pounds. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on these pooches’ joints and internal organs, but it makes their breathing problems a lot worse.
Despite having a reputation as a lazy lap dog that snores all day, Pugs are actually a lively, intelligent breed that likes to keep busy. As well as their daily walkies, offer them lots of mentally enriching games and puzzles to do indoors so their brains get a good workout too.
As they hate to be left alone and have low exercise needs, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.
Brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to overheating, so extreme care must be taken in hot temperatures. Avoid exercising Pugs in warm weather and keep them indoors during the hottest time of the day.
Pugs are an intelligent breed, but they’re known to be a little stubborn and strong-willed. Also, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take Pugs a while to become fully housetrained. However, with consistency, patience, and paw-sitivity, they can be a delight to train!
Unleash your Pug’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and a delicious treat such as this High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky. Pugs are very food motivated, but just be mindful of how many treats you give during training sessions.
2. Be firm but fair. Pugs have a stubborn streak and know how to work the sad, puppy dog eyes, so it’s important to be authoritative without being harsh. These dogs are sensitive to their owner’s tone, so telling them off can make them withdraw. A gentle, consistent approach works best.
3. Prioritise potty training. Pugs need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. A covered potty area is also recommended because these little dogs don’t like the rain.
4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the social butterfly Pug. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Work on recall. While Pugs aren’t avid wanderers, they can run surprisingly fast and their love of people (and food) could see them joining another family’s picnic without hesitation. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats – a yummy reward that’ll keep them coming back for more.
6. Keep training sessions short. Pugs can get easily distracted, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused.
7. Incorporate tricks into their obedience training. This breed loves the attention, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and get ready to be entertained!
8. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
The Pug coat is smooth, sleek, and short, but it sheds heavily throughout the year, especially during summer. Keeping a handheld vacuum on standby is recommended! Pugs are usually fawn or black, but you can get silver, apricot, brindle, and sometimes white coats too. Fawn Pugs are double coated, whereas black Pugs have a single coat that sheds a little less.
Regular grooming is a great bonding experience for Pugs and their owners, but it’s also an opportunity to check their allergy-prone skin for any redness, dryness, sores or inflammation.
Keep your Pug looking pristine with these grooming tips.
Brush all over daily using a soft bristle brush or a hand glove to remove dead hairs.
Remove dirt and debris from their muzzle wrinkles and skin folds using a soft, damp cloth. Bacteria loves to grow in these areas, so it’s important to clean regularly.
Bathe around once a month or as necessary using a dog-friendly shampoo, but take extra care around their eyes. As they protrude, it’s easy for them to become irritated by soaps and other chemicals. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
Clean their ears every few weeks to help prevent infection. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
Trim their nails regularly. These dogs don’t tend to wear their nails down as much as more active breeds, so consider a professional groomer or do it at home following expert advice.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Pugs are prone to dental issues, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent pongy Pug breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Pug lifespan is between 12–15 years. However, they’re prone to a number of health problems, mainly due to the fact they’re a brachycephalic breed.
Healthy Pugs should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Pugs are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems for Pugs. If you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your Pug, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering.
Overheating. In brachycephalic breeds, the structure of the throat and breathing passages limits how much air reaches their lungs. This makes panting less effective and more difficult for the dog to cool down. As such, Pugs are not suited to hot climates and shouldn’t be outdoors in hot weather.
Skin Allergies. Pugs are prone to a lot of skin problems, mainly due to bacteria gathering in the folds of their skin. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE). This rare but devastating condition is unique to Pugs, causing blindness, seizures, changes in temperament and difficulty walking. It’s a progressive condition, so the symptoms will become more severe and can sadly be fatal. There’s no known reason why Pugs suffer from this horrible disease, and there’s no way to test for it or treat it. A diagnosis can only be made once the dog has passed.
Pug Myelopathy. This is another condition that isn’t fully understood, and causes weakness and eventually paralysis of a Pug’s back legs. Those suffering may initially drag their feet, stagger, have trouble jumping and develop incontinence. The good news is that while it’s progressive, it’s pain free! Pugs can still have a great quality of life with the right nursing and care.
Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.
Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects Pug puppies around 6-9 months old. The most common sign is gradual lameness of the back legs, but it can be treated successfully through surgery.
Distichiasis. This is a condition where the eyelashes grow inwardly, leading to inflammation of the eye, excessive discharge and a lot of pain for your pooch. If left untreated, it can cause corneal ulceration. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Eye Injuries. The Pug’s large eyes and shallow eye sockets make them prone to a lot of eye problems and injuries, such as being scratched, ruptured or popping out. If left untreated, dogs can suffer with permanent eye damage or even face losing an eye.
Corneal Ulcers. A large area of the Pug’s cornea is exposed, putting them at risk of developing ulcers. A simple scratch can be all it takes, but it’s incredibly painful. If your Pug is squinting a lot and has red, teary eyes, take them to the vet immediately. Corneal ulcers can be treated with medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or serious eye damage.
Dry Eye. This occurs when a Pug can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, or their eyelids can’t close properly over their bulging eyes. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Ear Infections. Pugs have narrow ear canals which are prone to inflammation and infection. Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of infection.
Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.
Obesity. Pugs are prone to packing on the pounds, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Owners can prevent obesity by ensuring their Pug gets daily exercise, and that they’re not fed too many high calorie treats.
Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Feeding your Pug a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their joints stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Pug will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
It’s generally recommended they’re fed twice a day, but as Pugs are prone to obesity, it’s essential they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on their hearts, and makes breathing even more difficult.
The best food for a Pug is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
The Pug is prone to break wind…a lot. Brachycephalic breeds tend to swallow a lot of air when they eat or drink, making them gassier than other dogs. The only way to get rid of this air is to let rip!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Pug’s nutritional needs. Try this food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Pug or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Stay out of the sun
Pugs can overheat very quickly due to their brachycephalic head structure, so great care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather.
Keep exercise light
Breathing is already an effort for the sweet Pug, so make sure exercise is light, fun, and not too strenuous. Simple walks on the lead, some back garden zoomies and indoor playtime is an ideal workout routine.
Look after their eyes
With their large, bulging eyes, Pugs are prone to a number of eye related problems. Stick to plushy toys that can’t scratch their eyes, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health.
Use a harness
Walking your Pug using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
Monitor weight
A healthy Pug should weigh between 6kg and 8kg. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure their food portions to prevent overfeeding. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.
Say no to table scraps
Their puppy dog eyes can be hard to resist, but it’s important you don’t overfeed your Pug. Extra weight on these pooches can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move and exacerbate their respiratory issues. For pudgy Pugs, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food to help with weight management.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Pug’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families with children that love to play and spend a lot of time at home. |
| Outdoor space? | A back garden isn’t essential but they need daily walks to keep trim. Housetraining can also be a problem so they will need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can comfortably live in flats, as long as their exercise needs are met. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live nicely with most other animals if socialised and trained well. |
The unconditional love of a Pug is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
The price of a Pug can cost anywhere between £800 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Pug is around £50.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £20 to £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a number of health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Pug should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Pug even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s most beloved companions!
Pugs have existed since 400 BC, making them one of the oldest breeds in the world. Tibetan Buddhist monks used to keep them as pets, which is maybe how they got their easy-going nature!
Their wrinkles hold a deep, hidden meaning… Chinese breeders purposefully bred Pugs to have scrunchy faces as they wanted the wrinkle pattern on their forehead to resemble the Chinese character for ‘prince’.
Pugs may have been named after marmoset monkeys. They looked similar to marmosets, which were popular pets in the 1700s and were also known as ‘pug monkeys’.
Prince William of Orange’s Pug, named Pompey, rumbled an assassination attempt against his master’s life by barking and scaring away the assassins. This act of bravery led the Pug to be the official breed of the House of Orange.
Napoleon’s wife had a very protective Pug named Fortune, who famously bit Napoleon on their wedding night after she refused to remove the pooch off their marital bed.
Pugs 100 years ago looked a lot different, with longer legs, longer snouts, straight tails and a slimmer build.
National Pug Day is celebrated on October 15th every year.
You can get all sorts of Pug cross breeds. A French Bulldog Pug cross is called a Frug, a Jack Russell Pug cross is called a Jug, and a Chihuahua Pug mix is called Chug.
Possibly one of our favourite facts is that a group of Pugs is called a ‘grumble’!
The history of the Pug is a lengthy one, as they’re one of the oldest breeds in the world. It’s believed they originated around 400 BC during the Han dynasty in ancient China (206 BC to 200 AD). They were bred to be loyal companion dogs for Emperors and were treated like royalty, living in their own luxurious accommodations and being waited on hand-and-foot by servants. It was actually illegal for common folk to own a Pug – a crime punishable by death!
Pugs are one of three flat-faced dogs to be bred by the Chinese; the Lion Dog, the Pekingese and the Lo-sze, which is the ancient pug. These types of dogs also have history in ancient Tibet where they kept Buddhist monks company in the monasteries. This could explain the Pug’s cool and laid back temperament!
It wasn’t until the late 1500s and early 1600s when Pugs made their way to European shores. China opened up trade with Dutch explorers, who are believed to have smuggled these dogs back home with them. They named the breed Mopshond, which Dutch people still use to this day.
Pugs, used to their lavish lifestyles in China, naturally found their place amongst nobility and European royalty. Prince William of Orange, Marie Antoinette and Justine Bonaparte were all devoted Pug owners. The breed's popularity spread and they eventually came to the UK in 1860 when the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace. They brought some of these squishy-faced dogs back with them, and two Pugs named Lamb and Moss established two prominent ‘pure’ Chinese bloodlines in England.
Again, these noble dogs found themselves amongst the rich and powerful, with Queen Victoria owning 36 during her reign! Interest in the breed diminished slightly at the turn of the century, but diehard Pug lovers made sure it didn’t stay that way. They’ve continued to steal the hearts of many all over the world with their munchable faces and sweet personalities.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Pug.
1. Research the breed. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems, so you need to make sure you can look after them properly.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Pug puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Pugs and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Pug, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Pugs in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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