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Dog Profile Detail

Dog Profiles

The Pug

The Pug is stubby and muscular with a wide chest, straight, very strong front legs and well-muscled hind legs. They receive their name "Pug" from the Latin word that means "clenched fist". To communicate with humans Pugs make a grunting nasal noise, somewhat like a pig. Being snuggled down at your feet snoring or being close to you, but unobtrusive, are some of Pugs' favorite activities. Pugs are a dog who tends to make people smile because they are convinced of their own importance. Pugs are adaptable, sociable and good-natured.

Other Names: Mops, Carlin

Height: 10 - 11 inches
Weight: 13 - 18 lbs.

Colors: Silver, apricot, fawn or black, black mask and ears and black trace along back
Coat: Fine, smooth, short and glossy

Temperament: Pugs are loyal, affectionate, quiet and docile, vivacious and teasing
With Children: Yes, playful and loving
With Pets: Yes, will get along well with other family pets and dogs.
Special Skills: Family pet

Watch-dog:
Guard-dog:

Care and Exercise: Pugs needs special care during hot humid weather because of the short nose. Do not leave Pugs out in the hot sun. Nails and teeth need weekly attention. Pugs shed a lot and needs brushing at least twice a week. Bath as necessary. Wash the eyes two to three times a week. Needs more than required exercise for Toy dogs. Enjoys a romp outdoors, or a walk around the block.
Training: Pugs respond well to basic training but needs a gentle hand. They will be sensitive to your tone of voice so harsh punishment is unnecessary.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - Low

Activity: Indoors - Low, Outdoors - Low
Living Environment: Suited to live in an apartment. An owner of a Pug should be a patient leader who desires a small, loving dog as a companion.

Health Issues: Overall healthy. Luxating Patellas, skin problem and epilepsy

Life Span: 12 - 14 years
Litter Size: 2 - 5

Country of Origin: China
History: The Pug is said to have originated in China around 400 B.C. and it is possible they may be a scaled down relative of the Tibetan Mastiff as they were once the the pet of Tibetan Monks. They were then taken to Holland during the 1500's by Prince William of Orange who became William III of Britain. The breed was standardized in 1883 and the British Pug Dog Club was formed. American fanciers obtain most of their stock from England and they were accepted in 1885 by the AKC.

First Registered by the AKC: 1885
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC(GB), UKC