Breed Spotlight: Pugs

Coat Type and Colors

Pugs have short, smooth coats. While they can have apricot-colored fur, the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard accepts only black and fawn as the official show colors.³

Shedding and Grooming

Pugs shed quite a bit, but they require only minimal grooming. To keep their shedding manageable, it’s best to give your pug weekly brushings to remove any loose hair.

Ears and Tail

Pugs’ ears are thin and small with a velvet-like touch, and their tails are tightly curled over their backs.

Their ears are described as either the “rose” or “button” kind. While both shapes look similar, button ears fold forward towards a pug’s face and are preferred for show pugs.

Drooling Level

Pugs are not typically droolers.

Behavior

The pug’s temperament is very lively, playful, and affectionate. Bred as companion dogs, pugs are the ultimate snugglers that require a lot of attention. They bond closely with their owners and have a strong urge to please them.

Because of their high attention needs, pugs can develop behavioral issues if left alone for long periods of time. Keep your pug engaged in your daily routine, and they should be perfectly content.

Exercise Needs

Pugs don’t require a significant amount of exercise, but it is required to keep a pug’s weight in check. They do have some energy though, so daily walks and play sessions should suffice.

Keep in mind that pugs are not tolerant to hot weather, so their energy and needs may shift during the summer.

Trainability

Harsher training methods are not recommended for pugs. As companions, they will often respond best to positive reinforcement. Pugs are very motivated by food, so treats are great tools to reward good behavior, but be mindful not to feed them too many.

Some pugs can be stubborn, so early socialization and training classes for pug puppies can help mitigate any mischievous tendencies.

Are Pugs Good with Kids?

On our list of the best breeds for families, pugs are very good with children and enjoy being part of the family.

Are Pugs Good with Other Pets?

Pugs should get along easily with other pets both in the home and outside.

Barking Level

Pug dogs are not very vocal, so excessive barking shouldn’t be a problem.

Pug Dog: A History

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the pug as a breed in 1885, but the breed has a much longer history.⁴ Pugs — also called pug dogs — have been around since before 400 B.C. Originally called the lo-sze, pugs originated from Buddhist monasteries in Tibet and eventually became companions for the wealthy in China.

Pug dogs eventually made their way into European royal spaces and upper class homes in the 1500s. Pugs were known as the mopsi in Finland, doguillo in Spain, and mophonds among the Dutch.