Reasons Why You Shouldn’T Keep A Pug

Expert’s answer:

Here are some reasons why some people believe you shouldn’t keep a pug:

  1. Health issues: Pugs are known to have a variety of health problems due to their unique physical characteristics. They have short snouts, which can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Pugs are also prone to eye problems, skin infections, and obesity. These health issues can result in expensive veterinary bills and a lower quality of life for the dog.
  2. Exercise needs: Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened skull and a flattened face. This can make it difficult for them to exercise and regulate their body temperature. Pugs are generally not very active and may struggle with physical activities. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and related health problems.
  3. Grooming requirements: Pugs have a short coat that sheds moderately. While they are not high-maintenance in terms of grooming, regular brushing is still necessary to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding. Additionally, their facial wrinkles require regular cleaning to prevent infections.
  4. Noise level: Pugs are known to be quite vocal and can be prone to excessive barking. This can be a nuisance for both the dog owner and their neighbors, especially in apartment or shared living situations.
  5. Temperament: While pugs are generally friendly and sociable, they can also be stubborn and independent. This can make training more challenging, especially for first-time dog owners. Pugs may also have a tendency to become overly attached to their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety if not properly addressed.

It’s important to note that these are general considerations and not all pugs will experience these issues to the same extent. Every dog is unique, and individual care and attention can greatly impact their overall well-being. If you are considering getting a pug or any other breed, it’s important to do thorough research, consult with a veterinarian, and consider your own lifestyle and ability to meet the specific needs of the breed.

Literature on the topic

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pugs - Liz PalikaThe Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pugs
Author: Liz Palika
Year: 2005
Description:shouldn’t cause you any concern as long as it’s short-term. If it lasts more than a few days after the initial … things to have on hand: A bristle brush. This can be a natural bristle brush made for people. Most groomers avoid the …
The Complete Guide to Pugs: Finding, Training, Teaching, ... - David AndersonThe Complete Guide to Pugs: Finding, Training, Teaching, …
Author: David Anderson
Year: 2019
Description:shouldn’t eat, having any of these foods in the trash is a serious risk to a Pug puppy. There are also things like … you to keep the toilets inaccessible to your curious pup. If the toilet seat is left open (as is bound to happen …
Shadow of a Pug (Howard Wallace, P.I., Book 2) - Casey LyallShadow of a Pug (Howard Wallace, P.I., Book 2)
Author: Casey Lyall
Year: 2017
Description:Casey Lyall. “Listen, I know things have been bad between us,” he said, eyeing my admittedly spectacular shiner. “Hear me out. Please.” Every instinct was telling me to keepshouldn’t have gone behind your back. Carl’s my friend, and he’s …

A low-maintenance dog is a pug, right?

Pugs require little maintenance. They don’t need a lot of your time in order to live happily and contentedly. To stay healthy, they don’t need to spend a lot of time playing outside or exercising. Every three to four days, you could instead take them for a 20-minute stroll.

Are pugs challenging to train?

No, housebreaking a pug is not simple. Some of the smartest dogs are pugs. They can, however, be obstinate at times, particularly when you’re trying to house-train them. Without using specific motivational tools like dog treats, it can often become challenging to train them.

Are pugs in pain all the time
Are pugs in pain all the time – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is getting a pug worth it?

Pugs make excellent companions because, in Axton’s words, “they are bold and love to live their lives outrageously”. Pugs are vivacious and outgoing, enjoy social interaction, and don’t need a lot of exercise, which makes them ideal city pets.

Axton advises doing your research to make sure a pug is the right fit for you because they are not a perfect fit for everyone. The following are some things prospective owners of pugs should be aware of.

If you’ve decided that you’re ready to add a pug to your family, look for a reputable breeder or rescue group. Don’t buy a pug just because of its appearance, advises Axton; instead, make sure the breeder is breeding for health and temperament first”.

Why pugs should not exist
Why pugs should not exist – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can I keep a pug as a pet?

Pugs have breed-specific health problems, like many purebred dogs. They have large heads, short snouts, and large eyes as a result of generations of selective breeding. Although the shape of their heads may make them even cuter as pets, it can also cause issues with their eyes, teeth, and breathing.

You can get more information about health problems you should look out for in your pug from your veterinarian. But here are some illustrations.

Syndrome of the brachycephalic airways (BAS). The pug’s short snout has the drawback that it makes them more susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). The soft palate is too long in brachycephalic, or short-nosed, dogs and can obstruct their windpipe.

How to avoid pug health problems
How to avoid pug health problems – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What are the drawbacks of having a pug?

There are some drawbacks to owning a Pug dog, just like there are with all dog breeds. Pugs frequently snore while they sleep and frequently struggle with breathing. Due to their brachycephalic shape and short nose, pugs cannot effectively cool off in the heat. Pugs shouldn’t ever exercise outside on hot days because the breed is prone to overheating. Pugs should be kept warm during the winter by wearing a winter dog coat to protect them from the elements. Pugs have lovely, big eyes, but the drawback is that they are easily injured. It can be a drawback that pug owners must take extra care around their dogs’ eyes. A Pug may need medical attention if its eyes protrude from its eye sockets as a result of an overly tight hug. Another drawback of this breed is that they shed a lot. Owners-to-be who want to handle the excessive Pug shedding must have the right deshedding equipment, such as a furminator. Pug owners must take special care of these facial wrinkles in order to prevent skin infections, which are common in wrinkled breeds, despite the fact that pugs have adorable wrinkles on their faces. Pugs tend to put on weight rather quickly, which is another drawback of the breed. Never overfeed a Pug, and make sure to give your small companion pet enough mental and physical exercise. This will help the dog maintain a healthy weight.

Pug heightPug male height: 12 to 14 in (30 to 35 cm)Pug female height: 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm).

Pug colors include fawn or black. Pug coat is short, fine, and smooth.

Do pugs suffer their whole lives
Do pugs suffer their whole lives – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is maintaining a pug difficult?

The upkeep required for pugs is not very high. They tend to sleep a lot, which is good if you live in an apartment or have roommates, and they don’t bark a lot. Contrary to popular belief, pugs do shed, and their short, coarse hair requires regular grooming.

We all immediately recognize the flat snoot, wrinkled face, and large expressive eyes of the loveable Pug. The Pug breed’sroots can be tracked back to Imperial China in 700 B. C., during the time of Confucius, when the breed was known as lo-sze. Imported to England in the 16th century, the breed quickly became a popular lap dog among the aristocracy. A Pug named Pompey is even credited with alerting Holland’s William I, Prince of Orange, to an assassination attempt by Spain. Over time, pugs have been the favored breed or both royals and celebrities—from Napoleon and Queen Victoria to Andy Warhol and Rob Zombie.

Here are 5 characteristics that may help you decide if the pug is the right dog breed for you.

If you want a small affectionate dog that will bond easily with you, the Pug might be your go-to-breed. As a breed, they tend to be expressive, exuberant, and often comical. They’re eager to play and will follow you, well, pretty much everywhere. Pugs tend to sleep more than other dogs (an average of 14 hours a day), and in this way are much like cats. So while they are known as eager people-pleasers, they’re also snoozers. Pugs are also known to be great family dogs and are very playful and affectionate with children. Also, because of their mouth shape, pugs have trouble delivering an aggressive bite and so are considered to be on the more kid-safe end of the breed spectrum.

Why pugs are the best
Why pugs are the best – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Are pugs high maintenance?

Pugs can be considered high maintenance as they’re a brachycephalic breed, known for having a lot of respiratory health issues. In terms of behaviour, they’re pretty mellow, sleep a lot and don’t bark too much. They are also a good dog breed if you live in an apartment.

The coat may be easier to look after but that’s the only thing about a Belgian Malinois that is easy. There is a reason they are known as Maligators – as they do enjoy biting and grabbing things with their teeth (hence why they make excellent security and forces’ dogs). They require hours of input, sensitive, expert training, and appropriate dog exercise every single day without fail. There are no days off with this breed for at least the first two years and even then, only if you’ve put due diligence into teaching them to relax and chill and fulfil their need to work, it does not come naturally. A dog for the experienced and dedicated owner whose life can revolve around their dog.

While this isn’t a dog who needs a huge amount of stomping across the countryside or hard-core daily grooming, the management required to keep the Hungarian Kuvasz safe from visitors, and visitors safe from this dog, while still meeting the dogs needs for exercise and enrichment, will be a considerable task for anyone living anything less than a hermit’s lifestyle! This isn’t unique to the Kuvasz however, and many of the guardian breeds who were developed to protect livestock or property remotely from their owners (and so make their own call on who is ‘a stranger’ (everyone!) and need dealing with appropriately) have the same requirements.

The Komondor’s unique coat may look easy to look after but don’t be fooled. It takes three years for that coat to reach full length and correct texture, with the mats needing to be split and rolled patiently throughout that time. A full dog bath will mean that they take a day or more to dry – and the mats will have a scent and texture that you really have to love to be able to live with! They’re definitely up there with the most high maintenance dog breeds.

Is it cruel to buy a pug
Is it cruel to buy a pug – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why would someone want a Pug?

Pugs are natural cuddlers. If you want a small affectionate dog that will bond easily with you, the Pug might be your go-to-breed. As a breed, they tend to be expressive, exuberant, and often comical. They’re eager to play and will follow you, well, pretty much everywhere.

We all immediately recognize the flat snoot, wrinkled face, and large expressive eyes of the loveable Pug. The Pug breed’sroots can be tracked back to Imperial China in 700 B. C., during the time of Confucius, when the breed was known as lo-sze. Imported to England in the 16th century, the breed quickly became a popular lap dog among the aristocracy. A Pug named Pompey is even credited with alerting Holland’s William I, Prince of Orange, to an assassination attempt by Spain. Over time, pugs have been the favored breed or both royals and celebrities—from Napoleon and Queen Victoria to Andy Warhol and Rob Zombie.

Here are 5 characteristics that may help you decide if the pug is the right dog breed for you.

If you want a small affectionate dog that will bond easily with you, the Pug might be your go-to-breed. As a breed, they tend to be expressive, exuberant, and often comical. They’re eager to play and will follow you, well, pretty much everywhere. Pugs tend to sleep more than other dogs (an average of 14 hours a day), and in this way are much like cats. So while they are known as eager people-pleasers, they’re also snoozers. Pugs are also known to be great family dogs and are very playful and affectionate with children. Also, because of their mouth shape, pugs have trouble delivering an aggressive bite and so are considered to be on the more kid-safe end of the breed spectrum.

Retro pug
Retro pug – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is it OK not to walk a pug?

Pugs have a moderate exercise requirement and should be provided with daily physical activity to keep them fit and healthy. They need approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day, which can be split into multiple short walks or play sessions.

Pugs may be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Pugs include.

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Pug is right for you, consult with your vet.

Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health, contact your local vet.

How many hours can you leave a Pug alone?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How many hours can you leave a Pug alone?

Experts recommend four hours as the maximum time period. However, this doesn’t come without effort. As much as some breeds may predisposed to handle loneliness, no dog was designed to be alone for a full day, day after day. If you have to leave any dog for up to 9 hours on its own please do not get one.

The fact, that you have decided to ask this question shows that you have doubts about whether this is a suitable arrangement and that you are inclined to be a responsible owner. This is an admirable approach.

As descendants of wolves, dogs (pugs included) are instinctual pack animals. What you are proposing is highly irresponsible and likely will lead to separation anxiety and behavioural problems; with the dog being “destructive” by chewing on furniture, shoes and so forth. You will also force this dog to be able to hold urine for 9-11 hours straight. That’s a long time; even during the night when metabolism slows down 11 hours is an absolute maximum a dog can usually hold.

For a more scientific opinion please refer to Code of practice for the welfare of dogs published by the Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (UK) which on page 8 reads.

How long can a Pug be left alone?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How long can a Pug be left alone?

Experts recommend four hours as the maximum time period. If you have to leave any dog for up to 9 hours on its own please do not get one. I am a pug owner and I know pugs like to be around people playing and socializing.

The fact, that you have decided to ask this question shows that you have doubts about whether this is a suitable arrangement and that you are inclined to be a responsible owner. This is an admirable approach.

As descendants of wolves, dogs (pugs included) are instinctual pack animals. What you are proposing is highly irresponsible and likely will lead to separation anxiety and behavioural problems; with the dog being “destructive” by chewing on furniture, shoes and so forth. You will also force this dog to be able to hold urine for 9-11 hours straight. That’s a long time; even during the night when metabolism slows down 11 hours is an absolute maximum a dog can usually hold.

For a more scientific opinion please refer to Code of practice for the welfare of dogs published by the Department for Environmental Food & Rural Affairs (UK) which on page 8 reads.

How many hours can you leave a pug alone?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How many hours can you leave a pug alone?

Experts recommend four hours as the maximum time period. However, this doesn’t come without effort. As much as some breeds may predisposed to handle loneliness, no dog was designed to be alone for a full day, day after day. If you have to leave any dog for up to 9 hours on its own please do not get one.

The fact, that you have decided to ask this question shows that you have doubts about whether this is a suitable arrangement and that you are inclined to be a responsible owner. This is an admirable approach.

As descendants of wolves, dogs (pugs included) are instinctual pack animals. What you are proposing is highly irresponsible and likely will lead to separation anxiety and behavioural problems; with the dog being “destructive” by chewing on furniture, shoes and so forth. You will also force this dog to be able to hold urine for 9-11 hours straight. That’s a long time; even during the night when metabolism slows down 11 hours is an absolute maximum a dog can usually hold.

For a more scientific opinion please refer to Code of practice for the welfare of dogs published by the Department for Environmental Food & Rural Affairs (UK) which on page 8 reads.

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Chelsea Vaughn

Chelsea is a former marine biologist who switched gears in her twenties to build a small house and start a business. She enjoys traveling and going on hiking adventures with her husband, their two Australian Shepherds and their African Grey Parrot.

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