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Meet the breed: Pug

Choosing to add a furry friend to your growing household is a long-term commitment, and picking a breed that fits your lifestyle presents the key to a happy home. With over 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds, that decision can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help you meet the breed that’s right for you. If you’re looking for a compact companion to add to your pack, find out everything you need to know about the Pug.

Breed

  • Good with kids
  • Pleasant temperament
  • Long lifespan
  • Excellent companion
  • Environmentally versatile

breeder

Overview

This is a breed whose sole life purpose is companionship. However, they weren’t bred to accompany any average Joe. This regal breed completed the royal entourage of high-class aristocrats and leaders around the world. Yes, as dog owners we know how much our pets worship us, but no other breed masters the art of standing (aka snorting, sleeping, snoring) by your side like the funny faced Pug.

photo gallery

Breed standards

  • AKC group: Toy Dog
  • UKC group: Companion Dog
  • Average lifespan: 12 – 14 years
  • Average size: 14 – 18 pounds
  • Coat appearance: Short, fine, smooth
  • Coloration: Fawn, apricot, silver and black
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Other identifiers: Compact body frame; black face mask; wrinkles cover the face; tail is high-set and tightly curled
  • Possible alterations: None

Is this breed right for you?

Pugs make the best family pets — just make sure your toddler knows the difference between hugging and squeezing for the sake of those bulging Pug eyes. This breed requires low levels of exercise and makes a great apartment dweller. Although Pugs don’t require multiple daily walks, they live for constant companionship. Pugs thrive with lots of human interaction so busy bees and travel enthusiasts might choose to opt out. Despite their short coat, Pugs shed like crazy so get ready to find little Pug hairs everywhere. Allergy suffers and neat freaks, this may not be the breed for you.

pug breed characteristics

A dream day in the life of a Pug

No other dog provides a cuddlier shoulder to lean on as loyal Pugs make themselves available to you through thick and thin. They live to make you laugh with a mere glance at their goofy faces and their little curly tails. With an equally comical personality, don’t count on this breed to sit in silence for too long; snorting, snoring and a multitude of questionable noises complete the Pug package and are a sure sign of a perfect day in the making.

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