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China•toy
Pug
popularApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Charming, mischievous, and loving. Ancient breed with royal history. Their motto is 'multum in parvo' (a lot in a little). Adaptable companion for any home.
Weight6-8 kg13-17.5 lbs
Height25-33 cm10-13"
Lifespan13-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
CharmingMischievousLovingSociablePlayful
Height
25-33 cm10-13"
Weight
6-8 kg13-17.5 lbs
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Pug25-33 cm10-13"Compatibility
How well Pug matches your lifestyle
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Pug
low energy20-40 min/day
Pugs have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
20-30 minutes daily, avoid heat and overexertion
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Pug
Low Maintenancefur coat
Pugs require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Pug
Moderately Trainable
The Pug is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Best Approach
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Training Tips
Essential
Stay Consistent
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Essential
Short Training Sessions
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Recommended
High-Value Rewards
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Recommended
Practice Patience
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Common Challenges
- May lose focus during longer sessions
- Can be distracted by environment
- May test boundaries occasionally
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Pug
Small Breed2-3 meals$15-38/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Pug
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Pug
Monthly costs
Food
$15-38
Insurance
$34-79
Supplies
$13-26
Monthly total
$62-143
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Pug's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Pug
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Pug
Health·OFA-CHIC
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Eye Problems in Cats
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research