small Breed Dogs
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Pug Dogs
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs








Manufactured Dog Food VS Home Cooked Food
The food that you feed to your dog will have a direct impact on their health. Whether a young puppy who needs great nutrient to properly grow, an adult who needs to maintain weight and energy levels or a senior who can has a sensitive digestive system.

In addition, the choice you make can directly impact behavioral issues, such as eating grass or feces.
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What you Must Know BEFORE Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice...Read More
Height, Males12-14 inches (30-36 cm)
Height, Females: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Weight, Males: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg)
Weight, Females: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Asia

Appearance

This is the largest of all Toy Breed Dogs. The body of a Pug is proportionately square and cobby (short legs).  The head is large and this small dog breed has very large, protruding eyes which are dark and shiny.  The Pug has a very thoughtful expression and when excited, the eyes are said to be "full of fire".  The ears are thin and soft and can be described as velvet like.  Pug dogs may have 1 of 2 types of ears: rose or button. The face is filled with wrinkles and this is a feature that has been purposefully bred into the lines for centuries.

The bite, per AKC standard, should be slightly undershot, which mean that the lower jaw is out just a tad than the upper jaw.  The very strong, thick neck carries the head very proudly, and with the wide chest and straight forelegs, this small dog is looks bold, strong and confident.

The tail is very interesting, as it curls in either a single, double or sometimes even a triple curl.

Color

The colors of the Pug dog are few for this shiny, short coat. Fawn, apricot fawn, black or silver are the AKC colors.  However, silver is very rare. All Pugs have black masks, as this is one of their most outstanding features on their bred -down flat face.

Personality

The Pug is an even-tempered breed who shows stability, playfulness, charm, dignity and does so with an outgoing, amusing expression.  Most owners will agree that the Pug uses his looks and facial expressions to get what he wants, as he knows which looks cannot be resisted.  Pugs make excellent companions for those who can keep a good eye on their health and for those who can be there for them, since the Pug does have breathing issues and misses their owner 2 seconds after being left alone.

Being a bit stubborn at times, a Pug should have a human family member who can ignore those cute expressions and be firm in regard to training.

Origin & History

Full records were not kept, however the most accepted theory is that this small dog breed originated from Asia, perhaps back as far as 400 BC.  Buddhist priests kept Pugs and this breed was considered to be a prized possession of the Emperors of China and high class citizens.  There was a time when Emperors of China actually had soldiers protecting certain Pug dogs.  Later, this dog made its was to Japan, then Europe, the UK and America.  The AKC gave recognition in 1885.

Health

Due to centuries of breeding the face to be flat,  health issues usually revolve around breathing problems and eyes issues, due to the fact that the eyes are not sunken into the face, but rather protrude outward and are not as protected.

Issues can include:
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis - A swelling of the brain which causes seizures. This can often be controlled with medication, and if not surgery often helps.
  • Hemi-vertebra - Partially formed vertebrae
  • Hip dysplasia - Hip dislocation
  • Eyes Issues - Ranging from Retinal displacement to Dry Eye
  • Stenotic Nares - Where the dog's nostrils are too small, limiting breathing and causes the heart to work too hard - can be correctly with fairly simple surgery
  • Elongated Palate - The soft palate in the dog's mouth grows abnormally and interferes with breathing - this also can be corrected with minor surgery in severe cases
Exercise

Aside from the above, an owner must be aware that due to the body structure and breathing capabilities, the Pug is not a dog who can exercise excessively or be outside in the heat for very long.

This dog does not need to be pampered, he can play, go for walks,  fetch after tennis balls, accompany you on errands and be a wonderful companion.  One must just remember to limit exercise to no more than 20 - 30 minutes at a time and to refrain from exercising in hot weather.

Grooming

You may have heard it before, however "Yes", the Pug sheds.  Some make this seem as if the Pug sheds as if their fur is falling off.  This is not true and if it was, the dog would be bald!  Pug dogs simply shed more than average, but not more than a loving owner can handle with good brushings and a good vacuum every other day in the home. Brushing your puppy or dog every day, even if it is just for 5 minutes, will keep shedding under control.

Eyes need special care as they can have discharge.  Tiny elements can get stuck in the eye and cause irritations.   If you clearly can see an outside element on your dog's eyeball, you should attempt to lift their eyelid up and over the eye. If that does not work, you should then gently cleanse the eye with sterilized water.   You can use a soft washcloth to gently wash away any "goo".

Wrinkles on the face must stay dry. Therefore, once per day, an owner should wipe each wrinkle making sure to go all the way to the bottom and then dry each one.  If moisture stays inside, it can cause bacterial infections, yeast infections or other issues for this small dog.

Care & Training

Because this breed is so cute and very attached to his owner, training for Separation Anxious is often needed for both dog and owner!  We do have this information for you.  In addition, the Pug can be a bit stubborn (probably because he feels he should be able to get away with things due to his charm), therefore proper housebreaking should begin on Day 1.  Although, it is never too late to train correctly, even for an adult dog. Pug Owners - See More Detailed Information
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