Is a Pug the Right Breed of Dog for Me?

Remember when you were growing up and your parents never let you have pets? How your aunt had a cute little pug and that sounds like fun? Here are some questions to ask yourself to see if you really want a dog in the first place.
Am I allergic?
It's easy to get a dog, and later find out that you or a family member is allergic. Then there are tensions, because you have to make decisions as to how to handle the allergies or to get rid of the dog.
Am I willing to spend over $500/year on a dog?
In addition to the cost/adoption fee of the dog, just puppy shots can cost you over $300. Spay/Neuter can cost up to $100. Add this to food, toys, and sometimes a new pair of shoes (for those boistrous puppies) and the cost can pile up. If you need to travel, you will need to pay for the dog to travel as well, or pay for boarding or a pet sitter. This is assuming that the dog has no major health problems.


Do I have an hour per day to walk/train/play with this dog?
Dogs, like people, need interaction and stimulation. Like people, they can become couch potatoes or anti-social. Dedicated interaction is very important
How often will I be around? Will I be gone for more than four hours at a time?
Dogs, especially pugs, really can't be left alone for long periods of time.
Am I willing to be patient while the dog is still potty-training?
This may be the most frustrating part about owning a dog, especially with puppies.
Can I make a twenty year commitment to this dog?
Dogs can live up to twenty years. A lot can happen in this time. Every decision you make will be affected by the dog, be it where you live, when and how much you work, etc.

Pugs are a unique breed. they have quirks that fit with many people, but not everybody. here are some things to consider when thinking about getting a pug.

Size
Pugs make a great lap-dog. They are cuddly and wonderful to pet. They are, however, too small to be outside dogs. They need an inside home with either access to a yard or some other form of exercise. Pugs don't tolerate extreme heat or cold and can't be left alone outside in such weather. Like all dogs, pugs need walks, but they can't be expected to go for five mile hike on rough terrain.

Weight
Pugs sometimes tend to get overweight. Like any dog, they need an exercise regimen, and cannot be fed too many table scraps. Pugs can be taught to walk on treadmills, so long as they have a tasty incentive.

Personality
Pugs make wonderful guard dogs, in that they will bark at any and all intruders, or rather, yell, snuffle and grunt. Pugs have very distinctive vocalizations, mostly due to their short noses. They are all bark and very little bite. They are friendly to everyone and usually get along well with children. (No dog should ever be left alone with young children for any reason btw) Pugs are needy. They thrive on love and affection. They do not do well left to their own devices. Pugs also have a poor homing skill. They cannot find their way home from around a corner, so it is important to keep track of them: keep their runs in good repair and always walk them on a leash. Pugs are trainable, though they are not in the same league as border collies as far as obedience. They do love to perform and clown around. This combined with their love of treats makes them enjoy training.

Maintenence
You will need a lint roller. There is very little one can do to prevent shedding in pugs. They cannot be shaved, brushing only does so much. Their hair gets everywhere. Like other dogs, they need their nails clipped periodically. If a pug has very deep wrinkles, they will need them cleaned to prevent infection.

Health
All breeds of dogs have certain health quirks. The advantage of owning a pure bred dog is that you have some idea of what to look out for. Mixed breed dogs or mutts could end up with any of a slew of health issues. Pugs mostly develop problems with their head or with their hips. One genetic disease for pugs is Hip Dysplasia. Usually this means that the dog will have a harder time walking as they get older, though sometimes this disease causes severe problems for even young puppies. Another genetic issue is PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This causes dogs to have trouble seeing or make them blind. Both of these problems can be avoided by going to a responsible breeder. (see below) Some pugs also develop breathing problems due to their short noses.

The easiest thing to do is sometimes to go to your local pet store and just buy the cute puppy in the window, but the truth is that it is better to obtain a pug somewhere else.
Pet stores usually purchase pugs from puppy mills. A Puppy Mill is a place that breeds dogs solely for profit. Dogs are often kept in cages that are too small with many other dogs. Female dogs are bred constantly and there is little regard for the health of the puppies.

As a result, puppymill pups are more likely to have genetic defects. They won't be well socialized and may be more likely to develop problems wtih their temperament like aggression.
Buying a puppy from a pet shop will also put money in the puppymillers pockets so they can continue to treat dogs poorly.

Here are some alternatives. The first is to rescue a pug. Puppy mill puppies often end up in shelters or breed rescues. The pugs from rescue will be older and may have health problems, but adopting from these avenues will help to solve the problem of dog overpopulation rather than add to it.

If a puppy is really what you want, then you should get in contact with a responsible breeder.

A responsible breeder is someone who
a. doesn't breed very many litters or more than two different breeds
b. focuses on the breed standard
c. tests for common genetic health problems
d. preferably---Participates in dog shows






A breeder who participates in shows will make sure that the quality of the dogs, as far as health and socialization and temperment, is top-notch. They are breeding so they can have a new champion, and will usually sell the other puppies to responsible pet homes.

Responsible breeders will usually have a contract that guarantees that the puppy will not have any genetic health problems, and that they will take the puppy back or help to pay for health care if one appears.

The best way to find a responsible breeder is to go to a dog show, talk to some of the people showing dogs, and express your interest in a pet pug puppy. Usually, the responsible breeders will ask you a lot of questions to make sure you are a responsible owner (that you don't have a puppy mill and that you aren't a flake who will take it to the shelter.) All those questions are another sign of a responsible breeder.