Pug Background

The pug is one of the oldest dog breeds that exist. The glorious breed dates all the way back to 400 BC in China where pugs were loved and cared for by Tibetan Buddhist monks. From there, history indicates that traders from the Silk Road introduced pugs to the Dutch where royalty throughout Holland began to see these dogs as prized possessions. In the couple hundred of years that came after, people throughout Europe including the French and English royals, opened their homes to pugs as pets. After hundreds of years of pug love and wrinkles, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Pug as a member of their “toy” dog group in 1885.

Pug Physical Characteristics

Pugs are generally small by comparison to other popular dogs breeds. In length, males span longer than females with an average of 13 to 20 inches (330-500 mm). Female pugs are typically between 10 to 12 inches (250-300 mm) in length and regardless of gender pugs can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds depending on diet and activity. Pug litters are expected to produce around 4 or 5 puppies and owners are NOT supposed to crop the pug tail. Let it curl!

Pugs are very recognizable by their deep face wrinkles around a short muzzle that seems to be pushed in a bit. Pug coats come in the colors known as 1) fawn, 2) apricot fawn, 3) silver fawn, 4) black, and 5) brindle. Outside of that, all pugs have a black mask that adorns their muzzles as well as black tips on button ears that flip downward (very cute). To wrap this up, pug coats are also short and glossy and pretty easy to care for. While a trusted, professional groomer is good to utilize periodically, bathing and cleaning a pug is a generally simple task. Learning to clean your pug’s wrinkles is important as this needs to be done on a regular basis. As such, it may be worthwhile to learn how to bath your pug for good coverage… We’ve learned quickly that a clean pug is a happy pug. A last closing note: pugs cannot tolerate the heat so be sensitive to their body temperature as heat stroke can cause organ failure. Pugs are not outdoor dogs and they’re very happy to sleep (and snore) loudly at your feet, on a couch, in the bed, or in their own dog bed.

Pug Health Info

@GetPuggedUp has some guidance and basic information about Pug Health & Care including some background on Pug Genetics and Pet Health Insurance.