Pugs: description, character, colors and choice

Pugs are one of the most charming dogs, good-natured pets who find it very difficult to refuse anything. These are great companions that easily find a common language with other animals. The breed has millions of fans around the world, and it is always included in the ratings of the most sociable pets.

At first glance, dogs with a clever clear gaze and a sad expression of their muzzle cause a desire to warm them and feed them.

One of them - the complete absence of aggression, allowing Pugs to be considered ideal companions for children, the elderly, people with developmental disabilities. With such a dog, you can easily afford an active lifestyle or turn into a full-fledged homebody. The pug will willingly support any mode of the day, it will not require hours of walking or complicated care.

Having an outward resemblance to typical European molosses, pugs have a slightly different origin. Their homeland is Ancient China, where compact dogs with silky hair were integral companions of the nobility. Unlike many other breeds, the history of their origin is based not on myths and legends, but on real facts.

One of the first references to dogs with a characteristic phenotype and a shortened muzzle are historical documents dating back to the 6th-4th centuries BC.In the texts of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, there are also references to the ancestors of modern pugs - lo jie, whom the local nobility preferred to transport on their chariots.

Out of China, representatives of this breed came many centuries later. It is believed that one of the first Europeans to get an exotic pet at their disposal was the legendary traveler Marco Polo. But dogs gained real popularity with the onset of the 16th-17th centuries, when their original external data and kindness were appreciated by European monarchs.

The successful coincidence of the color of the dogs with the colors of the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of the Netherlands led to the fact that it was in Holland that they found a second home. They also got their new name “pug” here. And after the faithful dog Pompey literally saved the life of his royal owner, William the Silent, the fame of fearless domestic dogs with a charming appearance spread throughout the Old World.

And even after the death of the owner, the image of this pet remained for centuries in the form of a sleeping dog carved on the lid of the sarcophagus, and the founded dynasty found its living mascot.

In the UK, where animals have always had a special relationship, pugs came about two centuries ago. At the request of Queen Victoria, one of the best representatives of this breed was brought to the country. And soon the monarch’s love led to the formation of a whole population of English pugs - light colored dogs with an elongated type of muzzle, high legs and a lean body.

Later, as a result of military operations in the Western countries from China, black locals fell, who for a long time remained unknown. Unusual dogs instantly increased in price, and are still considered very rare and expensive.

After this breeding became more centralized, specialized literature appeared. The first standard was developed in 1888.

The dog’s characteristic description of the breed implies that the animal complies with the set standards adopted by FCI in 1966. Both the puppy and the adult pug look very unusual, have pronounced folds. Characteristics allowed by the modern standard: growth range 25-30.5 cm for females, up to 33 cm for males. Permissible body weight is 6-8 kg.

Too large a pug does not fit the standard as well as too small. Dwarf moloss must have all the attributes of its class: a proportional body, a large head, and strong limbs. The mini-format does not imply increased folding, the dog should look natural for its size, without a hypertrophied amount of skin.

Requirements for the balance of the articles of the dog led to the fact that pugs with an old-breed physique had practically no chance of a successful show career. In total, 4 main phenotypes are distinguished.

1. Terrier. Considered the most preferred. It is characterized by a slightly elongated torso, an expressively proudly planted neck. Dogs with such a physique today have a good performance at a dog show of any level.
2. Sharpein. It is considered the least characteristic of the breed, causing serious complaints from judges. Dogs of this type have an excess weight, an abundance of folds throughout the body. As a rule, such an addition is formed intentionally in order to hide the imperfections of the topline - sloping, excessive elongation of the back.
3. Bulldog. This type implies the presence of an oblique set of blades, an excessively wide, barrel-shaped torso. The forelimbs may have inverted elbows. The dog looks squat, short-legged, disproportionately wide in the chest.
4. Dwarf. Mini-variety bred in the USA.It includes all dogs with a body weight of less than 4 kg and a height of not more than 21 cm.

According to FCI requirements, a pug must be proportionate, conforming to the breed standard.

1. Body type. This is a dog with a square body format, emphasized stocky, compact, without excess dampness, with well-developed muscles. The case is short, firmly knocked down. The top line is straight and even, without a hump, sagging. The chest is wide, the ribs are well defined.
2. Limbs medium length, emphasizing the correct physique. The height from the withers to the tip of the paws corresponds to the length of the body from the chest to the base of the tail. The front shoulders have a good angle, the legs are straight, strong, are under the body, the fingers are collected, black claws are required. Rear - set straight and parallel, with a pronounced angle of the knee. The manifestations of short-legged, excessively long or thin legs are excluded.
3. Tail high landing, twists in the area above the thigh. A double curl of the tail is considered to be pedigree.
4. Neck strong, thickened, length provides proud head set. There is a slight bend similar to a ridge. The disadvantage is the thin or excessively short neck of the dog.
5. Head round, volumetric. Quite large, but proportional to the body. The disadvantage is the apple-shaped form. Skull without indentations, folds in forehead clear, without excess depth.
6. Nose nose no creases above it. Only black color is allowed, the nostrils should be large, well-defined, of sufficient width. An unpainted nose is a serious defect.
7. Muzzle with pronounced nasal fold. Short, square, blunt-pointed, with no signs of bulging. The nasal fold should be so deep as not to block the nose or eyes, interfering with the animal.
8. Dental system with a light bite. The lower jaw is large, the incisors are almost straight. With a closed mouth, teeth or tongue should not be visible. A defect is the checkerboard arrangement of the lower incisors.
9. Eyes round, rather large, dark brown. The expression should be attentive, gentle. Mandatory maximum shine, fire, filling the eyes with the emotional excitement of the dog. The disadvantage is excessive bulge, the appearance of the edge of the protein when the dog is looking forward. Defects also include low or wide eye fit.
10. The ears There are two types. The most pedigree is considered to be a “button”, laid forward, with a snug fit of the edge to the head. The shape of the ears "rose" implies a small size of the shell, raised cartilage, retracted tip. The correct version resembles black velvet. The ears are thin and soft to the touch.

All acceptable color types are clearly described in the breed standard. The shiny thin coat of a pug is always smooth and short, quite thin. The breed can have beige, apricot or peach (with a red tint), silver, recognized in the EU and the USA, or a black background. Marks should be as close to black as possible. Pugs should have a “belt” on their backs, a muzzle or a mask that contrasts with the main tone (except black), ears, a “diamond” in the forehead, and “birthmarks” on the cheeks.

Light colors should be present pronounced difference between the background and dark spots. The stronger the contrast, the higher the score. A white spot on the chest is considered a drawback. In black color there should be no blotches of red hairs. Beige can be very bleached, almost to ivory.

Non-standard color options can be very different.

1. Pug Albino. It is characterized by a snowy white color with a contrasting black face, or completely devoid of dark inclusions.
2. Steel or light gray.
3. Chocolate with a light brown nose.
4. Brindle with pronounced stripes. It is obtained by mixing the blood of dogs of different colors.
5. Pale yellow with a chocolate brown mask.
6. Marble with a silver-beige background and black spots.

Dogs of these colors are not found in the show ring, but become wonderful pets.

The complaisant nature of these small dogs often becomes an occasion to acquire them in a family with children or pets. But there are subtleties that are known only to experienced breeders. The general ease of disposition possessed by pugs is indeed present. But in fact, the playful and active dog remains only in his youth. As you grow older he will surely turn into a reference homebody, an inhabitant of the sofa.

Character traits make representatives of this breed convenient in maintenance for those people who often have to travel on business trips. For the time of taking care of the pug, you can trust your friends or relatives, the dog easily adapts to the temporary conditions of your stay. A great advantage is the lack of habit of giving voice over nothing. The only sounds that most hosts hear characteristic snoring and flatulence in the animal.

The sex of the dog also matters. The girl is always more contact, manageable, better amenable to training. It should be turned on by people who are not averse to the violent manifestation of feelings.

Boys are much more stubborn and have their own “outlook” on training. This pet is quite difficult to train in adulthood. As well as males have a more violent temperament, they can demonstrate incredible activity when the owner returns home.

In general, the dog can be recommended for purchase to those who want to find a true friend and an active, emotional companion for many years. Due to the increased independence, it will be difficult for a child or an elderly person to cope with it.

Assessing the pros and cons of the breed, we can safely say: a pug is an almost perfect pet, and small minuses only give it an additional charm.

Among the obvious advantages of these dogs, a number of factors can be noted.

1. Attachment to a person. Pugs are born companions who need to express their affection. They willingly demonstrate feelings to their beloved master, easily make contact, generously bestow all family members with their love. If you need to make a choice between communication with your beloved owner or brothers, the pug will choose the opportunity to stay with a person.
2. Goodwill towards children. A pug can be safely left alone with a nursing infant or preschooler, without fear that the dog will offend the baby. Children themselves are very fond of pets with silky velvet wool. You can safely let them play together or have fun. But before you get a pet, it is worth teaching the child the proper handling of it.
3. Pretty good health. Pug dogs are not carriers of most of the common Molossian genetic diseases. They are pretty well protected thanks to their strong immunity. But when choosing, it’s worth carefully monitoring the pedigree of the dog, buying it in trusted kennels, and following the recommended diet for life.
4. Charming appearanceb. The unique appearance of these little dogs is eye-catching, like a magnet. They do not leave indifferent even the most severe heart.
5. Compact size. A miniature pet can easily fit even in small-sized housing, it will not embarrass its owner when living together.
6. Brave Heart. Despite the very modest size, the pug is brave and ready to rush to protect the owner or warn him about the danger. Even to the guests, despite the general good nature, the dog always first shows a certain distrust.
7. Ease of adaptation. Pug - that dog with which you can afford any mode of the day. The pet will easily adapt to the requirements of the owner and will be a convenient companion in everyday affairs.
8. Versatility - Suitable for owners with any experience. Minimum physical activity needs allow even older people to enjoy walking with a pug. The dog will not attempt to escape, will slowly follow along.
9. Minimum time spent on care. No need to regularly carry out haircuts, comb out the undercoat, spend a lot of time preparing for the exhibition.

Deficiencies are also present. Pug dogs are different excessive credulity they easily go to strangers, can take a treat out of their hands or let themselves be taken away. Another problem - omnivorous and gluttony. The tendency toward fullness in miniature dogs is quite common, but these dogs are superior to all others in terms of weight gain.

Stubbornness is not at all what the owner expects from an always complaisant pug. But one has only to start training, and this character trait will prove itself in all its glory. In addition, animals need constant attention, they are self-centered, like to be the "center of the universe" for the owner, members of his family.

Dogs they don’t tolerate loneliness, they miss very much, they can begin to disorderly. In addition, they are touchy, able to deprive their master of attention, ignore his commands after rough treatment.

Among the physical features of the breed, it is worth noting abundant year-round molting. The owner will find the hair both on formal clothes and on home slippers. Another important point - high need for hygiene, the rapid appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Pugs, like other miniature dogs, can very well live a long and happy dog ​​age. The average age of animals reaches 13-14 years, but individual specimens significantly exceed these limits.

Among the hereditary problems dangerous for the dog’s life and health, it is possible to identify hip dysplasia, encephalitis, epilepsy, and spinal deformity. Most often, these problems are associated with closely related breeding of dogs, the use of animals with obvious genetic defects in breeding.

Many people dream of becoming the owner of a small pug. What you need to know before acquiring an animal, how newborn puppies look, who is better to choose from a litter, and at what age - it is better to find answers to all these questions before you have to make a final decision.

Among the selection criteria, a number of points can be distinguished.

1. Pet class. If you plan to conduct exhibition activities, you should choose puppies of a show class from titled producers with a flawless exterior. The offspring of the breeding category is a little cheaper - it is allowed for breeding, but may have slight appearance defects. The pet class allows non-standard colors, it is not worth hoping for an exhibition career or selling puppies.
2. Gender. Boys are brave, sociable, intelligent dogs with a developed sense of territory. They can mark their own living space, but otherwise do not cause trouble. Girls are more calm, self-confident.Lady’s innate behavior changes only twice a year during estrus, but with a sterilized dog this problem is completely eliminated.
3. The age of the animal. You can take a pug puppy home no earlier than he turns 1.5 months old. But a more reliable option would be to purchase an already vaccinated pet. The optimal age is 2.5 months and older. A grown puppy should be fed less often - about 4 times a day, without night rises.
4. Social adaptation. By the time of separation from the mother, the puppy should play with peers, easily come into contact with people, not show aggression or fear. If the breeder keeps the litter in a tight cage or paddock, does not let go for a walk, the new owner will have to fix his pet's behavioral problems all his life.
5. Health. The animal should not have skin rashes, dandruff, discharge from the eyes, ears, genitals. The body and legs of a healthy baby are thick, proportionately developed. The smell from the animal should come pleasant and dull. The presence of parasites - fleas, ear mites - indicates poor care.

All puppies at the time of transfer to the owner must have a puppy card with unfilled owner information, a mark stating the number indicated on the documents. The vaccination certificate should contain data on vaccinations.

When buying a pug, it is important to remember that this dog needs the attention of the owner, and caring for a short-haired pet, although it may seem tedious, brings joy to both the owner and the animal itself. The main thing is not to turn hygiene procedures into a heavy duty, and to make sure that both the puppy and the adult or old dog receive the necessary amount of physical activity.

Pug is a strong strong dog with good muscles. But due to mobility restrictions, he can quickly gain unnecessary fat reserves. Walks help to overcome physical inactivity.

True, in the case of pugs, you will have to adhere to three important rules.

1. Systematic. Daily walks are useful and necessary for the dog. For a small indoor dog, two half-hour boardwalks will be enough - in the morning and evening hours. In strong heat, it is better to transfer the walks to the time when the air temperature is minimum, this is dawn and sunset hours. In winter, it will be enough to bring the dog out for 15 minutes twice a day - pugs are completely not adapted to the cold.
2. Game load. The dog should receive a moderate level of physical activity. Since childhood, it is necessary to train a dog for outdoor games, light jogging, not forgetting time to rest. When shortness of breath occurs, the pet takes a break.
3. Rich wardrobe. Due to the difficulties with thermoregulation, dogs of this breed require the purchase of clothing for the season. Warm overalls, boots, blankets will help maintain health and protect the pet's body from hypothermia.

Consider what kind of clothes a pug needs when walking. First of all, the wardrobe should be selected in size and season. For winter, it is better to choose bright outfits with reflective stripes. Here, insulated jackets, coats, overalls of different lengths will be appropriate, in the products with panties the inguinal region remains open. It’s good if the top is equipped with a hood to protect the head, in severe frosts they’ll knock down a fleece or knitted blanket.

The pug raincoat is considered the demi-season clothing of pugs, it can be equipped with a little insulation, look like a windbreaker or a light cape.

Heat is not a reason to leave a dog without outfits. To protect against overheating, the dog should wear a panama hat and lightweight cotton jumpsuit. All materials for pug clothes must be breathable, contributing to normal thermoregulation. It is very important that the outfit does not constrain movement.

In addition to outfits for walking, the owner will need a harness and a leash. Collars for these animals are not too comfortable to wear.It is better to choose high-quality leather accessories that do not interfere with the dog's standing, walking, running. Clothing should be provided places to fix the leash on the ring harness.

Pug dogs have a special protective coating on the skin and coat - it looks like a greasy film that naturally protects the body from cold, overheating, moisture and other external influences. When bathing, this layer is washed off and formed anew for quite a long time. That is why often you should not bathe your pet.

In preparation for the reception of water procedures, it is worth taking care that the animal does not freeze after them. Be sure to exclude all sources of draft, the temperature in the room rises to a comfortable +25 degrees Celsius. Pugs are not cowardly and are great for swimming. It is enough to lay a non-slip rug at the bottom of the bathtub, and you can water your pet directly with a shower watering can on a flexible hose.

Dog ears pre-closed with cotton swabs to prevent water from entering the ear canal.

Regular hygiene procedures are very important for successfully maintaining good dog health. In order for the pug to look and feel good, you should regularly make manipulations with it for the breed.

1. Cleansing wrinkles on the skin. Inside the wrinkles, food debris and contaminants falling during the walk on the dog’s body can be trapped. It is improper hygiene of the folds that leads to the fact that the animal begins to smell unpleasantly, inflammation forms on the skin, areas with diaper rash. To prevent such problems, you need to wipe all folded areas at least twice a week with hypoallergenic wet wipes. After bathing, wrinkled skin is thoroughly dried without leaving moisture.
2. Combing coat. The short coat of a pug sheds quite abundantly, its fur coat needs a weekly thorough brushing with a natural hair. Such cleaning helps to remove impurities, stimulates blood circulation. With plentiful molting, it is worth making hygienic treatment more frequent.
3. Ear cleaning. The structural features of the pug’s auricle are such that it does not need too intensive care. Wipe the inside twice a month. A soft cloth moistened with boron alcohol is used for processing. After the procedure, dried skin is dusted with powder.
4. Eye care. Slightly bulging eyeballs increase the risk of injury and require special attention. Inspection of the eyelids and skin around is done daily, detected whitish or gray contaminants are removed with a moist cotton pad soaked in chamomile broth. With profuse lacrimation, the formation of purulent discharge, you must definitely visit a veterinarian.
5. Shortening overgrown claws. The lack of intense physical activity leads to the fact that natural grinding does not occur. The keratinized layer must be removed using special “pedicure” accessories. Guillotine nippers will help to make the process less traumatic, and the file will help to avoid splitting the tips on the cut. Unclipped claws gradually begin to twist, dig into the pads of the paws, cause pain.
6. Teeth cleaning. Features of a dog bite require the most careful attitude to oral hygiene. Enamel processing with a brush and specialized toothpaste is done 2-3 times a week. Care should be taken to monitor the condition of the gums, the presence of caries, tartar, and if they occur, consult a doctor.
7. Paw pad washing. They are inspected and cleaned of contaminants, chemicals.If wounds are found, the splinter is treated with antiseptics, foreign objects are removed. In winter, it is recommended to protect the animal's paws with boots or socks.

Intelligent, active and lively pugs easily make contact with the owner from the first days of living in the house. This can be used to quickly accustom the animal to the toilet.

Puppies have a good memory, you just need to help them navigate in an unusual environment.

1. After waiting for the first puddle to appear, you need to moisten the diaper in it, and transfer it to the prepared tray. The pet is shown the place where he will have to send natural necessities. The first month you can use just a diaper.
2. After sleeping or eating, you must bring the puppy to the diaper, wait until he goes to the toilet. If the puppy “did not reach” the place, you need to increase vigilance, often offer him a visit to the prepared tray.
3. For any successfully performed action, you must definitely praise the baby. This will inspire him to new exploits. Pugs really appreciate such attention to themselves, and try to repeat the feat for which they received encouragement.
4. After the skill is fixed, the diaper is removed from the tray, the puppy continues to visit the toilet in its usual mode. It may take several months to achieve the goal - do not rush or use force. Sooner or later, the pug will learn the rules of cleanliness in the house, and will comply with them.

Feeding pugs is pretty straightforward - these dogs are different an enviable appetite and do not give up their portion. But the natural tendency toward fullness makes plentiful meals deadly for members of this breed. The diet will have to be limited, carefully following the recommendations of the veterinarian. In the choice of food type, various options are acceptable - from ready-made industrial feeds to an individually selected menu.

Calculation of daily amounts of food for a dog is based on its body weight. This indicator is multiplied by a factor of 0.04. That is, with a weight of 6 kg, a dog can be given no more than 240 g of food. The optimal composition of food will be as follows:

• about 40% of the diet is raw high-quality meat (beef, veal, chicken), rarely boiled fish;
• about 20% should be occupied by low-fat fermented milk products;
• 20% of fresh or boiled, stewed vegetables - beets, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, pumpkin;
• 15% cereals - rice, buckwheat, oats.

Additionally, the dog is entitled to a small amount of vegetable oil, fruit as a treat, half an egg yolk daily. It is acceptable to give cheese, rye crackers. Before giving the animal meat, it is pre-frozen for three days, then it is poured with boiling water and ground.

Among the wide range of feed available on the market, pugs need to choose the best and highest quality. The optimal solution would be a product that takes into account the dog’s tendency to gain weight, its age category, and physical condition.

It is worth paying attention to the finished feed of several types.

1. Royal Canin Pug Adult. Food specially developed for pugs. The French brand offers a product with a high protein content, low fat percentage. The composition is based on high-quality chicken. The food is suitable for adult dogs.
2. Acana Regionals Wild Prairie Dog Grain Free. Canadian holistic food is suitable for adult dogs, puppies and juniors. The unique formula consists of quality poultry meat and fish fillet by more than 50%. In addition, the feed contains valuable fiber and a host of other ingredients, low-calorie.
3. Orijen Adult Dog Fit & Trim Grain Free. Canadian dog food series for dogs prone to obesity. The amount of protein reaches 42%, based on poultry meat and 4 varieties of fish. The composition contains additives to maintain healthy joints.

Regardless of the type of food the dog needs to take care of the free access of the animal to water. It is given only filtered or bottled. Fluid change and bowl washing is done daily.

Pug education is always complicated by only one factor - the phenomenal obstinacy of a pet. Affectionate, trying to please the owner, the dog instantly turns into obstinate harm if he does not like the activities proposed by the owner. The correct tactics for handling animals will help to avoid problems. And the owner’s main weapon here is affection and care.

The right choice of age for starting classes is everything. Pugs can be brought up only at an early age, it is better to carry out the main dressing up to six months. The favorite tactic of an ill-mannered adult dog is to ignore the owner’s commands with a simulation of temporary deafness. So that the dog does not make it a rule to behave like this in any situation, you should start training as early as possible, and be sure to seek obedience, but without the use of force.

Patience is what will surely come in handy to the owners of the pug. You can rearrange a pet only gradually, persistently explaining to him exactly what the owner is seeking. The dog can be picked up, reassured, distracted. And then again return to class, gently insisting on his own.

You can get the result with persuasion and tasty encouragement much faster. But do not be zealous. Caloric supplements must be carefully considered in the total amount of daily nutrition and subtracted from it when preparing portions for feeding.

The most objective opinion about pugs is the reviews of owners who are ready to literally carry their favorites in their arms. Even dog flaws like snoring or stubbornness in the eyes of a loving person easily turn into virtues. This breed is often called a “clown” for its cheerful positive attitude and ability to perform various tricks. Even just watching the animal, you can involuntarily start smiling.

Puppies are incredibly playful, adore attention, looking for a host society. Adult animals are more balanced, like to sleep. In good weather, the pet will not mind taking a walk close to home, but overall it does not favor the street too much. But the process of dressing and wearing overalls, shoes will take place without any vagaries.

The need for good hygiene is also important. The dog will have to be washed in the morning, combed thoroughly, and collect its wool around the apartment. The owners note that Pugs accustomed to childhood hygiene rules can easily tolerate all manipulations.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.