Some General Info on Pugs

The Pug is an AKC and FCI recognized dog breed, classified in the Toy Dogs group. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1885. Originally, the pug came from China.

Over the last years the pug has become more and more popular. Pugs are ranked #14 in the AKC Dog Breeds 2001 Top 50 (ranking based on the number of dogs that were registered by the AKC in 2000). An increasing number of people recognize and appreciate the pug's clownish and loving character. However, pugs' roles in television commercials and movies has been a reason for the increased popularity of the breed, also.

One of the goals of this web site is to provide information about pugs, so that you hopefully won't buy a pug just because you've seen one on television or in the movies. Pugs look very cute and therefore are easily bought on impulse. Although most pugs not only look cute but are cute in fact -- it's still important to know the characteristics of pugs, its needs and also, the weaknesses of the breed! If you already own a pug, or you've already decided to buy one, we can help you to find information about care for pugs, health issues, and breeding.

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Is a Pug the Right Breed for You?

A pug is:

• a dog that loves and needs human companionship and lots of attention
• an intelligent breed
• a very non-aggressive dog.  While protective, pugs rarely bite unprovoked
• great with kids, makes a terrific family pet
• a dog with a great sense of humor, but not necessarily the same humor as its owners
• a breed that is behaving as a puppy for a long time (more mature behavior often is not exposed until the dog reaches the age of three years old)
• a dog that can be very stubborn and "naughty" - unless its owner knows to make clear to the dog what behavior is rewarding and wished for
• a breed that, unfortunately, suffers from many different genetic disorders (not all individual pugs suffer from disorders, ask the breeder you consider buying from about the dog's "line's" health)

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The Right Owner for a Pug Would Be:

• someone who has a lot of time to share with their dog
• someone who loves to cuddle their dog a lot
• someone who knows how to let the dog's intelligence work *for* them, instead of against ...
• someone who's "soft" - but at the same time can be a consistent disciplinarian all the time
• someone who is patient - but doesn't give up easily
• someone who can appreciate a dog being clownish and "naughty"
• someone who is aware of the breed's weaknesses and is alert to prevent the pug's illness / death - knows how to recognize early symptoms of disease
• NOT someone who's looking for a dog to keep outdoors
• NOT someone who's searching for a very athletic dog, to go for long walks every day, compete in competitive agility, etc.
• NOT someone who's looking for a dog that will "automatically" be very obedient (a pug can learn to obey perfectly, but this will only succeed if the owner knows how to train a dog using positive training methods, and will to work with the dog regularly).

Thanks to dogweb.com for some of these resources.

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Some additional Pug Information:

Dog Club - Internet Dog Directory