Are You Ready For A Pug Puppy?
27 May 2009
The pug breed has been registered with the American Kennel Association since 1885, and are first known to come from China, where they were used as not only a companion, but as a guard-dog. Pugs are very particular when it comes to comfort. They do not like to be either too hot or too cold, which is understandable as their coat of fur is not substantial. As they are small dogs, they would do particularly well in an apartment or smaller home, as long as you regularly play with them. If you begin training from puppyhood, they can get along just fine with other animals and children. If you have a cat in particular, do make sure it can handle living with a dog, as cat claw can be a particular problem with pugs. The reason for this is that cats, when provoked, tend to swat at an animal’s face, and pugs’ eyes protrude slightly from the face. There are a number of responsibilities to take into consideration when deciding whether to get a pug dog.
Most people are aware that each dog breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and the pug breed is no different. Some of the most common problems with pugs stem from the fact they do not have a protruding snout, as most dogs. You’ll notice that the pug’s nose is very close, and kind of “squished” up to the face. This can cause a lot of breathing problems, not to mention eye injuries which can result when the pug is sniffing around. They are also susceptible to skin allergies, demodectic mange, and knee problems. For a full understanding of the range of medical problems that can affect pugs, ask your vet or have a look around the internet.
No matter what type of dog you decide upon, it’s always necessary to keep the water bowl topped up and do your best to meet his nutritional needs. You will also need to schedule regular check-ups with a trusted veterinarian to ensure that your furry friend is remaining in good health. You can expect to see a lot of your pup’s vet in his first year of life, as this is when he will be receiving his first set of vaccinations and boosters. After the initial shots, you will need to return your dog for a booster once a year. With pugs, their life span is usually around 12 – 14 years, so you can expect a decent amount of time with one.
Training a pug isn’t as difficult as training some breeds can be. They are smart and willing to please, but you must be dependable and develop a steady routine with your pug. As long as you’re doing your share (letting him out to potty, encouraging good behavior, correcting bad behavior, etc.), you should have a well-trained pug in no time!
Taking on the responsibilities of caring for any animal is not a decision to make lightly. Neither is the source of which you obtain your dog. There are many places in which you can find pugs, including the classifieds in your local paper, breeders, pug rescue organizations, and even by typing in “pug puppies for sale” in Google. Wherever you decide to obtain your pug from, we hope you find a terrific companion for the years to come!
