Pugs were called ‘mops’ by the Dutch because they always look grumpy but the true meaning of their name may be found in the old English term pug or pugge which means someone who is tenderly loved. Pugs were originally bred to love and be loved in return. They were not expected to do any kind of labour. Pugs are not hunting dogs nor are they guard dogs. Their sole job is to eat and be on their owners lap for as long as they can.
Pugs are also called miniature Mastiffs which suggests that they were actually a whole lot bigger in the past than they are now. This fact pretty much also explains why pugs are the largest dogs in the toy breed. Pugs aren’t a newly discovered breed and it is believed that pug – like dogs called Lo-sze were found in China around 400 B.C.E.
Pugs have been famous throughout history and have always been associated with royalty. The pug became famous in Holland after a pug named Pompey saved the life of William the silent, the Prince of Orange in 1572 by sounding an alarm at the approach of the Spanish army. After this incident the breed became the official dog of the House of Orange. The pug was famous not only in Holland but also in France. Napoleon’s wife Josephine had a pug named Fortune who used to carry secret messages to Napoleon from his wife,Josephine while she was imprisoned at Les Carmes.
IS THE PUG THE RIGHT BREED FOR YOU?
SIZE CONSIDERATIONS
Pugs are small, compact dogs and weigh between 7 to 9 kilograms which means they can be easily lifted by their owners and carried around. Pugs are extroverts in nature and won’t hesitate to jump up to your beds or the couch but it is your job to help them to the ground because constantly jumping from high surfaces can lead to shoulder and back problems.
GROOMING NEEDS
Pugs don’t need a lot of grooming. Brushing their coat properly will do but keep in mind the fact that pugs tend to shed a lot. If you like to keep a spick and span home then don’t buy a pug. Also make sure to clean in between the wrinkles and toes of your pug.
EATING HABITS
Pugs are gluttons but the amount of food they should consume depends on the amount of activity they do. Never give in to the cute face of your pug and feed them whatever they want. This will lead to obesity and overweight animals suffer as much as overweight humans do. They can face joint problems, heart problems and diabetes.
INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?
The pug is not an outdoor dog. It cannot withstand heat, high humidity and extreme cold. So if you are planning to keep the dog outdoors for most of the time then the pug is definitely not the dog for you.
YOUR YARD
If you live in the countryside make sure you have a fenced yard before buying a pug. They are adventurers and explorers and will run of with just about anybody specially if there is food involved. If you have to pool refrain from buying a pug because even though pugs love the water they swim like rocks meaning they will immediately drown.
TIME NEEDS
The first question you must ask yourself before buying a pug is that will it suit your lifestyle. Pugs adore people and love to be around them. Leaving them alone for a long periods of time will make your pug suffer from depression. So if you are a person with a very busy schedule or don’t spend much time at home then don’t buy a pug.
TRAINING
Though pugs are warm and affectionate dogs their training is also important. You must be active enough to make your pug meet new people and other animals so as to help your pug grow up to be a wonderful and disciplined addition to your family. Teaching your pug some basic commands is always a good idea and this can be done through books and some pet classes.
EXERCISE NEEDS
Since the pug is a small dog it doesn’t require a lot of exercise, a brisk walk in your neighbourhood will be enough. Pugs are not meant for long walks or hikes. Pugs have small noses which makes them snore and snort a lot, so if you can’t stand these things then find another breed.
OTHER PETS
Pugs tend to get along well with other pets such as cats, birds, hamsters and even mice but the thing to remember is that the introductions should be made gradually and they must never be left unsupervised. If you already have a cat or a bigger dog make sure to introduce them in a neutral place and talk to people who have pugs in a household with other pets. This is necessary so as to prevent an accident. The paw of a cat or a bigger dog could accidentally injure your pug’s eyes.
CHILDREN
All children want dogs and they will say or do just about anything to convince their parents to buy them a puppy. It is the parents responsibility to see that the pug gets his food and walk. Not everyone can raise a pug. The important thing to remember is that a dog is a living being and they were not created to teach your children responsibility.
Pugs are the most adorable and beautiful dogs and anyone who has ever owned a pug knows what I am talking about. Its true that all dogs are wonderful creatures but what separates a pug from other dogs is their extreme attachment to their owners. Pugs love to spend time with their humans more than other breeds do. Their idea of enjoyment is to sit on their owners lap and do nothing else and whoever said money can’t buy happiness has obviously never owned a pug.