| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
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Contents
The Pug is one of the most beautiful and lovable breeds in history. It is a Chinese breed that has always been very popular for its distinctive muzzle and adorable little tail.
Some dog breeds have really strange stories about their origins, as is the case of the Pug. Pet Pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors who kept female Pugs in luxury together with their wives. This breed was brought from China to Europe thanks to traders who took them from the East to the Netherlands.
Pug: Origins
The Pug, or Carlino in Spanish, arrived in England during the period of William III. Since then, this breed with a look that distinguishes it from all other breeds has spread throughout Europe, becoming one of the most valued companion dogs in the world. In the United States, however, they were introduced after the civil war.
They have accompanied European aristocratic ladies. It is documented that Marie Antoinette and Giuseppina Bonaparte had Pugs.
In modern times, the Pug has become a sought-after dog by “VIP” stars, like Avril Lavigne, Jessica Alba and many others who posted their photos with their four-legged friend on their social media. And let’s not forget that Andy Warhol was one of those who most appreciated this breed.
They called it Pug because at that time there was a marmoset monkey as a pet with similar features with that name, so they shared the nickname. And you are probably wondering why the Pug is called Carlino in Spanish. This is due to Carlo Bertinazzi, an Italian actor who was part of the Italian Comedy in which he acted as Harlequin in the 18th century. His character wore a black mask that recalled the characteristic face of this breed.
Pug: Physical Characteristics
The Pug is an irresistible pet for many, including us. This is a small molosser with a withers height between 10 and 13 inches (20-33 cm) and an ideal weight of no more than 17 lb (8 kg).
Its short and smooth coat may be:
- Silver fawn,
- Apricot fawn,
- Light fawn or black.
These are the most common coat colors in Pugs. However, there are others but they are not that easy to find. Having said that, let’s move on to talk about its face. It really looks like this breed is wearing a black mask that gives it a unique style and expression that catches the eye of many.
Its wrinkle and flat round face are other factors that give it an extra touch of cuteness.
Pug: Health
The Pug needs daily attention and care from its owner as it is prone to different health conditions. For example, it is prone to respiratory problems due to its physical build. Have you heard the noise it makes when it breathes? It looks like the dog is about to have an asthma attack.
It is also one of the most heat-intolerant dog breeds. Pugs‘ owners should always check their eyes as it is very common for them to suffer from diseases such as conjunctivitis, pigmentary keratitis and progressive retinal atrophy. All these conditions can lead to blindness in the end.
If we do not take care of their hygiene frequently, they can also suffer from dermatitis.
Pugs have two distinct shapes for their ears, “rose” and “button”, but they are always black. The button ears are characterized by a fold going down the middle of the ear, and the tip of the ear coming just to the corner of the eye; while in the case of rose ears, the ears are smaller and the edge of the ear folds against the Pug’s head. We cannot forget Pug’s curly and high tail which makes us love it even more.
Pug: Temperament
Yes, the Pug is a companion dog par excellence. It is affectionate with the whole family, but it is distrustful with strangers at first. Don’t be fooled by its size, it is an excellent watchdog. This breed is loyal, highly intelligent and graceful.
Don’t worry if it may seem hyperactive as a puppy, because as it gets older, you will notice how it loves spending hours on the couch watching TV in the living room.
However, this habit is not good because if combined with an unhealthy diet, your Pug may get fat. Keep in mind that it loves playing, so it’s up to you to keep it awake and active.
It has a playful and very ironic temperament. Although it looks like a lazy dog, the Pug really wants to play. Besides, it may be a demanding animal, so it is not a dog that just anyone can have. It needs an owner that is there for it all the time.
Pug: Price and Puppies
If you are thinking of adopting or buying a Pug, you should know that this breed has genetic and hereditary problems. Therefore, it is always better to turn to qualified breeders and not to unreliable individuals.
In general, the price of a Pug puppy ranges between 700 and 900 dollars, about 600-800 English pounds. Obviously, you must ask for all the documents and certificates that state the pedigree and state of health of your dog.
Pug: Breeders and Puppies For Sale
In this section, you will find the best-registered breeders in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India, Scotland and South Africa, from whom you can request all the information you are looking for. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is neither too fearful nor too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
In addition, if you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate which states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the dog breed’s purity. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pekingese
- Siberian Husky
- Rough Collie
- Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Great Dane
- Saint Bernard
- Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
