currently specializing in blacks. It is hard to breed good blacks, for the coat should be jet black and no other markings should be visible. Because of the color, the desired wrinkles on the head need to be deep and clear in order to be seen.
The Pug’s coat is easy to maintain, for it is fine, smooth and soft. This is a short, glossy coat that should be neither harsh to the touch nor woolly. Pugs’ coats do shed to a certain extent, though not so much as those of many other breeds. People with sensitive allergies ought to check before buying a Pug that the coat does not affect them. You must always keep foremost in mind that a dog should remain with you for life, so you must be certain that you are making a well-informed decision before deciding upon a particular breed.
On the subject of allergies, some Pugs themselves suffer from flea allergies, so it is extraimportant to keep your Pug free from parasites.
Because of the wrinkling on the head of the Pug, special care needs to be taken to keep this area clean, so as to avoid any build-up that can cause irritation to the skin.
WHAT A CHARMING SIGHT!
Years ago in Italy the Pug could be seen wearing strikingly colorful and well-cut jackets, often with pants. Soon the breed came to be looked upon contemptuously, although looking back today you can imagine what a charming sight these colorful little canines made!
TAILS
The Pug’s twisted tail is natural and is not cropped to look this way. In fact, the tail is not so short as you might think at first glance—it is just that it is very well curled.
It has recently been realized that a few Pugs suffer from a vertebral problem, seemingly because of the curled tail. This is usually noticed before the age of 12 months and can unfortunately cause a dog to be crippled.
PERSONALITY
This is a breed with great charm, dignity and intelligence, though, like other intelligent breeds, he can be rather selfwilled. The Pug is an eventempered breed with a happy, lively disposition. The friendship displayed is often effusive; indeed, most Pugs seem constantly delighted to meet people and show special affection to children. However, although the Pug shows friendliness toward strangers, it is to his owner and family that he is most devoted.
A male and female Pug (notice the difference in size) get along quite well in the same household.
“Getting to know you” the toy-dog way, as this Pug makes the acquaintance of a Yorkshire Terrier friend.
The Pug is a fearless breed that, despite his diminutive size, enjoys exercise outdoors and has something of a brave, sporting instinct that can occasionally cause him to run into trouble with other dogs. That is not to say that Pugs are generally aggressive, though they might appear so sometimes because of jealousy.
Inside the home, the Pug likes nothing more than warmth and comfort, with general affection and petting bestowed on him by his owners.
Pugs and children can spend many happy hours together; however, children should always be supervised when spending time with dogs.
PUGS AND CHILDREN
Pugs certainly seem happy in the company of children, and usually the feeling is mutual. This is a breed that always seems ready for a bit of “rough and tumble” but, when in the company of dogs, children should always be supervised by adults. If children are taught to respect dogs, both they and the Pugs involved can spend many happy hours in each other’s company. Nevertheless, adults should never allow either to become over-excited.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Because of the Pug’s short foreface, the breed can suffer breathing difficulties and does not easily tolerate extreme heat. In general, though, the Pug is a reasonably healthy breed and can live until a ripe old age. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that often Pugs do not take well to anesthesia, so it is important to mention this to your vet if an operation is pending.
Pugs, like other short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, can be prone to elongation of the soft palate. The Pug has been bred for centuries to have a short nose and wrinkled skin; as a result, the soft palate tends to be wide and flabby. As the dog pants, the soft palate gets drawn back into the larynx so that air is unable to enter the lungs. It is this that causes Pugs to suffer distress in unusually hot weather or following exertion.
CORRECTIVE SURGERY
Surgery is often used to correct genetic bone diseases in dogs. Usually the problems present themselves early in the dog’s life and must be treated before bone growth stops.
It is therefore necessary to keep a very careful eye on your Pug in hot weather and always to be on the lookout for any sign of fatigue during exercise. Danger signs are protruding, staring eyes and the head’s being held high in an effort to draw in more air. A dog can lose consciousness and his breathing may stop, but sometimes will resume within only a few seconds, though not always.
It goes without saying that any dog can suffer distress and can die if left in a car on a warm day, even with ventilation. Pugs are even more likely to be affected than the majority of other breeds, so beware! Never leave your Pug in your car, and this tragedy will be avoided.
Should your dog be unfortunate enough to suffer from heat exhaustion, cold water or ice should be put on the head, face and body immediately; the dog should also be kept as cool and quiet as possible. Any Pug that seems particularly prone to the consequences of an elongated soft palate should certainly not be bred from.
Here it is worth mentioning that, whether or not your Pug has breathing problems, as with any other breed, food should never be given immediately before or following strenuous exercise. Opinions vary, but when exercising my own dogs I always like to allow one full hour’s rest before or after any meal.
DOGS, DOGS, GOOD FOR YOUR HEART!
People usually purchase dogs for companionship, but studies show that dogs can help to improve their owners’ health and level of activity, as well as lower a human’s risk of coronary heart disease. Without even realizing it, when a person puts time into exercising, grooming and feeding a dog, he also puts more time into his own personal health care. Dog owners establish more routine schedules for their dogs to follow, which can have positive effects on a their own health. Dogs also teach us patience, offer unconditional love and provide the joy of having a furry friend to pet!
A Pug should have eyes that are gloriously described as globular in shape, but they should
