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Here is a place where you can find information about pugs and pug ownership. There are many other places on the web to find this information, but none of those are really worth anything anyway. However, if you really want to see some of them, check out the Links section. |
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| What is the difference between a Pug, a Chinese Pug, an English Pug, a Bulldog, and a French Bulldog? | |
| This is a Bulldog. This is a French Bulldog. This is a Pug. This is a Chinese Pug. This is an English Pug. |
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| See the difference? [back to top] |
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| In which AKC breed group do pugs belong? | |
| All dogs are the same species, but breeds have been developed by humans. The American Kennel Club divides dogs into groups based upon purpose and/or function. Pugs belong to the Toy Group in the AKC classification. Pugs are the largest of the toy breeds (some being larger than others, of course). They keep trying to make it into one of the more "dignified" group, but the fact that they were bred for no functional purpose whatsoever is holding them back. That is, unless you consider companionship to be a noble function. On the other hand, the Chihuahua is also considered a Toy breed. Just what is the purpose of a Chihuahua? [back to top] |
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| Do pugs snore? | |
| Yes, absolutely. Especially when sleeping in your bed. They can rattle the windows. If your pug says he doesn't snore, he's lying! Report him to the PBI immediately! [back to top] |
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| Do pugs shed? | |
| Does the Pope celebrate Easter? Does a one-legged duck swim in circles? Does a bear shit in the woods? [back to top] |
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| Do pugs shed a lot? | |
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This is your home with a fawn pug. This is your home with a black pug. Any questions? [back to top] |
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| Why do pugs have flat faces? | |
| Because we want them that way. Otherwise we'd get a dog with a snout. For the record, the condition is called brachycephalic: brachys is Greek for "short" and kefali for "head". This "short-head" condition is also found in some less-desirable breeds such as shih-tzus, boston terriers, bulldogs, pekingese and politicians. [back to top] |
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| I don't want a dog in the house. Can pugs stay outside in a doghouse? | |
| Long Answer: You didn't follow the brachycephalic link, did you? Brachycephalic dogs have less surface area within the snout than breeds with snouts. This makes it difficult for them to cool themselves efficiently in the manner that dogs usually do: panting. Check it out for yourself: take a long, deep breath in through your nose or mouth. Cools the sinuses, doesn't it? Now go outside in a hot day, cover your nose and mouth so you can barely breathe, and pant until you cool down. Go ahead...We'll wait... Short Answer: No. [back to top] |
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| What special traits are part of the pug breed? | |
| Pugs have the uncanny ability to make you laugh at least once per hour. They also get this look on their faces...like they were having a very important discussion right before you walked into the room and if you knew what they were saying then they'd have to kill you. I think "guilty" is the best way to describe it. They make maximum use of this trait in extortion schemes. [back to top] |
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| Do pugs make good watchdogs? | |
| That all depends on what it is you want them to watch. Television, food, and chew toys are all good candidates. They will alert you to any odd noises, but they'll be equally as enthusiastic about doorbells on the television and grocery bags left on the floor. They are attentive to the presence of strangers, but only because there is the potential that a stranger may be harboring something edible. [back to top] |
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| How much do pugs cost? | |
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The Pugonians have hypnotized most of us human-slaves into saying: "Cost is of little concern when you compare it to the joy you will get from having a pug in the family." The more practical answer is that cost depends upon how you look at it and where you get your pug. Lucille's price was a few hundred dollars from a local breeder. Rex was technically free, but he peed on the mattress a few weeks after we got him, so we consider the replacement cost of the mattress to be part of his tab. In truth, I've seen pug puppies priced anywhere from $150 to thousands of dollars. The adage "You get what you pay for" applies here, but more money doesn't necessarily mean a better pet. Many rescue societies also charge what may appear to be a lot of money for a "used" pug. These groups do a lot of hard work, primarily on a volunteer-basis. Many pugs are rescued from abusive situations (including puppy mills) or are otherwise turned-in by their owners because they can no longer be kept. Rescue groups charge what it costs to get and keep the pugs healthy and happy (a/k/a fed). The presence of over fifty-three pug rescue groups in thirty-four states attests to the fact that there are more than enough pugs to go around. If you are seriously considering a pug, please consider a rescue dog and give a hard-luck pug a good home. |
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| Which is better? a male or a female? | |
| In general, some pug owners claim to have observed that males tend to be more "laid-back" and females tend to be more "head-strong." This is the case with Rex and Lucille, but I think this can also be generally said of all male and female dogs. Pugs do tend to "mellow" with age (i.e., get fat and lazy). [back to top] |
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| Are pugs easy to housetrain? | |
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We've only housetrained one pug. There were a few days there where we thought we'd be living in a toilet, but in hindsight it wasn't all that bad. We strongly recommend crate-training, but sometimes this only works with young puppies or pups that are not normally kept in a crate (puppy-mill/petstore puppies). Do not let the "look" convince you that they are suffering some horrible, ancient torture by being kept in a crate for a few hours a day. They're damn good at the "look" and if you give in they'll label you SUCKER for the rest of their lives. Besides, it is only for a few weeks. If you do it right, they'll be happier dogs and you'll have a cleaner-smelling house. Buy lots of enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution), have lots of ratty rags and plastic bags, and get to it! Best of Luck! |
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| Are pugs hyper? | |
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As a breed, no...in fact, they are far from it. As a rule, though, puppies are always hyper and a pug's puppyhood can reportedly last for up to two years. If you get a pug puppy because you want a calm, even-tempered dog, then be prepared for the puppy stage. They run, jump, climb, chew and bite...a lot. Just be glad its a 4lb pug puppy not a 40lb Great Dane puppy when you're going through this. A word about biting: new pug puppy owners often report in desperation over the fact that their puppy is biting...hard...drawing blood. This is not unusual for any puppy, including pugs. Puppy teeth are like razor blades and young dogs need to be taught not to bite. Usually this is done with a loud squeal (from you), a sharp "No!" and a chew toy and it takes time. MamaDog would have done it for you, but you have the puppy now, so it's your job. Buy bandages. |
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| What should I feed my pug? | |
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Keep in mind that your pug will eat anything even remotely edible. This includes, but is not limited to: dog food, human food, cat food, gerbil food, fish food, houseplants, cardboard, gifts, books, holiday decorations, socks, hairballs, grass, flowers and tablecloths. Find a high quality dog food upon recommendation from your vet, breeder or friends who have dogs. Most premium (i.e., not supermarket brand) dog foods are fine, unless your dog is doesn't like it or is allergic to it. Stick to your guns! Remember the look? Well, there's a "feed me" look, as well and it is very effective! Be alert and show some resolve! You can do it! |
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| Don't you think pugs are ugly? | |
| Have you looked in the mirror lately? [back to top] |
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See the Links page for more information about pugs. |
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