Pug: Nutrition, character, training and much more about the Pug

By Roland Berger

The pug - the former imperial dog and the mascot of the 21st century. His cute appearance and lovable personality have made him the most sought-after companion of many people. But there is much more behind the cute facade than meets the eye.

The contents of the book are:
- The dog breed Pug
- Education of a pug
- Health and nutrition
- The care of the pug
- Character, training and much more
- Many illustrations

In this guide you will learn everything about the history and origin of this breed, as well as its special characteristics and traits. Furthermore, you will receive tips on care, health, nutrition and education of your pug, so that you can build a stable and trusting relationship with him and he will be at your side for a long time. Also with regard to targeted training of your new four-legged friend, who has the potential to become an assistance dog, you will be given valuable tips on how to make him child's play to house-train, follow your commands and walk relaxed on the leash.

You see: In this book, you'll find everything you need to know to give your pug a happy and fulfilling life. A must for every pug owner and lover!

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Mar 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9783987628726

Book preview

Introductory

If you are thinking about keeping a pug, you should inform yourself well about the breed before acquiring it. Since each breed is special and accordingly has its own character, it is important to know whether the four-legged friend suits you at all. The pug is a very small dog, which grows up to 30 cm high. His nature is friendly, fond of children and balanced. Accordingly, this is well suited for families.

Before acquiring, you should be aware that a pug can live up to 15 years in good health. This is a big responsibility that you should be aware of. A pug needs a lot of attention and must be walked regularly. You also need to find a solution for vacations. Either the dog can travel with you or you can find temporary care. In addition, you must be prepared for costs that come with vet visits and the purchase of food.

Having a dog has the great advantage that you never have to be alone as long as it is there. The pug is very fixated on its owner and for him there is hardly anything better than to be present at all undertakings. If you are looking for a loyal companion for all situations in life, you will make the right choice with this breed.

In this guidebook you will find all the important information that is worth knowing and above all important in the attitude and education of the dog. Take your time reading the guidebook and look forward to great tips and games that will bond you and your four-legged friend even closer.

Basic information about the pug

Origin and history

From the FCI, the international dog breeding association, the pug is a recognized dog breed. Originally, the small four-legged dog comes from China. There he was bred already more than 2000 years ago purposefully. Surprisingly, this was raised from mastiff-like dogs.

Originally, the Pug was considered a privilege of emperors and was supposedly not suitable for breeding. Therefore, pugs could be acquired only for a very high price. It was considered very special to be able to own and hold a dog of this breed. 

It is particularly surprising that the Pug belongs to the species Molosser. This type includes mainly large, massive dogs, such as the Bullmastiff or the Great Dane. The Pug can seem a bit massive, but unlike the similar dog breeds, it is very small.

From the 16th century, the pug was then also widespread in Europe. Painters like Francisco de Goya included the pug in their paintings. Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's wife, gave a great boost to the breed's fame. Fortuné was the name of the French empress's pug, which was always seen at her side.

In 1900, Pekinese suddenly came to the fore. But this lasted only a short time. Just 18 years later, the pug came back to the forefront and was considered a fashion dog by many people. This happened again and again in the history of the little four-legged friend.

Pugs have been positively noted in every tale since its inception, including the anecdote of Pompey, the Prince of Orange's pug. In 1570, the prince was threatened with assassination, but Pompey managed to prevent it. How, you ask? The answer is: by his barking. This is due to a certain protective instinct that the dog breed still has in it today.

Appearance and nature

The Pug is a small dog that belongs to the Molossian species. According to the breed standard of the FCI, a pug is between 31 and 35 centimeters high and can weigh between 6.3 and 8.1 kilograms.

A special feature, which really has every pug in every color, is the black muzzle. This can of course turn gray with age, but is already decisive in puppyhood as to whether it is really a Pug. The eye areas are also circled in black. The coloring makes the face look really special.

The ears are either button or rose ears, which stand or lie slightly forward. The ears are also always dark colored in the dog breed. Especially in beige Pugs, the coloring provides the expressive face of the dog.

The dog breed comes in apricot, black, silver and light colors. Especially the light shades must be clearly distinguished from the black ears, muzzle and eye rings.

Another characteristic is the slight underbite of the dog. In addition, the nose is slightly depressed. Here, you should definitely make sure that the dog can breathe normally and that it is not an overbred dog. This way, you can avoid some of the costs that come from vet visits and ensure that your pug can romp and play without getting into respiratory distress.

The Pug has short, smooth fur, which is soft and silky. This is a great advantage especially in the care of the coat. The dog does not need to be brushed constantly, but he should wear a jacket in the winter when it is very cold.

Also typical for the dog breed is the short tail of the animal, which is slightly curled above the hip.

As a rule, Pugs live between 12 and 15 years. Of course, the lifespan may vary depending on the attitude. If a pug has diseases, it can be significantly shorter. The more exercise a Pug has, the fitter it is, which can positively influence the lifespan.

If you choose a pug, you can look forward to a very loyal and uncomplicated dog. As a rule, the dog breed is very cheerful and bright. Due to its friendly nature, the pug is very suitable for keeping in a family with children. Due to its size, this one does not need much exercise and it can be kept in apartments in the city.

The quadruped can be quite sensitive, which is noticeable, for example, if you leave it alone in the apartment for a long time. Here, a small diva can appear, which is subsequently offended.

A pug needs quite a lot of attention and loves to spend time with his family. With children he is gentle.

The combination of the dog's traits make it particularly intelligent and even empathetic. Pugs react quickly to mood swings of the owner. For example, if you are sad, the pug is by your side to comfort you in the best possible way. If the mood is good, the four-legged friend is also cheerful and happy with you.

You can trust the judgment of a pug. If he smells danger, he will make this known by growling softly or even barking.

From former imperial dog to charming companion

The former imperial dog was not without reason so popular with his masters and mistresses. The little four-legged friend is not only a beautiful dog, but also a very loyal companion. For the pug, you as the owner are a hero or heroine. This loves to be in your company and loves to accompany you everywhere.

Whether on hikes or a leisurely juice in the café, the pug can ideally adapt to whatever you do as the owner. Contrary to appearances, the pug loves to move. Of course, you should be aware that the four-legged dog of this breed can not run as much as, for example, a German shepherd. However, the urge to move is also present in the pug. So you can have this, for example, on hikes or leisurely bike rides at your side.

The education of the pug is, due to its friendly, people-oriented nature even for beginners without any problems. Of course, it may be that the dog tests limits again and again, but this happens mainly when you do not consistently stick to the education in the puppy age of the dog.

If you want a companion dog that is both happy with you alone, but can also adapt wonderfully to company, the Pug is well suited. If you suffer from mental illness and need an assistance dog, the pug can be trained for this purpose. Due to the sensitive nature, the four-legged friend reacts to the smallest changes and can provide you with the necessary support in any situation in life.

The Pug is an inquisitive dog, which is willing to learn and also quickly implements what it learns. Since he is also very friendly to children, you can also keep a pug well as a family dog. No matter if infant or older child, the dog can empathize well with the children and is very gentle with them. Biting dogs of the dog breed are usually not. If a pug is annoyed too much, it usually shows the annoyance only with a growl.

If you want to rescue a pug from the shelter, you should be prepared for the fact that it can be somewhat complicated and insecure due to the experience. However, with enough love and affection, the animal's fears will quickly dissolve into thin air. Due to its sensitive nature, the pug can literally smell whether you have good intentions or not.

5 reasons why you should choose a pug as a companion

Loyalty: The pug is loyal and will not leave your side if you want it to.

easy character: due to the pleasant, friendly character, the dog is a great animal for beginners and advanced learners

fond of children: The pug loves company. Here it does not matter whether it is children or adults. With children, this one is particularly pleasant to deal with.

adaptable: as long as master or mistress is by his side, the pug is happy. You can take this both on lonely walks and in crowded cafes without the dog feeling uncomfortable.

sensitive and empathetic: Due to the sensitive and empathetic nature of the pug, you can train it as an assistance dog. If you do not want this, however, the dog is still supportive to you in every situation in life.

Acquisition and arrival

Buying a pug - Essential Tips

If you have decided to keep a pug, you need to consider so many things before buying. First of all, you need to decide whether you want a female or a male. You should also be aware of the color you want.

Once the decision on color and sex is made, it is time to find a good breeder. Caution is required in the selection process. Unfortunately, there are always black sheep among breeders who do the job solely to make money. A breeder who loves his dogs is therefore a must. Especially with Pugs a decent breeding is important. Often, due to incorrect breeding or over-breeding, the dog's nose is severely pinched and it can breathe poorly. Also it can be that the eyes of the dog strongly protrude. Here you should immediately make the bend.

Once you have chosen a breeder, be sure to insist on seeing the parents of the puppies. If they are in good condition and trusting, you can buy a puppy with a clear conscience. Be sure to ask to see the papers of both parents to ensure that they are purebred Pugs.

You should be aware that the purchase of a pug is expensive. You should expect 1,000 to 1,600 euros when buying the animal. However, for the money you get not only the puppy but also the breeding papers and you can be sure that it is a purebred pug. If the price differs greatly and the puppy is sold for half, for example, you should be alert.

The most important features to look for when buying a pug:

Clear eyes that do not protrude strongly. This prevents inflammation of the eyes.

Not too large a fold on the muzzle. The fold can cause not only inflammation, but also breathing difficulties.

Clearly visible nose, which is not strongly depressed. If the nose is too much depressed, you may have to subject the pug to a dangerous operation at the vet, because it can not breathe well.

Dog's liveliness. The liveliness is especially important and shows that the puppy is healthy. These are the ideal conditions.

These are the mistakes you should avoid when buying a pug:

Do not ask for breeding papers: The breeding papers are decisive for whether the dog is purebred or not.

Do not see the parents: These tell a lot about what the dog will look like when it is full grown.

Choose a pug with a depressed nose and protruding eyes: This may look cute, but it will give you high vet costs very soon. In addition, life is much more difficult for the pug, because it can not breathe well.

Choosing a pug because it is quiet: Puppies are generally very bright and lively. Therefore, a very quiet puppy is not really a good sign. Opt for a curious puppy that will sniff you directly.

Choose the next best breeder: Here you should compare a few options to see the different husbandry options as well. In the end, your gut feeling should decide which is the best breeder.

Buy a puppy younger than 8 weeks: The first 8 weeks of the puppy's life with its mother are important to guide its development in the right direction. Some breeders also do not release puppies until they are 12 weeks old. Get advice directly from the breeder here.

Equipment for home and on the road

With the acquisition of your new companion, you also need the appropriate equipment for the dog. So that the little one lacks nothing, you should already have the basic equipment in the house before the pug becomes a family member. Here come again some costs on you, which you should plan with the acquisition.

First of all, you need a transport box or another way to safely transport the four-legged friend home. Since everything is new for the dog, it should be as comfortable as possible and be able to sit with you. Depending on how wild the animal is, a box that you can lock is recommended. If the pug is calm and cuddly, you can also transport it in a travel bag on your lap. However, a box is recommended in any case if you travel by car more often and want to take your companion with you.

So that the pug at home lacks nothing, the following items are necessary. So that you have an overview of the acquisition costs, you can see in the following list, what the individual utensils cost at least. Of course, you are completely free to buy higher quality models here.

So, these are the things you should purchase before your four-legged friend moves in:

Collar: For small dogs like the pug must also be a correspondingly small collar. This can ideally be adjusted in size (5 euros).

Dog harness: Especially in the city, dog harness is important so that the puppy does not run in front of a car and can be walked well with the leash. For puppies, this should also be adjustable, because the dog is still growing (6.50 euros).

Leash: Dog leashes come in a variety of forms. First, there are short leashes, which are good mainly for training, then there are drag leashes, which are useful mainly in the countryside, as well as leashes that are extendable, so that the dog can be kept short as well as allowed to run more freely. In the beginning, a short leash is sufficient (10 euros).

Dog bed: The pug should already have a dog bed upon arrival. This is not only a retreat, but can also be used for training (10 euros).

Bowls: Both a food and a water bowl should be available. Ideal are models that can be easily cleaned (4 euros).

Transport box: The transport box is important if you travel a lot by car or have to take your four-legged friend to the vet. Also in the house or in the apartment, the box can be used as a retreat (30 euros).

Brush: A dog brush is necessary to clean the dog after walks without bathing it too much. Here, be sure to make sure that the brush fits the short, smooth coat of the pug. Special gloves with bristles or nubs can also be used for acclimation (10 euros).

Tick pliers: Especially if you live near fields and forests, ticks are present and can always be found on the dog. A suitable tick tongs is therefore important to remove them along with the head (2 euros).

Shampoo: Dog shampoo must not be missing in any household with a dog. Make sure that you buy suitable puppy shampoo for a puppy, as the skin is even more sensitive here