Pugs: Frequently asked questions

Pugs are extremely popular companions and family pets throughout the world and for good reason. They are smart, cute, loving and loyal by nature although many Pugs do have a bit of a stubborn streak in them and they certainly know how to get their own way. Made even more popular by being featured in a famous sci-fi movie, Pugs enjoy being around people and because they are social by nature, they are not the best of watchdogs.

What does a Pug look like?

Pugs with their large eyes, small ears, cute wrinkles and little noses, they are one of the most endearing breeds in the looks department. Pug puppies are incredibly sweet with their adorable natures, but even as mature dogs they maintain a “win you over” personality every time remaining very puppy-like well into their senior years. Pugs are compact little dogs with nicely muscled bodies although some of them are prone to carrying too much weight if not given enough exercise.

What colour coat does a Pug have?

Accepted Kennel Club breed colours for Pugs are silver, apricot, fawn and black with their faces being as dark as possible.

Do Pugs have tails?

A Pug’s tail is thicker at the base but tapers to the tip and they carry them slightly arched, in an upright position when they are excited.

Are Pugs healthy?

Like all breeds, Pugs do suffer from their share of health problems, but in general, they are robust little dogs. The one condition that is unique to the breed is Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) which is a life threatening inflammatory brain disease that is fatal.

Are Pugs brachycephalic?

Yes, as such they are prone to breathing issues. It is also important to keep the wrinkles on a Pug’s face clean to stop an infection from flaring up.

Do Pugs reverse sneeze?

Yes, like other brachycephalic breeds, a Pug can have a bout of reverse sneezing because of their short nasal passages.

Why do Pugs tilt their heads?

Pugs like many other breeds, tilt their heads when you talk to them and it is thought they do this so they can see your mouth as you speak to them.

How long does a Pug live for?

A Pug can live for anything from 12 to 14 years and when they are well cared for and fed an appropriate diet to suit their ages, they can live even longer.

Is it true a Pug’s eyes can pop out?

A lot of brachycephalic breeds and dogs with very short noses suffer from a condition known as Proptosis and when it happens, their eyes pop out as a result.

Are Pugs barkers?

Pugs are not generally known to be “barkers” and are quiet characters by nature although some Pugs will voice an opinion more than others and they do have quite unique barks too.

Do Pugs shed a lot?

Pugs shed all year round only more so in the spring and autumn bearing in mind that some of them have double coats which means they shed even more.

Are Pugs easy maintenance?

Pugs are easy maintenance little dogs in some respects and regular brushing helps keep shed hair under control and wiping their wrinkles regularly to keep them clean ensures there is no build up of harmful bacteria in the folds which could cause a flare-up. However, they are high maintenance when it comes to being given attention and are never happy when they are ignored or left alone for too long.

Why does a Pug have such a curly tail?

A Pug’s tail is curly because vertebrae found in their tails is wedged-shaped although some Pugs have straight tails too.

How much does a full grown Pug weigh?

A Pug’s ideal weight is between 6.3 kg and 8.1 kg for both male and female Pugs.

How many hours a day do Pugs sleep?

Pug puppies can sleep the day away which they need to do so they grow and develop as they should, but older Pugs sleep a lot less which is usually around 12 to 14 hours in a 24 hour period.

Are Pugs aggressive?

Pugs are not typically aggressive by nature, being even tempered. As such, rarely would a Pug bite or behave aggressively unless they feel threatened in any way.

Are Pugs stubborn?

Pugs can be stubborn when the mood takes them more especially when they want to get their own way.

Are Pugs intelligent?

Pugs are extremely smart contrary to what many people believe and being so eager to please, in the right environment a Pug learns new things quickly.

Are Pugs fussy eaters?

Pugs are known to like their food and are not generally “fussy eaters” which is why it’s important for them to have the right amount of daily exercise and for them to be fed an appropriate diet throughout their lives.

Do Pugs snore?

Like many other brachycephalic breeds, Pugs do snore as well as wheeze and snort because of their short muzzles.

Can Pugs swim?

Pugs do like getting their feet wet, but because of their short muzzles care should always be taken when they are in the water because they may find it hard to breath when swimming.

Are Pugs easy to house-train

Pugs are generally easy to house-train providing they are taught from an early age where to do their “business”.

Do Pugs get on with cats and other animals?

Pugs are social characters by nature and generally get on well with other animals which includes the family cat.

How much is a Pug?

Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK and well-bred, healthy Kennel Club registered puppies can command anything from £900 to over £1,500.According to our statistics onPets4Homes, the average price of a KC registered Pug is£910 and a non KC registered Pug is£755.

Looking for further information on Pugs?

To find out more about Pugs, their character, personality, health issues and how to care for a Pug, check out our Pug breed profile.