Over the past decade, pug’s have made their way to the centre of dog lover’s hearts. Who can resist their squished up little faces, stubby little legs, and funny little curly tails? If you’re not convinced yet, just take a quick look at how they climb the stairs. Utterly adorable! So, whether you have a Pug already and fancy brushing up on your knowledge of the breed, or are considering taking a Pug in as your newest family member, here’s everything you need to know about the lovable little breed.
Space Requirements
Pugs are a member of the toy group of dogs. They are truly miniature, with only larger pugs growing any taller than one foot. They’re also light, weighing in at about 14-18 pounds. But don’t let that fool you. They are a lot of dog in a compact package. Unlike other toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier or the Chihuahua, they are stocky and sturdy on their feet. So while they are adaptable to living in smaller space, you need to ensure they have plenty of open floor space to get around in.
Neediness
Pugs aren’t exactly one of the most independent dogs. They were intentionally bred as companion dogs. So if you’re planning on adopting or buying a pug, make sure that you have the spare time and commitment to be able to pet them, provide them with plenty of cuddles and devote most of your attention to them. They make perfect lapdogs for people who work from home and the elderly.
Exercise
As a small breed, pugs predictably don’t need all that much exercise. You should aim to give an adult pug, two twenty minute walks a day. This can be brisk and is an easy routine to get into: you can take one short walk in the morning and one short walk at night.
Health Requirements
The majority of pugs are healthy dogs, however, due to negligent breeding practices, the breed can be more prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation and Pug Dog encephalitis. However, if you work with a responsible breeder, they will be able to give you insights into seeing the early signs of these conditions. Like all dogs, pugs should be covered by the best pet insurance that you can afford. Check out http://www.easipetcare.com/ for more information, including insurance policies and treatment prices. You need to ensure that you can keep up with these payments so that your pet is always covered. Also remember the basics, like microchipping, regular flea treatments and worming.
Grooming
Pugs shed. We cannot emphasize this enough. So if you’re planning on having a Pug, you should be prepared to vacuum regularly and have a lint roller at hand to get fur off your clothes, furniture and pretty much everything else within the vicinity of your four-legged friend. If you have allergies, you might like to opt for a more hypoallergenic dog that doesn’t moult fur. Because pugs shed so much, however, they have relatively low-level grooming needs. They are a brush-and-go dog. You won’t have to get them trimmed and you will only really have to bathe them for a freshen up or if they roll in the mud.
Always think carefully before introducing a dog to your family.
*collaborative post
