Considering a Pug? Expert Guide to Owning Your New Companion

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Thinking about adding a pug to your family? Before you make the leap, let’s dive into everything you need to know—from the breed’s charming history to practical care tips and potential health concerns.

With its playful spirit, compact size, and loving nature, a pug can be the perfect companion for first‑time owners and seasoned dog lovers alike.

Below, we break down the breed’s strengths and challenges, so you can decide whether a pug is the right match for your lifestyle.

25 Facts About Pugs: What’s Good About Them and What’s Bad About Them

1. Pugs Are Classified as Toy Breeds by the American Kennel Club

Pugs are known for their cheerful, affectionate demeanor. They view strangers as new friends, making them ideal for social households.

They’re typically gentle with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized.

So if you’re looking for a “big‑dog‑in‑a‑small‑package,” a pug could be the right fit.

2. Low‑Intensity Exercise Is Sufficient

Short walks in cool weather plus indoor play keep a pug fit. They thrive on human companionship, so avoid excessive inactivity.

Because they’re prone to weight gain, incorporate puzzle toys and enrichment games that respect their sensitive eyes.

Ultimately, a pug’s happiness comes from being close to people.

3. Bred Primarily as Companions

While energetic, pugs aren’t suited for high‑intensity activities like running or hiking. Their compact build and short muzzle limit endurance and swimming ability.

They shine in leisurely strolls, visiting the pet store, or joining friends for a casual outing—just be mindful of their weight and avoid feeding them treats.

4. An Ancient Breed with Royal Ties

Originating in China during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.), pugs were prized by royalty and protected by soldiers. Some historians link them to the Tibetan Mastiff.

By the 1500s, Dutch traders introduced pugs to Europe. A famous legend credits a pug named Pompey with saving the Prince of Orange.

In 1572, the breed became the official dog of Holland’s House of Orange, and later it gained popularity across Europe, appearing in Victorian art and popular postcards.

Pugs arrived in the United States after the Civil War and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1885. Their popularity waned in the early 1900s, but dedicated breeders revived the breed, leading to the formation of the Pug Dog Club of America in 1931.

5. What “Pug” Means

The name likely derives from the Latin “pugnus,” meaning “fist,” a reference to their wrinkled muzzle. In Chinese culture, the wrinkles are seen as symbols of good luck.

A group of pugs is called a “grumble.”

6. Popularity and Responsible Sourcing

Currently ranked 35th among 287 breeds by the AKC, pugs remain highly sought after. To avoid health and behavioral issues, purchase from a reputable breeder or rescue—puppy mills and backyard breeders often produce compromised dogs.

7. Low Coat Care, High Shedding

With a short, fine coat, pugs need minimal grooming. However, they shed continuously throughout the year. Weekly brushing with a medium‑bristle brush, rubber mitt, or hound glove helps remove loose hair and maintain skin health.

A monthly bath is usually sufficient. Keep their facial folds dry to prevent dermatitis and regularly clean their eyes, ears, and nails.

8. Recognized Pug Colors

• Fawn (most common)
• Black

All coat colors feature a distinctive black mask.

9. Sweet Temperament Behind a Comical Appearance

Despite their flat muzzle, pugs are even‑tempered, charming, dignified, and playful. Proper socialization ensures they remain confident around strangers.

10. Small Size

Standing 10–13 inches tall and weighing 14–18 pounds, pugs fit comfortably in apartments and homes alike.

11. Great Travel Companions

Adaptable and eager to explore, pugs travel well in carriers or carriages. Use a harness, especially for brachycephalic breeds, to protect their necks.

12. City, Suburb, or Country Life

Quiet and infrequent barkers, pugs suit attached housing. Protect them from temperature extremes: walk during cooler parts of the day, keep them indoors in heat, and consider potty pads for hot climates.

13. Long Lifespan

With proper care, pugs typically live 13–15 years.

14. Fun Facts

• Frank, the talking pug in the Men in Black films, was played by animal actor Mushu.
• Otis, the pug in The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989), was originally named “Poosky” in the Japanese version.
• Percy the pug appears in Pocahontas.
• Doug the Pug earned a People’s Choice Award for Animal Star in 2019 and amassed over 13 million Instagram followers.
• Some pug enthusiasts host parades and themed parties to celebrate their dogs.
• Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park (1814) features a pet pug that the heroine’s mother favors.

15. Health Risks from a Flat Face

As a brachycephalic breed, pugs have small nostrils, a long palate, and a narrow trachea, predisposing them to obstructive airway syndrome.

They’re also vulnerable to heat and cold extremes, snoring, snorting, reverse sneezing, and eye injuries.

Keep them in air‑conditioned environments on hot days and limit long walks in cold weather.

16. Other Potential Health Issues

To reduce risks, source a pug from a breeder or rescue that conducts health screenings.

Common problems include:

• Patellar luxation
• Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME/PDE) – no cure
• Hemivertebra and back problems
• Epilepsy and allergies
• Hip dysplasia
• Age‑related nerve degeneration
• Skin conditions (yeast, staph, mite‑related dandruff, demodectic mange)
• Eye issues (corneal ulcers, proptosis, retinal atrophy, entropion, distichiasis, dry eye)
• Respiratory problems if overweight
• Legg‑Perthes disease
• Vaccination sensitivity

A 2022 UK study concluded that pugs face “critical health‑related welfare challenges” that demand attention.

Health insurance that covers inherited diseases and injuries is advisable.

17. Regular Eye Checks

Because pugs are prone to eye irritation, inspect their eyes daily for redness or debris.

18. Weight Management

Don’t let that pleading face convince you to over‑treat; monitor treats and portions carefully.

19. Dental Care

Brachycephalic breeds often face dental issues and underbites. Regular brushing and veterinary dental exams help prevent disease.

20. Cost Considerations

Pugs often require C‑section births due to skull size, increasing initial costs. Breeding standards recommend eye exams, NME/PDE testing, and patellar luxation checks.

21. Therapy Dog Potential

With their stable, people‑loving nature, pugs make excellent therapy dogs.

22. Positive Reinforcement Training

Use treats, praise, petting, and play to reinforce desired behaviors. Consistency is key, and pugs excel in obedience, scent work, retrieving, and hand‑signal responsiveness.

23. Versatile Abilities

Pugs can learn rally, tricks, barn hunt, nose work, and FASTCAT, provided you avoid extreme temperatures.

24. Socialization Is Key

Expose your pug early to a variety of people, animals, and environments to maintain their friendly, calm temperament.

25. Resources for Finding a Pug

Decide whether to adopt from a rescue or purchase from a breeder. For rescues, contact the Pug Dog Club of America. For reputable breeders, consult the Pug Dog Club of America or the AKC.

FAQs

Can I have a pug with two children?

Yes—pugs are typically friendly with respectful children. Teach all family members, including kids, to handle the dog gently, especially around his eyes and back.

Are pugs generally healthy?

Health largely depends on the source. Reputable breeders perform health screenings; rescued pugs often display clear health records. Discuss potential issues with your breeder or rescue.

Will a pug get along with my other dogs?

When well‑bred, socialized, and trained, pugs are friendly toward other dogs, including breeds like Golden Retrievers and Maltese.

Final Thoughts

Pugs can be delightful companions for the right family: affectionate, low‑exercise, and easy to train. However, their shedding, weight issues, and potential health problems should be weighed before bringing one home.

Do you already have a pug? Share your experience in the comments below.

Still deciding? Let this guide help you determine whether a pug is the right fit for you.

Save To Pinterest

Top Picks For Our Puppies

1. BEST DOG CHEW
   We Like: Beef Collagen Sticks – our pups love to bite, nip, and chew. Collagen sticks help redirect unwanted chewing.
2. BEST PUPPY TOY
   We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs – perfect for easing anxiety in a new home.
3. BEST DOG TREATS
   We Like: Crazy Dog Train‑Me Treats – our high‑value treats for training.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer’s Dog – recently switched to this brand and our pup loves it! Get 50% off your first order.

Check out more of our favorites on the New Puppy Checklist.

—Debbie DeSantis
CPDT‑KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist. Winner of Channel 17’s Philly Hot List #1 Dog Trainer. Debbie has over 24 years of experience training nationally ranked obedience, rally, agility, trick, and therapy dogs.