Josephine Bonaparte also had a Pug named Fortune. Before she married Napoleon, she was imprisoned at Les Carmes. Because her adored Pug was the only “visitor” she was permitted, she would hide messages in his collar for her family.
Pug
There’s an idiom that says, “big things come in small packages,” and nothing is more accurate regarding Pugs. In fact, the Pug’s motto is ‘multum in parvo,’ a Latin phrase for a lot in a little. Once the playful companion of Chinese emperors and later the mascot of Holland’s royal House of Orange, the small but solid Pug is adored by millions worldwide.
Country of Origin
China
Breed Group
Companion dogs
Height
Male 10-11 In
Female 11-12 In
Weight
Male 14-18 Ib
Female 13-17 Ib
Life Span
13-15 years
In a Nutshell
Pugs are the clowns of the doggie world, love to show off, and have a great sense of humor. They also live to love and to be loved. Their wrinkled brow, large round head, and eyes that sparkle give Pugs human-like expressions such as curiosity, happiness, and surprise, that delight their owners. This ideal house dog is happy with the young and old and with or without other pets if socialized. Pugs can be good watchdogs but aren’t yappers, which your neighbors will definitely appreciate.
They can be their captivating selves with the proper care, anywhere – especially on your lap. Two things to point out – if you’re a light sleeper, get ear plugs as they tend to snore – loudly, and add a good vacuum cleaner to that list – these little dogs are great shedders.
Life With a Pug
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
Pugs are thickset and square and come in three colors: apricot-fawn, silver with a black face mask, or all black. The moles on a Pugs cheeks are called “beauty spots,” their mask or muzzle is black with a clear “thumb mark” on the forehead, and they have a black trace down the middle of their back. Their ears are black and velvety.
Besides a tightly curled tail, they have a characteristic undershot jaw where the lower teeth expand slightly past the upper teeth. According to legend, the Chinese, who bred Pugs, prized their wrinkles as they resembled symbols for good luck – especially wrinkles that looked like the word “prince” in Chinese.
They may be clowns at heart but carry themselves with pride. Pugs are intelligent, relatively quiet indoors, and love being the center of attention. So much so that they get heartsick if ignored. The bottom line, they must be close to their humans.
A tip from a vet
While Pugs’ dark, alluring eyes are among their draw cards, they are also one of their weaknesses. Eye problems such as dry eye, corneal ulcers, and eye injuries can occur and therefore, it is important to visit a vet with any unusual symptoms like blinking or discharge. Like all flat-faced dog breeds, Pugs sometimes have breathing problems and do not do well in extreme heat, humidity, or cold, so they are best kept indoors in these weather conditions.
A tip from a trainer
Pugs have been bred as a companion and pleasure to their owners. They have stable and even temperaments, charm, and a loving and outgoing personality. They live to please, so they are generally easy to train. However, their feelings are easily hurt, and no severe training methods must be used. Early puppy training and socialization classes are recommended. Pugs can even learn to enjoy the company of rabbits, cats, dogs, and other animals. Pugs want to be with their family and don’t do well if regularly left alone for a long time.
What about your Pug?
Did You Know
Pugs love to eat, which can cause obesity. Therefore, they need moderate exercise daily, whether daily walks or playtime.
Pugs need constant human companionship. So, if you own a Pug, expect them to sit in your lap, follow you around the house, and want to sleep in bed with you.
Pug enthusiasts are a warm bunch that loves Pug get-togethers, parades, and dressing up their Pugs.
In The News
Famous Pug Owners
Gerard Butler, Valentino, Jessica Alba, Hugh Laurie, Tori Spelling, Paris Hilton
The History Behind the Breed
The Chinese bred three short-nosed dogs: Pekingese, Lion dogs, and the Lo-Sze, the earliest Pug. Some think China’s renowned “Foo Dogs” are depictions of ancient Pugs. Dogs that looked like Pugs were found in ancient Japan and Tibet.
If a Pug Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
You might not guess it when you see them strutting confidently around the house, but some of the characteristics that make them so endearing might cause certain health conditions that are typical for these little fellows. This doesn’t make them any less loveable, but owners should be aware of the specific Pug health problems. The sooner the symptoms are recognized and treatment can be offered, the quicker your dog can go back to being the awesome pups they are.
Common Health Problems
What about your Pug?
Why Get Pet Insurance For Your Pug?
Pugs are known and loved for their flat-faced look, bulging eyes, wrinkled forehead and nubby tail, but the consequences of breeding for their specific appearance have become detrimental to their overall health. In fact, studies have found that pugs had an increased risk for 23 disorders, including being 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, 51 times more likely to have narrowed nostrils, and 11 times more likely to have skin fold infections. In addition, 17.4% of the pugs were obese, compared to just 6.9% of other dogs.
Crossing your fingers just doesn’t cut it. Your Pug has a 1 in 3 chance of requiring emergency treatment in any given year. In fact, every pet will statistically suffer 6 significant health episodes in their lifetime. Each incident costs an average of $1,100+. Animalia pet insurance reimburses up to 90% of your vet bills as the unexpected is… well, expected.
Veterinary medicine has come a long way. Today, your Pug has access to nearly the same treatments we humans do, giving you the privilege to choose exceptional care- IF you can afford it. A comprehensive plan that covers common hereditary health issues that Pugs are more prone to develop such as breathing difficulties, eye issues, and skin allergies, will protect both you and your Pug.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pug Pet Insurance
How long do Pugs live?
The average lifespan of a Pug is 13-15 years.
What are Pug’s most common health problems and are they covered by pet insurance?
Pugs are prone to many health issues. Most are related to their brachycephalic conformation and genetic predisposition. Most common Pug’s health Issues are overheating, respiratory distress, allergies, skinfold infections, ear infections, dental disease, eye injuries and legg-Calvé-Perthe disease. Whether you just brought home a young Pug puppy or have a full-grown adult, each segment in your Pug’s life brings about new health risks. Some pet insurance companies have full or partial limitations on genetic and hereditary illnesses, leaving some Pug health issues without coverage. Animalia has none.
Can I visit any vet after enrolling my Pug in pet insurance?
Sure. With Animalia pet insurance plan, you can visit any licensed vet in the country, including emergency clinics & specialists.