Not falling in love with a Pug is practically impossible! With its bulging eyes, flattened muzzle and compact, chubby body, the Pug is on the list of the most popular dog breeds among Brazilians. There are so many characteristics that make the Pug dog a unique animal, that it is even difficult to know where to start talking about it. From the origin of the Pug to its personality, this is avery curious little dog in many ways.

With this in mind, the Paws of the House has prepared an article with all the information about the Pug breed for lovers of this dog. We explain what a Pug is, physical characteristics of the pet, origin, health issues, personality of the Pug dog, price and how to care for this very special dog. Check here everything about the Pug breed!

Original Pug: learn about the history of the breed

Anyone who thinks that the Pug dog is a recent breed is mistaken. Although it has become more popular over the past few years, some theories about the origin of the Pug breed place it as one of the oldest in existence, dating back to centuries before Christ (BC). That's right: to define the Pug, ancient is a good word.

But how did the Pug come about? What is known is that the origin of the Pug came from China, where it belonged to royalty and was known at the time as "Foo Dog". However, the Dutch took it upon themselves to take some specimens to Holland and then other European countries ended up "adopting" the animal as well. When it arrived in England, the ancient "original" Pug won over the monarchy and was namedas we know it today.

And the Pug is a mixture of which breeds? Although there is no proof, it is believed that it arose from crossbreeds such as the Pekingese and the Bulldog. So don't be fooled by the story of a Pug created in a laboratory: even though it is a breed with some health problems, this little dog has been around for a long time and originated in China. Therefore, it is not correct to say that the Pug isWhat we should do is try to understand the true history of the animal, as well as try to answer questions like "Pug is a mix of what?" Another important detail is that there is no German Pug, only the Chinese version.

Physical characteristics of the Pug are quite striking

The appearance of a Pug is unmistakable. In addition to the short and flat snout, some of the main characteristics of the Pug are the protruding (and incredibly expressive) eyes, curled tail and the various folds scattered throughout its body. All this makes the breed easily recognizable to anyone. Another fact that draws attention to the Pug dog is its size, which is small but strong.See other breed characteristics:

Pug size : height varies between 20 and 30 cm;

Pug weight This is usually between 6 and 10 kg;

Pelos : short, thin, smooth and soft;

Colors The black Pug is a favorite, but it is rarer to find. The most common shades are variations of the apricot, which can be from a lighter beige to a darker one (also called fawn).

In addition, when it comes to the Pug dog, characteristics do not stop there! Despite the short and thin coat, this is a dog that sheds a lot of hair and therefore requires extra care with the brushing routine. It is also possible to find Pug dogs in white, gray and even brindle colors, but these are not officially recognized.

Pug skull: understand the breed's anatomy

The Pug is a brachycephalic dog. Dogs with this problem have striking physical characteristics that arise as a consequence of the shape of their skull, whose shape is shorter than what is considered normal. That is why, if we were to take an x-ray of the Pug, the breed could easily be defined by its well-rounded head, the flattened muzzle with narrower nostrils, soft palate (region of the sky of the mouth), and themouth) and wide eyes that seem to bulge out. Pug with a long snout is not a possibility.

Pug: dog is part of the group of brachycephalic animals

When we think about the characteristics of the Pug, one that never goes unnoticed is the question of its snout, which is flat and shorter than normal. This is a typical trait of a brachycephalic dog, which is also present in breeds such as the French Bulldog and the Shih Tzu

Brachycephalic dogs emerged from many crossbreeding projects that aimed to create dogs with a small snout and a proportional, shorter jaw. What differentiates brachycephalic dogs from other dogs is their breathing, which is more limited because of the shape of the snout and trachea. Therefore, the Pug - brachycephalic animal - and other dogs with the same condition end updeveloping brachycephalic respiratory syndrome, the main symptom of which is difficulty breathing because of impaired anatomy.

Therefore, any minimal physical effort - such as a simple walk - can leave the dog panting, if it is of the Pug breed. In addition, the Pug dog - as well as other brachycephalic dogs - can also snore a lot because of the soft palate, which vibrates more intensely with the passage of air, generating the noise. Therefore, pets with brachycephaly need special care.

Anatomy impairs the health of the Pug dog breed

The anatomy of the Pug breed dog is not at all favorable to his health. Whoever intends to have such a dog, needs to be even more careful and attentive to the pet. As already mentioned, the Pug is a brachycephalic dog and has a tendency to develop respiratory problems, often panting without having to exercise much. But this is not the only health problem that the Pug can have.

The combination of a large appetite with the need to avoid heavy exercise leaves the Pug more vulnerable to canine obesity. In addition, the breed is prone to suffer from allergic conditions, mainly because of the folds and wrinkles scattered all over the body.

Another important point about the Pug: breed needs special care with the eyes. As it has this region more exposed and jumped, the probability of having injuries and ulcers in the cornea is very high for the Pug: animal can bump into somewhere or suffer some accident that harms this area. Therefore, the recommendation is that the tutor visits the veterinarian frequently. Because it is a brachycephalic dog, thePug puppies can have many health problems and need all this care to live a healthier life, even with the anatomical difficulties.

See a gallery with Pug dog photos!

Pug: the little dog's personality is loving and clingy

• Coexistence :

The Pug's personality is endearing, no wonder it has so many admirers around the world, right? The Pug breed is one of the favorites for one simple reason: the Pug is a great companion dog, and this is one of the most affectionate breeds. They are super attached to their guardian, faithful, very affectionate and partners. Usually, the Pug breed dog has a calmer, docile and loving way. However,the adult Pug or puppy can be quite energetic on certain occasions, and it is important that the guardian knows how to spend this energy in a moderate way so as not to harm the pet's breathing.

The Pug is also among the laziest and sleepiest dogs. With its docile yet fun way, there are many possibilities for Pug names inspired by its personality, such as "Popcorn" for the most agitated and "Sloth" for those who love to take a nap all the time.

The Pug's calm temperament guarantees a pleasant coexistence and practically no problem with the family or strangers. It is a good dog for children and deals well with anyone, being a great dog for apartment. The problem is that this attachment of the Pug to humans often ends up triggering certain problems such as separation anxiety, especially if the animal is left behind.But don't worry: there are some alternatives that can help the Pug to cope better with the absence of the guardian at these times, such as training.

• Socialization :

The Pug dog is very sociable and has a great ability to relate to practically everyone: adults, children, the elderly, and even other animals. If the person gives him a little attention, it is enough for the Pug dog to make the party! The ideal is that the socialization process of the Pug breed is done while it is still a puppy.

• Training :

One of the best alternatives that can help the Pug to cope with the absence of the guardian, as well as ensuring optimal behavior, is training. The small Pug dog can be a little stubborn at first, but the truth is that they usually respond very well to training commands and, over time, become more obedient. They are intelligent and, training from an early age, the results are guaranteed.Just remember not to do too much intense activity so as not to tire the Pug out and make him short of breath.

4 curiosities about the Pug: dog has many surprises!

1) A curiosity that reflects the popularity of the Pug dog in European countries (especially among the elite and royalty) is that Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Josephine, had a little dog of the breed. She was known at the time and her name was Fortune. The Pug was even the only one who could visit Josephine when she was imprisoned, even serving as a messenger for tickets hidden in the house.collar!

2) Although the Pug is often confused with the French Bulldog, there are a few physical differences that help tell the difference. First, the Bulldog is heavier than the Pug. The breed also has slightly more protruding eyes than the Pug. Bulldog dog breeds, finally, do not have as many folds on their faces as the Pug.

3) The Pug puppy is not considered a breed of dog that barks a lot, despite its characteristic snores.

4) One of the secrets of the Pug is that the breed's head is very large, which makes it more difficult to give birth normally, so a pregnant Pug often needs a caesarean section to remove the puppies.

The Pug puppy is easy to live with and is a great companion

If you want to have a Pug puppy, don't worry: it is very easy to take care of this dog! Pug breed is docile and quiet, having a good relationship with the family from the first days of life. At first, he spends most of his time sleeping and, over time, he becomes more lively.

It is important to keep an eye on the vaccination schedule and give the puppy vaccinations as early as the first year. The same goes for the Pug's dewormer. Puppyhood is also the best time to carry out socialization and training. Socialization happens easily, and although it can be a bit stubborn at the beginning of training, know that the process tends to be more difficult in the adult Pug. Breedalso needs a balanced diet with the nutrients required for their age group, so only offer puppy food that is appropriate for their age.

Check out a photo gallery of Pug puppies that will melt your heart!

Pug dog breed requires some care in everyday life

• Bath bathing a Pug puppy should take place at most once every 15 days (if necessary) with specific dog products.

• Folds It is crucial to sanitize the animal regularly with a wet wipe, as the folds on the Pug's body accumulate a lot of moisture, which can end up favoring the appearance of fungi and bacteria in the area.

• Brushing Pug: Pugs often shed a lot of hair, so it is recommended that the owner brush their body daily to remove dead hair and prevent it from spreading around the house.

• Pug Eyes It is important to keep the eyes of the Pug dog breed always clean and hydrated to avoid inflammation and dry eye syndrome. It is good to clean the eye of the Pug breed with saline solution from time to time.

• Nails Trimming the Pug puppy's nails should be part of the routine to prevent him from hurting himself or others, and should happen at least once a month.

• Teeth : Pug teeth need to be brushed at least once a week to prevent tartar in dogs, bad breath and other oral diseases.

• Ears to avoid canine otitis and other problems, clean your four-legged friend's ears regularly with a wipe and appropriate veterinary product.

Pug breed dogs can suffer from allergies

The Pug dog's body full of folds and wrinkles favors the development of various types of allergies. Generally, the main causes of this skin problem in the adult Pug are: parasites, hygiene products, food, cleaning products and, of course, bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to any changes in the Pug dog's body to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.Pug allergies can cause sores and even reach the eyeball and ear, causing conjunctivitis and otitis.

Pug health: dog is prone to acid tear

Acid tear in dogs - or epiphora - is a condition characterized by obstruction in the tear ducts that prevents tear drainage on the surface of the eye. The condition is recognized by the darkening around the eyeball of the Pug dog and the eyes always looking wet. Although the name has become popular, the pH of the liquid that drains from the animal's eyes is neutral, not acidic, so it does notThe super short muzzle is the main reason behind epiphora in Pugs, but it can be solved with massages in the area that help unclog the tear duct, allowing tears to drain more efficiently.

The Pug dog needs care with food and exercise to avoid obesity

Did you know that the Pug is one of the breeds that do not need much physical exercise. When it comes to feeding a Pug, although there are several types of dog food on the market, the guardian must think very carefully about which is the best option. This is because the Pug dog breed has a tendency to obesity. So it doesn't matter if a puppy Pug or an adult Pug: take good care of the dietAnd, of course, always taking into account the age of the animal, as it is always good to remember that there are specific rations for each stage of the dog's life.

In addition, the Pug dog can be quite active and energetic, but it also gets tired very easily because of its more restricted breathing. Therefore, it is important to invest in activities that are not too intense and tiring for your four-legged friend. Walks are a good option for the Pug, but they should be carried out mainly at times of the day when the temperature is not high.In addition, another possible alternative is to invest in toys that can stimulate the Pug also indoors. The space for raising a Pug puppy is not a concern: as it is a small dog, Pug is a breed super recommended for apartments and other places with smaller spaces.

Pug puppy: price usually varies between R$ 2500 and R$ 5 thousand

If you've already decided that a Pug puppy is going to be your new four-legged companion, nothing could be fairer than to start looking for a reliable kennel for it, right? Generally when it comes to a Pug puppy, the price is not usually as high as other breeds: the values are between R$ 2500 and R$ 5 thousand, in general.

When buying a Pug, value can be a little cheaper or more expensive than that, but it is essential that the new guardian makes sure that the kennel in question values the well-being of animals and is a safe place. It is even worth checking if he has good references, looking for reports from other people who have already bought in this space and even making a few visits before buying the Pug puppy.

As for the variation in the price of a Pug puppy, the value will depend mainly on the lineage of the animal: dogs descended from champions usually have a higher cost. Females also tend to have a higher price than males.

Pug X-ray: learn all about Pug!

Size: Small

Average height: 30 cm

Weight: 10 Kg

Coat: Short, fine and smooth

Colors: Black, apricot, white, gray and brindle

Life expectancy: 13 years