Pug breed profile

Training and intelligence
The Pug is not a dominant breed, and in general wants to please. However they can have a stubborn streak, so make sure you use motivational training and lots of praise. Pugs can take a considerable time to housebreak, although this will vary from dog to dog, and from owner to owner.

Temperament
The Pug is often described as a clown. They are certainly very playful, and if a certain behaviour gets a good reaction from you, they may well repeat it. They have a strong reputation for being good with children. They bond very well with their people, and can be clingy, wanting to be with you all the time wherever you aer.

Attitude towards strange dogs and people
The Pug is a very friendly dog, with quite an extrovert personality. He will in general enjoy meeting new people and dogs and greet them warmly. Pugs are not aggressive, and don't really have guarding tendencies, however they are capable of taking up a defensive stance if they feel their people are threatened.

Grooming and shedding
Don't be deceived by the short coat - Pugs shed. A lot! Brushing will help, but Pugs shed heavily, particularly at certain times of the year. The wrinkles on the face will need regular cleaning and checking.

Exercise
The adult Pug is happiest at home on the sofa with you. They like to sleep a lot, and are limited in the exercise they can take as they become out of breath fast due to the short nose. However, younger Pugs can be quite lively, and they take a while to settle down into sedate adulthood.

Need for company
A Pug with his person or people is a happy Pug. Older Pugs may well snooze away time spent alone, but this really is a breed that wants company as much as possible.

General
Pugs suffer in high temperatures, so this must be taken into account - keep them cool. Most PUgs will snore, due to their short nose, but apparently most Pug people come to love this! Pugs can have a variety of inherited conditions, so do the homework, research the health tests, and talk to the breeder.