Pugs are house dogs who need supervised access to a safe and secure back yard. A Pug should never be left alone outdoors without being watched. Gates need to be secure, ideally unable to be opened by anyone entering your property, and low enough to the ground to prevent a Pug from crawling under. Pugs are impulsive and not a safe breed to walk off lead in open spaces. If you want a dog that can be trusted to run free, come the instant you call and not end up under the wheels of a vehicle, or a dog which can be left alone out in the yard when there is no one at home then the Pug isn’t the right breed.

Pugs shed all year round. Daily grooming helps but a Pug will still sprinkle hair on furniture, carpets, clothing and the interior of your vehicle on a daily basis. If this would be a problem for anyone in your home then a Pug isn’t the best choice of breed for you.

Like most of the flat faced breeds, Pugs are predisposed to a few health problems which can result in costly vet bills. They will need annual health checks which include specialist eye checks, and often a dentist visit / dental. Some health conditions can require a lifetime of management. Make yourself familiar with the various health issues (see our Health Issues fact sheet below), and if you feel management and cost could become a struggle then forget this breed.

Pugs can be real characters, entertaining and the best company a person can have. But they can also be stubborn, unreliable and compulsive in behaviour. If you want instant obedience in a dog then forget the Pug. Some Pugs develop OCD type behaviour. e.g. licking of floors and furniture, tail chasing are a couple of common behaviours some people struggle with.

Pugs can snort, snuffle and sneeze and not all people find those things charming.

Most Pugs are food gluttons. Food is on the same pedestal as their favourite human. Like all dogs they will help themselves to the wrong things if humans are not vigilant. If the wrong thing is something like chocolate or raisins it could be fatal. A Pug owner needs to be strongly committed to feeding quality food in 2 small meals a day, not overindulge in the treats, and to help a Pug maintain a healthy weight and body shape. Obesity is probably the greatest health risk to a Pug and will shorten its lifespan. Allowing a dog to become obese is a form of cruelty. If you feel you would struggle to not give in to pleading eyes then it may be better if you didn’t get a Pug.

If you want a Pug who will quickly learn to accept toenail trimming then don’t EVER use clippers! Are you confident and willing to set time aside once a week to give Puggy ears a check and maybe a clean? Check and clean facial folds? Some Pugs may need this done daily. Can you watch eyes for any sign of weeping or squinting and head for the vet if there is?

If you do then you need to have a suitable plan in place, for the safe care of your dog, before you even get that dog. It can’t just be left at home with a neighbour popping in once a day, and some boarding kennels don’t offer the home environment a Pug requires. Plus it becomes an added cost over and above the cost of your holiday.