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.

Pug - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Get references

Get references. A happy customer would be more than willing to leave his or her name to share the positive experience the breeder has provided.

Pug - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Your contact with the breeder will likely last for at least the first year

Your contact with the breeder will likely last for at least the first year because quality breeders continue providing you with information, support, and advice about many different aspects of your new puppy and his or her development. It's for just this reason that finding a good quality breeder, with a solid reputation, is very important to finding the puppy that will be right for you.

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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?

Pug - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Meet the parents

Meet the parents. As with any puppy, the parents are good indications of what the puppies will be like. Good pug parents are very friendly, loving and playful. Be wary if either parent is hyper or aggressive toward you or the puppies.

Pug - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Examine each puppy closely

Examine each puppy closely. Look for a clean coat. It should be shiny and smooth, though possibly a bit coarse. The eyes should be big, bright and clear.

Pug puppies may have tear stains, but there shouldn’t be any red or pink areas. A pug’s legs should be short and the body should be stout. Look at the nose to see how big the nostrils are. It may not be a problem, but surgery can be done to widen them if breathing becomes an issue. Your breeder should be able to tell you if any of her puppies has had this problem.

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Selection guide - Observe each puppy you are looking to adopt

Observe each puppy you are looking to adopt. Determine their personalities within the litter and alone with you. If you have small children, now is a great time to see how a puppy responds to them. Does the puppy like to be held? Watch how he responds when you move him to another room away from its litter mates. Use different toys to check for dominant, timid or fearful behavior.

Pug - Dog Lover

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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Selection guide - Find a reputable breeder

Find a reputable breeder. Ask a vet or friends and family with a pug for recommendations. Contact a local kennel club and even the American Kennel Club for a listing of approved breeders. Note that reputable breeders don’t often advertise in newspapers unless they have to.

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Owner guide - Pugs tend to have sensitive skin

Pugs tend to have sensitive skin and may be prone to mange or other skin problems.

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Owner guide - Pugs are prone to certain eye disorders

Pugs are prone to certain eye disorders, including entropion (curling inward of the lower eyelid and eyelashes which causes irritation and can lead to impaired vision). This is why it’s important to have their eyes checked regularly from the time they are puppies. They might require entropian surgery, which is done at a younger age.

Pug - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Pug is prone to the genetic disorders hemivertebrae

Pug is prone to the genetic disorders hemivertebrae, which can affect the spine, and luxating patella, which affects the knees. Although genetic, luxating patella can be aggravated if your pug is overweight.

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Owner guide - Pugs are prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke

Due to their short snouts, pugs are prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke. They are highly sensitive to extreme weather. Never let them overheat or leave them outside in the cold. Moderate weather is best for their outdoor activities.

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Owner guide - Pugs are “people” dogs and thrive on human attention

Pugs are “people” dogs and thrive on human attention. Make sure you take time out of your day (even if you’re extremely busy) to show your Pug some love.

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Owner guide - Groom your Pug

Wipe between the folds of skin on your pug's face gently with a warm washcloth, Q-tips or cotton balls. Check the ears regularly and wipe out with a dry cotton ball or slightly moistened with a special ear cleaner for dogs. Bathe when necessary; too frequently dries out their skin. Trim your pug's nails regularly. Pug nails grow fast!

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Owner guide - Brush regularly to keep your Pug's coat and skin healthy

Brush regularly to keep your Pug's coat and skin healthy, even though it's a short coat. A steel bristle brush is best for this type of coat.

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Owner guide - Make sure your pug gets regular exercise

Make sure your pug gets regular exercise, but don’t overdo it; a short daily walk will do. Pugs sleep more than the average dog, about 14 hours a day, which is OK.

Pug - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Feed your Pug

Feed your Pug a quality dry dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and contains the proper balance of protein, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals. You can mix it with canned or moist if you like, but dry is best for the teeth, or you can feed a homemade diet. Avoid table scraps and extra treats because Pugs are prone to obesity.

Pug - Dog Lover

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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Owner guide - Take your Pug for regular checkups beginning at puppy

Take your Pug for regular checkups beginning at puppy. You can also perform a monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums. Stay current on vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative.

Pug - Dog Lover