Dog care - Keep your pug out of extreme heat

Keep your pug out of extreme heat. Unlike most breeds, pugs have small breathing passageways that prevent them from being able to regulate their own temperature. If it is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, pugs should not be left in cars or outdoors for more than a a few minutes.

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Dog care - Study health problem

Pugs are a toy dog breed. They usually do not get larger than 12 to 14 pounds and have either a fawn or black coat. Like all breeds, pugs have certain health problems that are unique to them. Some of these problems include obesity, heat stroke, skin infections and tooth decay. These problems can all be avoided through a few simple precautions.

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Selection guide - Do the interview in person on the premises

Do the interview in person on the premises, rather than on the phone because you'll be able to meet the breeder and observe all the dogs and puppies. The premises should be clean and smell good.

These are some of the questions you'll want to ask the breeder:

When was the mother last bred? How many litters has the mother had total? Specific characteristics of the breed. Any genetic problems in the bloodlines?

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Selection guide - Interview the breeder before you meet the puppies

Interview the breeder before you meet the puppies. You don’t want to fall in love with a puppy before you find out if the breeder is trustworthy. Find out how long the breeder has been in business and why he chose to breed pugs. Be sure to find out if there have ever been any health problems with the breeder’s pugs and if there is a health guarantee (usually a 24 to 48 hour time period for you to take the puppy to your vet for a full checkup.)

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Owner guide - Clean your Pug's teeth

Have your Pug's teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis, as the breed is prone to tooth decay. Ask a trained professional or veterinarian for a recommended schedule. You might also consider brushing your Pug's teeth. Preventative dental maintenance can include tartar control biscuits and safe, tartar-control chew toys.

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DOG FAQ - I can really make some money if I breed my girl Pug, can't I?

That's very doubtful. The costs of raising Pugs are pretty high. Start with the breeding: Pugs should be at least two years old, and need to be tested for eye problems, hip problems, and brucellosis before they're bred. Your girl should be up to date on all her shots before you go into this, as well as wormed. Then pay the stud fee, which is usually the price of a puppy or more. If you ship your girl, add a few hundred more there too to get her to him and back. Then there's the waiting time, and hoping she's bred. If she is, consider that she may require a C-section. Many female Pugs have narrow hips, and with their big heads, Pug puppies can't fit into the birth canal.

If you're lucky, you'll have an average litter of four or five puppies. But if they were born by C-section, the dam may not be able or willing to nurse the puppies. So, you'll need bottles and formula, a way to keep the puppies warm, and round the clock feedings for the first few days at least. Will you have to take a week off from work to raise the puppies at first? Add that cost into the figures. Then being a responsible breeder, you will offer a health guarantee on your puppies, and take them back if anything is wrong with them, yes? There's much more than putting two dogs together. And rarely do breeders show a profit in doing so when they count up time and actual expenses.

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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!

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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.

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TEMPERAMENT

There are many great features that come with the pug. Pug temperament is no exception to this rule. For the most part, pugs are very well mannered and fun loving. The key to having a well mannered pug is to exercise good pug care and proper training. Without proper attention and devotion, your pug (just like any breed of dog) will be a hard pet to handle.

If you are looking for a breed that is “mellow” and lazy, the pug should not be your first choice! Pugs are pretty active as a whole and require lots of attention. Pugs can become very jealous and possessive of their owners as well. This though just goes to show the love and devotion that your pug will show you if you give her the proper attention.

Pugs are exceptional with children as well as other dogs. If you have small children or plan to have children and want a pet as well, pugs are perfect. It goes without saying though that your pug will be obedient only as much as you are willing to train her. Most pugs truly love playtime and will do anything to please their master. Pugs are also excellent with other dogs and love playtime with other pugs as well.

Pugs display a great sense of humor and tons of personality. Pugs have been known to be the “comedians of the dog world.” The funny pug appearance alone is enough to make you laugh. Most pugs will cock their heads to the side when you speak to them. It is as if the pug is trying to process what you are saying to them. If you have not seen a pug do this, it is pretty comical! Pugs are a great form of entertainment and will keep you amused for years.

One of the slightly negative aspects of pug temperament is that the breed is pretty stubborn. The pug has a mind of it's own and is very smart, thus stuck in her ways. They often act spoiled and show aggression when not given attention or are not played with enough. Pugs mostly prefer the company of their owners and will often not sleep unless they are pressed up against their owners.

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