Pug

The Pug, a small breed, typically has a lifespan between 10 and 12 years, although with regular veterinary care, a good diet, and lucky genes, this dog breed can live up to 15 years. This type of dog has a few health problems related to his physical makeup, but otherwise, the Pug is a generally healthy breed of dog who is one of the more affordable breeds to insure.

A Pug’s ideal weight is between 6.3 – 8.1 kg; males tend to fall between 6 – 9 kg while females weigh in between 6 – 8 kg. As a small dog breed, the Pug doesn’t stand tall. Generally, both male and female members of the breed stand 30 – 36 cm tall.

The Pug can be excitable and energetic, but for the most part, this breed loves to cuddle up in his owner’s lap on the couch. Fairly low-maintenance and usually inactive while indoors, the Pug is an ideal dog for individual owners, families, and older people. The small size of this breed also works for people living in apartments, condominiums, or homes with small backyards.

A Pug should have some short outside exercise every day or his antics indoors might be more energy-filled than an owner would desire. This breed is highly sensitive to heat and humidity, especially due to its short-nose, so Pugs who live in hot environments should have their outdoor exercise during the early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler.

The Pug was bred to be a companion, and as such, this breed needs to spend time with his owner. Pugs love to cuddle and crave their owner’s attention, but they should also be properly trained and socialised for life outside the home. Socialisation, the earlier the better, will provide exposure to other people, animals, sights, and sounds and result in a well-trained and friendly Pug.

This breed is prone to some quirks. For example, the Pug is liable to overeat and gain weight if given the opportunity. Their food intake must be monitored to avoid the chances of obesity. Also, Pugs have a tendency to snore, wheeze, and snort loudly due to their short muzzles, so owners may want to invest in a pair of ear plugs to block out their dog’s odd noises.

Pugs are the ideal family pet as they adore children. The Pug’s temperament and size works well with children of all ages, although any interactions between kids and dogs should always be supervised by an adult. However, the Pug is not the best dog for an overly active family or for kids who want a dog to run around the block with or play fetch.

The Pug is good-natured and typically gets along with other dogs, cats, and small pets. Introductions should be supervised and conducted slowly over the course of a few days.

• Legg-Perthes Disease is a health condition of the hip joint, one that commonly affects small and toy breeds. Legg-Perthes disease occurs when the blood supply to the femur decreases, and the are where the pelvis meets the head of the femur starts to disintegrate. Usually, the first symptoms of this disease — leg muscle atrophy and limping — appear in a puppy between two and four months of age. Surgery to remove the diseased femur head is one way to correct this condition. Scar tissue from the surgery typically forms a false joint, allowing the Pug puppy to live a normal, pain-free life.

• Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is a terminal inflammatory brain disease that is particular only to Pugs. Thus far, veterinary scientists are unclear as to the cause of PCE. There is no cure for the condition and no testing either. PDE can only be determined with brain tests after the dog’s death. Symptoms of PDE include circling, seizure, and blindness before the dog falls into a coma and then dies. PDE generally affects younger Pugs. Currently, research into the disease is being funded and sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the Pug Dog Club of America.

• Eye Problems are a frequent issue for this dog breed. Pugs may suffer from a variety of eye issues ranging from mild to serious situations. These eye problems include:
  • Corneal ulcers may happen due to the Pug’s bulging, round eyes. Eyes of this shape are prone to injuries that cause ulcers to form on the cornea. Ulcers typically respond well to medicated treatment, but if left untreated, they can cause blindness or eye ruptures.
  • Dry eye, including pigmentary keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, happens when the eyes fail to produce enough tears to keep the eye wet. Your Pug can be tested by a veterinarian to determine his type of dry eye, and medication can be applied to resolve the situation. Without treatment, a Pug will suffer irritation and eventually blindness. This life-long condition will require constant care.
  • Proptosis occurs when the eyeball experiences forward displacement from the socket so that it is beyond the eyelid. This situation requires immediate veterinary attention, and the doctor will determine if the eye must be repaired or removed.

• Hemi-vertebrae is a condition that often affects brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs like the Pug. Sometimes, this type of dog can have a misshapen vertebrae, and in most cases, the dog can live a normal life. If multiple vertebrae are impacted, the dog may stagger, limp, display a weak gate, and have difficulty walking. The condition for some dogs will worsen with time until the dog is paralysed. Scientists do not know the cause of the condition, however, surgery can address and alleviate this issue for most dogs.