Pugs

[Jamana]

OH and I have decided that we would like a Pug as our next dog.

We thought one would fit in well with the family and our Border Terrier.It has been a quest to find a dog that we both agree on and that will fit our circumstances. We have considered dogs as diverse as GSD, Golden Ret, Lab, Border Collie, SBT, Mini Dachs, Pomerarian, Lurcher, Ridgeback.... quite a cross section there! Prob is OH is a Lab man and I like terriers but next dog will be living in the house rather than kennel so brings a whole new set of considerations. Anyway we think that a Pug ticks all the boxes and crucially we BOTH like them.

So, does anyone on here have one, or have any experience of them or any recommendations for breeders? What are the things we need to know before embarking? I am aware of HV and HD with them, but anything else. We are not looking for one in the very near future as we still have two old Labs and won't get a new dog until they have lived out their days, but I like to be prepared. Is it true that Pugs are greedy? as nothing drives OH more mad than a finicky eater.

Thanks in advance

 

[prosefullstop]

We re-homed my father-in-law's pug when the dog was five through absolutely no fault of the dog's. Prince is going to be nine this year and I can honestly say that there is no dog sweeter, loyal or more patient with my toddler son. When we go for walks, Prince will stop dead in his tracks if my son ventures more than ten feet from me. Though he was bought in a pet shop and no doubt came from a puppy mill, Prince is the picture of health. He was overweight when we first adopted him but he's now a sprightly 20 pounds (and much taller and stockier than any pug I've seen).

Behold: Mr. Prince

Move it!

 

[Jamana]

Thanks for your reply and photos. Prince looks like a lovely dog and really sums up what we like about Pugs. Their little faces just make you smile and they seem like so much personality just in a smaller body.

Obvs we will continue our research for breeders and health considerations etc, but I am even more sure that we have made the right choice every time I see photos like those above.

I am surprised that there are not more people with stories/anecdotes involving Pugs as they seem to be a fairly popular breed and I am sure someone on here has mentioned their own Pug recently in another topic. Anyone got any more photos?! I can't ever see enough Pug photos atm!

 

[stormox]

I would be very wary of buying one- they have a lot of genetic health problems due to their flat faces, wrinkles, breathing problems etc. They cannot pant properly so find heat difficult to cope with. Also watch out for hernias- those that self-whelp cannot shred the cord properly due to their facial features and undershot mouths.
But I admit- they do have the 'cute' (or ugly?) factor!

 

[Kenzo]

Pugs are wonderful dogs, great with children and full of character, very loyal and if possible will want to be with you 24/7, although will easily adjust if you keep to a routine.
Can be yappy, one our ours just likes the sound of her own voice and thinks she's bigger than what she is! always on her guard but that is what they were bred for originally - to alert and be a companion.

There are health problems with a lot of breeds and a lot of it was blown out of proportion when televised, providing you buy from a reputable breeder then I can honestly say the only vet visit you may have is an eye ulcer if they've accidently knocked or scratched there eye as they are very prominent and with the flat face have nothing to protect the eye with.
They do have a malt session (my fawn one) but providing you give them a good brush you get most if it out.
You can't walk them far in hot weather so it's best to just avoid it unless its a gentle short stroll but cope fine otherwise and providing fit and healthy and not over weight like many are, will happily stroll along for as long as you like within reason but if you enjoy being a 'proper walker' and want a dog to take with you then a pug is not the right breed.

Most pugs are naturally greedy which is why so many can be over weight...hence the breathing problems at times! so you must keep them well exercised like any dog, again a lot of people don't bother which takes you back to the same old ....I think you get my point

Be very wary of where you source your Pug, there are many people advertising Pugs when they are not, being three quarter bred or three quarter cross with a full, so many folk jumped on the band wagon breeding pugs to make mobey using poor examples of the breed, crossbreds, not kc registered, horrendous stud dogs or carring out the health checks and carefully selecting what you put to what (the lines) before breeding. Do not be fooled by these breeders trying to sell Platinum, Brindle or White Pugs, the only colours are Fawn, Apricot, Black or Silver Fawn.

You must have a lot of time and patience with a Pug puppy, it's like having a baby, if you want a pup that will go off and entertain itself after a while and sleep if off then a Pug is not for you, you have to be there all the time to ensure you end up with house trained dog as they can take a while if a lot of time is not put in from the start.

I could rattle on for ages but replying on my phone so I hope you can make a bit of sense out of the above! lol

My old fawn girl Pugzie is 10 this year and Ethel is 3.

Snuggles with my husband

 

[Kenzo]

Few more