Pug Dog
This wonderful breed is certainly a popular pooch amongst dog lovers. Their loveable nature and hilarious antics will have you quickly falling in love with this adorable breed.
Pug At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Friendly & laidback breed |
| Suitable | Loving breed who is very affectionate and adores being the centre of attention. |
| Health | Generally sturdy dog breed but may be prone to certain health concerns. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Anal Sac Disorder | $3,209.40 |
| Ear Conditions | $4,801.05 |
| Eye Condition | $6,476.74 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $2,296.30 |
| Arthritis | $2,637.75 |
| Neoplasia | $4,424.62 |
| Neoplasia or Mass Lesion | $14,980.00 |
| Neurological Condition | $7,632.00 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $2,587.22 |
| Urinary Disorder | $5,242.36 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Bred primarily for companionship, the Pug thrives on human companionship. However, some have been known to be a wee bit stubborn when it comes to training. This is where your creativity and dedication are very important. They are naturally inquisitive dogs so persistence and enjoyment are vital for success. However, do not give up, training is very important to keep your Pug safe and happy. Training needs to begin as soon as possible. So, plan before you bring your bundle of fur home regarding rules, regulations and manners that everyone expects around the home. Bad habits are much harder to out-train, so prevention is key. Positive reinforcement is the only way to train your pug (and any breed for that matter) so keep it happy and fun. They simply love to make their owner smile and will do anything for the right pet parent. They have been known to be difficult to housetrain in some situations so researching crate training for this purpose is a good idea. But due to their smart natures, once they learn something, they never forget! Some pugs are very food motivated while others are all about cuddles, so finding the right motivation to suit your dog is important.
Grooming
Pugs have a double coat that will require attention, particularly during moulting season. Regular brushing is a must to help control shedding. It’s also a great way to check that your pug’s coat is in good condition. Regular bathing is also required (every month) or more often if your little friend has found something particularly smelly to roll in. The folds on your pug’s face do entail some attention to guarantee they do not become overloaded with nasty bacteria that can lead to infection. A gentle wipe with a wet cloth every few days will ensure they are kept healthy, also make sure you dry their folds after each bathing session. Wet wrinkles can lead to infections.
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Common Health Conditions - Pug
Pugs are adorable and very affectionate dogs, but like all breeds, they can also be prone to certain health issues.
- Brachycephalic Problems: Pugs fall into the Brachycephalic breed profile with their short, flat skulls and pushed-in faces. This can lead to breathing difficulties and a range of respiratory problems. This condition can result in noisy breathing, snoring, and difficulty cooling down in hot weather. Treatment can include responsible ownership and prevention techniques, in server cases surgery may be required to help open up the airways.
- Obesity: Their adorable eyes and loving nature tend to put Pugs at risk of obesity issues. Being overweight can cause other health problems, such as joint problems and respiratory difficulties. Treatment includes limiting treats, increasing exercise and possible prescription diets.
- Hip Dysplasia: a genetic condition that is due to the malformation of the hip and thigh joint, hip dysplasia can also affect the Pug. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Treatment normally consists of surgery followed by physiotherapy and medication.
- Skin Fold Infections: That lovely, wrinkled skin can also pose a problem for Pugs, especially around the face area. Regular cleaning and drying of the folds after water play and bath time can help prevent infections. Treatment can involve medications including antibiotics and antifungals.
- Eye Problems: Big, beautiful eyes can also pose a problem for Pugs, who are prone to various eye conditions, including dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), entropion (a condition where the eyelids roll inward), and proptosis (bulging eyes). Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are highly recommended. Depending on the condition treatment can include medication, monitoring or surgery to correct the problems.
- Allergies: Like many dog breeds Pugs can also be prone to allergies. These tend to manifest as skin irritations, itching, and ear infections. Identifying and managing allergies alongside your veterinarian is paramount. Treatment typically involves a change of diet, preventing the allergen, medications, and specialised shampoos.
- Dental Issues: Many small dogs also have dental issues due to the size of their jaws. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care and professional cleaning are crucial to keep your Pugs mouth in good shape. Treatment can involve surgery to remove any decaying or cracked teeth.
- Joint Issues: Some Pugs can also be more prone to developing joint issues like patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and exercise can help manage these problems. Treatment can involve surgery.
- Heat Sensitivity: Due to being a popular brachycephalic dog breed Pugs can have difficulty regulating their body temperature. They are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so caution is paramount during exercise and the warmer months.
- Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE): A rare neurological disease that affects some Pugs, leading to seizures, personality changes, and other neurological problems. While there is no cure for PDE, veterinary monitoring and medication can help manage this condition.
Exercise Requirements
Pugs don’t need endless amounts of exercise however, they are a very energetic and playful breed. But don’t have too much expectation when it comes to games like fetch. Like all dogs they will benefit from a daily walk and play session. This breed loves to eat, so ensuring they are kept at their correct weight is important to prevent future health problems. Keep feeding to the correct amounts and maintain daily exercise to keep your pup in tip-top condition. Being a companion breed they don’t like being left alone for long periods. Keeping up with boredom-busting ideas and daily exercise will help.
Intelligence
Despite some believing this breed is not very smart, many owners will beg to differ. Pugs can be a challenge to train so understanding your dog’s driving forces is important. Some will love food while others will love cuddles. They are a loyal loving breed that is super-playful making them one of the best companion dogs around. Socialisation from a young age is important, so enrol your beloved pug in a puppy preschool class and consider group obedience training.
Family Friendly
Pugs are super family-friendly and thrive in a busy household full of those who want to cuddle and play. This makes them a wonderful choice for families with children. However, like with all breeds, ensure you teach your children how to correctly handle and play with a Pug.
Indoor/outdoor?
Pugs have been specially bred to be a companion and won’t be happy unless they have your complete devotion and lap! Making them the ideal indoor dog. Due to their short-noses, the breed will struggle in the heat. Understanding this and adjusting their environment to suit is vitally important. If you suspect your pug is struggling in the heat, veterinary advice is recommended.
Responsible Breeding
It is very important to only source your new Pug from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. It’s important to ask important questions about hereditary problems and if possible, view Mum and Dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have paperwork and documentation to prove that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases. This process might take a little more time than a quick online purchase, however, it will save you and your family from unimaginable heartache caused by a sick puppy or dog.
Contact PIA for Pug Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Pugs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
Sources
https://www.thesprucepets.com/chinese-dog-breeds-4797219
https://www.thesprucepets.com/wrinkly-dog-breeds-4845400
https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/black-pug/
https://boogiethepug.com/10-fun-facts-about-pugs/
https://thehappypuppysite.com/baby-pug/
https://petkeen.com/do-pugs-make-good-pets/
