DOG FAQ - Do Pugs really like to dress up in costumes like I see in all the pictures?

Actually, they usually do. Pugs are very extroverted dogs, and do just about anything for a laugh from their people. If they discover that wearing a costume makes you happy, they'll do it. If it gets them laughter and applause, that's even better!

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Pugs make good watch dogs or guard dogs?

Not usually. Some pugs may alert you that someone is nearby by barking gently (Pugs don't bark loudly, in general, because it's muffled by the lips), but most Pugs are more interested in greeting new people rather than scaring them off. The look of the Pug often will scare people - especially if you have a Bullmastiff in the yard too. Then you can just say that the Pug is a puppy and it grows up into the Bullmastiff (sorry, that's Pug humor).

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How long do Pugs normally live?

Being a small breed, healthy Pug normally live from 12 to 14 years, but can live for many more. Becoming a Pug owner becomes a long-term commitment when you realize that you can have a Pug for as long as your children are going to school!

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Which is better for just a pet - a male or a female Pug?

In general, males are more laid back, loving and people oriented than females tend to be. Females Pug, on the other hand, make better alert dogs (they watch for strange things going on at "their" house) and are more aloof and independent. If you're looking for a couch-potato type dog, then a male Pug would be better suited. If you're wanting a dog who's pretty independent and not as demanding, then a female Pug is probably better. These are generalities, of course. There are some males who are independent and some females who are more people oriented - but for the most part the characterizations hold true.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How much daily care do they actually require then?

Really not that much. On a weekly basis, you should brush their coat, keep their faces clean and check their eyes for problems. Must Pugs take about 20 minutes a week per dog. Monthly, you should also trim their toe nails, and maybe give them a bath if they need it. Many owners find using a shedding comb monthly greatly reduces the amount of Pug hair on their clothes and carpets.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - With all those wrinkles, what special care do Pug faces need?

Care of wrinkles in Pugs varies, as some dogs are prone to holding moisture in the wrinkles, while others do not. In general, wrinkle care is as simply as using a tissue (don't use a cotton swab as you can poke too hard with it) and wiping out the wrinkles on a weekly basis. Pugs, while having no-noses, are some of the nosiest dogs out there, and tend to gather a lot of grungy stuff (that's the technical term for it) in their wrinkles. If the wrinkles also trap moisture in them, then the moisture and grungy stuff combine and the wrinkles can quickly be infected. This is like having athelete's foot but on the Pug's face. It needs to be treated and watched for.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why do Pugs have flat faces and lots of wrinkles?

Because a long time ago someone decided that Pug faces should be as flat as possible. The wrinkles are there because the Chinese emperors wanted lucky symbols on the dogs foreheads, and wrinkles were the best way to get them.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - I don't want a dog in the house. Why can't Pugs stay out of doors?

Pugs cannot tolerate high heat and humidity for very long. Dogs cool off by panting and their long tongues and noses give them more cooling area. Pugs have virtually no cooling area for their bodies, so they can (and will) literally over heat and die in less than 30 minutes outdoors in high heat and/or humidity.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Pugs have short hair so they don't shed very much, do they?

Pugs shed tons of hair! Pugs have both a top coat and an undercoat, with the top coat having long straight hairs and the undercoat having softer fluffy straight hairs. Normal hair length on a Pug is about 3/4 of an inch, although they can be longer. Don't let anyone tell you that Pugs do not shed - they are more interested in getting you to take one than telling you the truth.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Pugs really snore that much, or that loudly?

In a word, yes. Almost every Pug snores, and usually it's not as loud as a person, but it can easily be mistaken for someone snoring. Pugs snort, snarfle and snore and often will pass a lot of gas too. Just expect them to be noisy dogs, but not barkers.

Pug - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What's the difference between a Pug and a Chinese Pug?

Absolutely nothing. Pugs are known as Pug Dogs, Pug, and Chinese Pug interchangably. The American and English Kennel Clubs register the breed as the Pug, as does the International registry, the FCI.

Pug - Dog Lover

PUG AND CHILDREN

Pug is excellent with children. While they qualify as a small dog don't let that concern you. They are a rugged little breed and hearty when it comes to the rough and tumble play that children can sometimes engage in. They are sensible enough to disappear when the play gets to rough or does not go in a way they expect it should.

Pug - Dog Lover