Pugs: The Right Breed For You?
Did you know that the pug dog first came from China and was used as a companion and watchdog? The year 1885 was the first year they were registered with the American Kennel Association. The pug should be kept indoors, no matter where you live in this world. Why? Because these animals do not like cold weather and they do not like hot weather. As long as you give this dog enough exercise, he or she will be perfect in an apartment building. If you properly train this puppy, then they will be able to get along perfect with other dogs, cats and children. We must say, cats can be a problem with these puppies. Why? Because they have outstanding eyes and cats have claws. When your cat gets mad, where will that claw go? Right into the pups eye. As you are caring for pug puppies, there are a number of things you will need to keep in mind.
Most people are aware that each dog breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and the pug breed is no different. Some of the most common problems with pugs stem from the fact they do not have a protruding snout, as most dogs. You’ll notice that the pug’s nose is very close, and kind of “squished” up to the face. This can cause a lot of breathing problems, not to mention eye injuries which can result when the pug is sniffing around. They are also susceptible to skin allergies, demodectic mange, and knee problems. For a full understanding of the range of medical problems that can affect pugs, ask your vet or have a look around the internet.
No matter what type of dog you decide upon, it’s always necessary to keep the water bowl topped up and do your best to meet his nutritional needs. You will also need to schedule regular check-ups with a trusted veterinarian to ensure that your furry friend is remaining in good health. You can expect to see a lot of your pup’s vet in his first year of life, as this is when he will be receiving his first set of vaccinations and boosters. After the initial shots, you will need to return your dog for a booster once a year. With pugs, their life span is usually around 12 - 14 years, so you can expect a decent amount of time with one.
Training a pug isn’t as difficult as training some breeds can be. They are smart and willing to please, but you must be dependable and develop a steady routine with your pug. As long as you’re doing your share (letting him out to potty, encouraging good behavior, correcting bad behavior, etc.), you should have a well-trained pug in no time!
Taking on the responsibilities of caring for any animal is not a decision to make lightly. Neither is the source of which you obtain your dog. There are many places in which you can find pugs, including the classifieds in your local paper, breeders, pug rescue organizations, and even by typing in “pug puppies for sale” in Google. Wherever you decide to obtain your pug from, we hope you find a terrific companion for the years to come!
