Pug
Also known as Pug, Mops
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 33 cm
- Weight
- 6 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- China
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, sturdy little toy breed with a distinctive wrinkled, short-muzzled face, a curled tail and a charming, mischievous personality.
History and origins
An ancient breed from China, prized by Chinese emperors and European nobility. Brought to Europe by Dutch merchants in the 16th century, it became the official dog of the House of Orange in the Netherlands.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Corneal ulcers and eye injuries
- Facial fold dermatitis
- Pug necrotizing encephalitis
- Hemivertebrae and obesity
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Fragile, 1 out of 5
In our lists
Pug FAQ
How big does the Pug get?
The Pug stands 25 to 33 cm at the withers and weighs 6 to 8 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Pug shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Pug live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Pug need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Pug good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pug live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is fragile. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, as well as corneal ulcers and eye injuries.
