Everything You Need to Know About Big Pug Dogs

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Posted Oct 12, 2024

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Close-Up Shot of a Fawn Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Fawn Pug

Big Pug dogs are a unique and lovable breed that can make great companions for the right owner. They typically weigh between 14 and 17 pounds and stand 10-13 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their short, easy-to-maintain coats require minimal grooming, which is a plus for busy owners. Big Pug dogs are known for their flat faces and wrinkles, which need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.

Big Pug dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues like obesity and eye problems. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

They are also known for their loyal and affectionate nature, making them great family pets.

Recommended read: Age of Pug Dog

Care and Nutrition

Pugs are adorable companions that thrive on attention and love to be included in their family's daily activities. They're smart and easy to train, but they do require some special care.

Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle and flat face, which can make breathing harder, especially in hot weather. They're prone to snoring and breathing noises, and can be more gassy than other breeds.

Credit: youtube.com, Why They Confuse You About What to Feed your Pet

To keep your pug healthy and happy, it's essential to feed them a balanced diet. Pugs should be fed two or three small meals a day, and their food should be chosen based on their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Some Pugs may need a weight management or calorie-restricted diet to prevent obesity, which increases the risk of heatstroke and breathing problems.

Here's a rough guide to feeding your Pug:

Remember to always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding schedule for your Pug.

Nutrition

Pugs should be fed up to half a cup of dry dog food twice a day, but the exact amount depends on their age, size, and activity level.

Pugs are prone to obesity, which increases the risk of heatstroke and breathing problems. To prevent this, talk to your vet about a weight management or calorie-restricted diet.

Pugs do best when fed two or three small meals a day, and puppies may need to eat more frequently to reduce the chance of hypoglycemia.

Credit: youtube.com, Self-Care Nutrition (Part One)

Choose a dog food that's appropriate for your Pug's life stage, whether it's puppy, adult, or senior. This ensures they get the nutrients they need to thrive at every age.

The shape of a Pug's mouth limits how well they can pick up and chew food, so look for kibble that's specifically designed for Pugs and is easy to eat.

Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about breed-specific dog food and the best kibble size for your dog. They'll be able to provide you with an AAFCO-approved dog food that meets your dog's nutritional needs.

How to Care for

Pugs are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but they do shed, so regular care is needed. Brush them at least once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy.

Pugs are prone to skin problems, so watch for unusual signs and talk to your vet. Regular grooming also helps prevent irritation in their adorable facial wrinkles, which should be wiped daily with a damp cloth, especially after meals.

For another approach, see: Your Dog Grooming

Charming pug with tongue out, standing on grass, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Charming pug with tongue out, standing on grass, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

Their flat faces can make breathing harder, especially in hot weather, so avoid intense exercise then. Pugs need around an hour of daily physical activity, which can include short walks in the morning and evening.

Two nutritionally balanced meals a day are ideal for most Pugs. The amount of food will depend on your pup's age, size, and activity level, so consult with your veterinarian to determine the best amounts and food type.

Pugs are prone to weight gain, so treats should be given sparingly. To avoid health issues and begging, stick to designated mealtimes and avoid feeding table scraps.

Here's a quick guide to Pug care:

Health and Wellbeing

Pugs are prone to certain health issues due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

You can also consider Pug breed mixes, such as Pug-Chihuahua or Pug-Shih Tzu, which may be a good option for you if you're concerned about the health issues associated with purebred Pugs.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help mitigate some of the common health issues in Pugs, but it's essential to be aware of the potential problems that can arise.

Common Health Issues

Close-up of a Puppy Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Puppy Pug

Pugs are prone to certain health issues that can impact their quality of life.

One common health issue in Pugs is obesity, which can lead to a range of complications. Pugs can easily become overweight due to their love of food and lack of exercise.

Pug breed mixes, such as the Pugapoo or the Labug, can also be prone to health issues.

Respiratory problems are another common issue in Pugs, caused by their flat faces and narrow airways. This can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

Pugs can also be susceptible to eye problems, including proptosis and entropion. These conditions can be painful and may require surgery to correct.

Pugs are generally long-lived, but their lifespan can be affected by health issues. The average lifespan of a Pug is 12-15 years.

Worth a look: Big Dog Lifespan

Lifespan

Pugs can live up to 15 years on average, with some living even longer with good care. The average lifespan of a male pug is 12.8 years, while females live slightly longer at 13.2 years.

Pug Puppy Lying on the Floorboards
Credit: pexels.com, Pug Puppy Lying on the Floorboards

With proper living conditions, pugs can easily surpass the average lifespan. This is evident in the case of King Tug the Pug, who holds the record for the oldest Pug in America at 18 years old.

Pugs are generally a long-lived breed, and with proper care, they can thrive well into their teens.

Grooming and Appearance

Pugs have a short, smooth coat that sheds quite a bit, requiring regular grooming to manage shedding and keep them happy and healthy.

Pugs come in two standard colors: black and fawn, with the iconic fawn coloring featuring a creamy-colored body and black face. Black Pugs, however, have a striking appearance in their solid black coat.

A Pug's face is a distinctive feature, with a flat, wrinkled face, a black nose, and large, very round eyes that protrude somewhat from the face, making them more vulnerable to injury. Their ears are small and delicate, either rose-shaped or button-shaped.

Credit: youtube.com, Pug: Dog Groomer

Pugs have strong little legs and a compact body, with a slight underbite considered ideal by breeders. Their tails are curled up over their bodies, with bonus points for a double curl.

Here are some key grooming needs for Pugs:

Grooming Guide

Pugs shed quite a bit, so regular grooming is a must to manage their shedding and keep them happy and healthy.

Daily brushing is ideal for Pugs, and a Furminator brush is an excellent tool to get their undercoat out.

Pugs' facial wrinkles need to be cleaned daily with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations, which will help prevent irritation and infections.

You should check their ears for debris every day, and if you see redness or swelling or smell an odor, your vet can prescribe medication to clear up an ear infection.

Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks, and it's essential for puppies to learn to sit quietly for basic trims to keep their nails looking and feeling great.

A bath about every month is also a good idea for Pugs, and be sure to dry their delicious folds completely!

Daily dental attention is crucial for Pugs, so start brushing their teeth while they're young so they view it as a pleasant experience.

Physical Appearance

Credit: youtube.com, Professional Appearance and Grooming

Pugs have a distinctive physical appearance that's hard to ignore. Their round heads and flat faces are a result of being a brachycephalic breed.

Their heads are fairly massive compared to their compact bodies, which have a short back and strong little legs. A slight underbite is actually considered ideal by breeders.

Their ears come in two types: rose-shaped and button-shaped. Rose-shaped ears fold back slightly, while button-shaped ears are set higher on the head.

Pugs have large, very round eyes that protrude somewhat from their face, making them more vulnerable to injury. Their dark eyes sparkle, but can be full of fire when excited.

Their noses are black, and their muzzles are short and full of delightful wrinkles. Pugs have a short and smooth coat that's easy to maintain.

Their coats come in two standard colors: black and fawn. Some fawn Pugs have a sable pattern, but true purebred Pugs won't have markings other than that.

Girl in Pink and White Dress Sitting on Green Grass Field Beside Black and Brown Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Girl in Pink and White Dress Sitting on Green Grass Field Beside Black and Brown Pug

Here are the key characteristics to look for in a purebred Pug:

  • Thick, sturdy legs and a noticeable mass to their bodies
  • Large, round face with a pronounced "thumb mark" on their forehead
  • Tightly curled tails

Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and can be 10-11 inches tall, despite their stocky build.

Personality and Behavior

Pugs are not very active, but they make up for it with their big attitude. They're big dogs in a small package, after all.

Their distinctive crinkled brow allows them to show a range of expressions, making them very entertaining companions. This is especially true when they're being their usual goofy selves.

Pugs can be stubborn at times, but they typically want to please. This means they're highly trainable and eager to learn.

Most Pugs are good with children and generally get along well with other pets. They enjoy company and can be very affectionate, which makes them great companion dogs.

Pugs are quite laid-back dogs, not usually prone to excessive barking or destructive chewing as long as they're provided with adequate mental stimulation and physical activity. This makes them a great choice for families with kids or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.

They adore being by their owner's side, whether it's curling up on your lap while you work or snuggling beside you on the couch. This means they're best suited for homes where someone is present for a good portion of the day.

Training and Upkeep

Credit: youtube.com, How To Care For A Pug | Dog World

Pugs are relatively easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement methods like using dog treats or praise, which they find motivating.

Their small size means extra calories add up quickly, so keep track of treats given during training sessions.

Pugs need daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk, but they don't do well in heat and humidity.

Their smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs, but facial wrinkles require daily cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections.

Early socialization is essential for Pugs, introducing them to new people, sights, and sounds builds confidence and helps them navigate the world with ease.

Harsh training techniques are counterproductive with Pugs, they may shut down or refuse to cooperate if scolded or handled roughly.

Expand your knowledge: Are Dog Treats Bad for Humans

Training

Training a Pug is relatively easy, thanks to their food-motivated nature. Positive reinforcement is key, using treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

Person Playing with a Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Person Playing with a Pug

Pugs are typically obedient and eager to please, making them responsive to training. They thrive on rewards, so be sure to use a portion of dog treats as incentives for desired behaviors.

Early socialization is crucial, introducing your Pug puppy to new people, sights, and sounds helps build confidence and eases navigation of new situations. This vital step of puppy care should be discussed with your breeder and veterinarian.

Harsh training techniques can be counterproductive with Pugs, leading to shutdown or refusal to cooperate. So, it's essential to keep training sessions positive and fun.

Keep track of treats given during training to avoid overfeeding, as Pugs can quickly gain weight due to their love of food.

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Upkeep

The Pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk.

They don't do well in heat and humidity, so it's best to exercise them during cooler parts of the day.

A Woman Hugging Her Pet Pug
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman Hugging Her Pet Pug

Their smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs.

The wrinkles on their face, however, need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections.

It's essential to clean their facial wrinkles daily to keep them healthy and infection-free.

The Pug may often wheeze and snore, so it's crucial to keep an eye on their breathing and consult a vet if you notice any unusual sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest Pug that can get?

A full-grown Pug typically weighs between 14 and 18 pounds and stands 10 to 13 inches tall. This breed standard is established by the American Kennel Club.

Sources

  1. Pug Dog Breed Health and Care (petmd.com)
  2. The Pug Dog Club of America (pugdogclubofamerica.com)
  3. Pug Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
  4. obesity (vcahospitals.com)
  5. surgery (todaysveterinarypractice.com)
  6. entropion (hospitalveterinariglories.com)
  7. atopic dermatitis (bluepearlvet.com)
  8. Pug Dog Club of America (pugdogclubofamerica.com)
  9. Pug Breed - Dog & Puppy Information & Characteristics (pedigree.com.ph)

Íris Nobre

Junior Copy Editor

Íris Nobre is a detail-driven professional with a passion for language and storytelling. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she has honed her skills as a Copy Editor through extensive experience in publishing and media. Iris brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to every project she undertakes, ensuring that written content is not only error-free but also engaging and effective.

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