1. The Origins of Pugs
Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds in history, dating back approximately 700 years BC. It is believed that they were originally worshipped in ancient Egypt and kept as companions for Tibetan Buddhist monks. Around 2,000 years ago, Pugs started gaining popularity in China. Many emperors believed that these dogs brought good luck and began to worship them.
According to legend, Pugs became the mascot of the Dutch royal family of Orange when a Pug saved the life of a prince by barking to warn him of an impending attack on his camp by the Spanish army. When William and Mary of Orange came to England to assume the monarchy, some Pugs accompanied them, sparking a Pug craze in England.
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2. Characteristics of Pugs
a. Appearance
- Size: Small. Pugs belong to the Toy group and are known for their adorable appearance. They have an average height of 25-33cm and weight of 6-8kg.
- The facial features of Pugs are their most distinctive traits. They have large, round eyes and wrinkled brows. Their snouts are short and black, and their bodies are chubby with curly tails.
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- Coat: Short, smooth, and low-maintenance. Pugs do shed, but not excessively. Black Pugs shed less than Pugs with other coat colors.
- Colors: Pugs can have either fawn or black coats. Fawn Pugs usually have black masks, while black Pugs have an overall black body. Black Pugs are usually cheaper due to lower demand.
- Pugs have an average lifespan of 13-15 years, which is relatively long for a dog, considering their health issues.
b. Temperament
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Pugs are affectionate dogs that thrive on love and reciprocate with great affection. They make excellent family dogs, as they love both adults and children. Despite their wrinkled appearance, they are not aggressive and are very approachable. They are incredibly cute and well-suited for family life.
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Pugs are curious and love to explore new things. They are energetic and enjoy playtime, particularly with their families. They can happily engage in play for hours.
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Pugs are not known for excessive barking, which makes them perfect for those who don’t want a dog that barks all night. Although they are not excellent guard dogs, they can protect their families if needed.
3. Caring for a Pug
Let’s take a look at some information on how to care for a Pug.
a. What do Pugs eat?
- Pugs should be fed a well-rounded, age-appropriate diet. The recommended calorie intake is around 40 calories per pound of body weight per day for toy-sized dogs. This can amount to approximately 600 calories per day for an adult Pug. Until they reach 6 months old, they should be fed three times a day; then, it can be reduced to twice a day until they are 1 year old, and finally, once a day when they reach adulthood. For more precise feeding guidelines, refer to “How much to feed a dog” on our website.
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- Since Pugs are prone to weight gain, it’s essential to follow their feeding regimen and avoid overfeeding. The more overweight they become, the more they will struggle with breathing and other respiratory issues.
b. Common Health Issues
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Pugs are not known for having robust health. Most of their health issues are a result of their flat and short facial structure.
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Their eyes can be a source of various health problems. The shallow eye sockets caused by their skull structure can make their eyes bulge out, leading to conditions like corneal ulcers, dry eyes, cataracts, and impaired vision.
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The facial structure of Pugs can contribute to respiratory problems, especially during exercise or in hot temperatures. You may notice this when they have difficulty breathing. Pugs are best suited for mild climates, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
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Regular vet check-ups and monitoring of your Pug’s health will ensure any issues are detected and treated early.
c. Coat and Hygiene Care
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Pugs have low-maintenance coats due to their short, smooth fur. However, they do shed, so brushing them two to three times a week will help remove loose hairs and keep their coats in good condition.
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It’s important to brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. You can also provide dental chews for them to chew on.
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Baths are not necessary unless your Pug gets dirty or starts smelling. Pugs are prone to odor due to the folds on their faces, where bacteria can get trapped. You should clean these folds to prevent skin infections.
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Regular nail trimming is essential, especially if your Pug doesn’t get much exercise outdoors, as their nails won’t naturally wear down.
d. Exercise and Physical Activity
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Due to their flat faces, Pugs are unable to engage in vigorous exercise. They have difficulty breathing, which can become a problem early in their lives and contributes to their tendency to gain weight easily.
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However, this doesn’t mean your Pug doesn’t need any exercise. A 20-minute daily walk is recommended. Avoid exercising them outdoors in extreme heat.
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Pugs are social dogs, so taking them on different routes allows them to encounter new sounds and smells. Also, using a full-body harness is recommended, as it won’t obstruct their breathing when the leash is pulled.
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They enjoy playtime and need mental stimulation. Along with walks, make sure to spend time playing games and providing entertainment. The more attention you give them, the happier they’ll be!
e. Training
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Pugs are intelligent dogs, making training relatively easy. Positive reinforcement training and reward-based training methods are recommended, using praise and verbal cues to show them they are doing well.
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They can be a bit stubborn at times, but with consistency, your Pug will learn. Pugs are emotionally sensitive and easily hurt, so harsh training methods should never be used. You can find suitable and simple training techniques for home use online.
f. Family Compatibility
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Pugs are perfect family members. Most importantly, they enjoy being with people of all ages, making them happiest when in your company. Pugs are loving and affectionate, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners. Their care needs are relatively low, so they are not too difficult to care for.
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Pugs may experience separation anxiety and dislike being alone. They truly want to be with humans all the time! It’s best not to leave them alone for extended periods if you plan to be away from home. However, if they are properly trained and socialized from a young age, this should not be an issue.
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Pugs don’t require a lot of exercise or high energy levels, which means they are suitable for those living in small apartments or without a yard for them to run around.
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Your Pug will also get along well with other people and animals like cats and rabbits. Pugs aren’t high-maintenance in terms of grooming; all they need is your affection!
4. How Much Do Pugs Cost?
In general, determining the cost of a Pug can be difficult as it varies based on factors such as gender, color, pedigree, origin, and size (small or large Pug).
- If imported from Russia, the price of a Pug with facial folds will not be less than $1500, including shipping, customs, and other fees. European-imported purebred Pugs are generally healthier and come with complete documentation.
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If imported from Thailand, the price will be cheaper compared to European imports, but the quality of the dogs is still good, with complete documentation:
- Without FCI papers, the price will range from 10-15 million.
- With FCI papers, the price of a Pug with facial folds will range from 15-30 million.
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Pugs born in Vietnam will generally be more affordable, around 8-10 million. If you want to buy a Pug for 1 million, 2 million, or 3 million, you can consider getting a mixed-breed Pug.
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Another source of Pugs is from farms in China, with prices ranging from 1-1.5 million in the farm. However, after factoring in additional fees, the price can increase to 4-6 million. With Chinese Pugs, the quality is not guaranteed, and you need to be cautious:
- Many people purchase Pug puppies that do not develop normally due to potential inbreeding.
- Lack of direct control over breeding, birthing, and rearing can result in Pugs carrying multiple drug-resistant infections.
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Yellow-brown Pugs typically command higher prices compared to black Pugs. Female Pugs are usually more expensive than males due to their ability to reproduce and bring profit to breeders.
Please note:
In recent years, the popularity of Pugs has increased significantly, leading to a strain on breeders. Veterinary professionals recommend purchasing from responsible breeders who ensure that owners fully understand the needs of these small dogs before making a purchase.
Be cautious of advertisements selling Pugs at very low prices in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Pugs with prices of 200k, 300k, or 500k are likely to have compromised quality, pedigree, and origin. They may suffer from numerous and severe health issues.