Grooming
Pugs shed shed year-round, not just in the fall and spring as with many other breeds. (This is true for both black Pugs and fawn-colored Pugs, though black Pugs might shed a bit less.) But here’s the good news: Other than dealing with the shedding, Pug grooming is easy-peasy!
Daily brushing is ideal, and a Furminator brush is an excellent tool to get the Pug’s undercoat out. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. While you’re at it, be sure to check their ears for debris. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely!
Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. (Get the how-to here.) It’s important for puppies to learn to sit quietly for basic trims to keep their nails looking and feeling great. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces.
Your Pug also needs daily dental attention, so start brushing their teeth while they’re young so they view it as a pleasant experience. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. These cleanings are important, as Pugs’ teeth are rather cramped in their lower jaw. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life.
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Training
Training your Pug doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Pugs are people pleasers—they want to do a good job for you. They’re eternal optimists, very clever, quite intelligent and very food motivated, which all adds up to make them pretty easy to train.
Start with some basic obedience training (like sit, stay and come) while your Pug is still a puppy and don’t forget to add in a great deal of early socialization, too. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. It’s also important to expose your Pug to many different people and places and simply let them safely experience life.
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Diet
Pugs have tremendous appetites. It’s important to watch their diet to ensure they’re receiving appropriate nutrition, and, at the same time, to prevent obesity. (Obesity leads to other health problems down the road.)
Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial dog food formulated specifically for toy breeds. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age, choosing a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Follow the dog food manufacturer’s suggested serving size and try not to give your Pug too many treats. (Those treat calories count!) Finally, consider getting a doggy- (Puggy?) sized scale so that you can weigh your pet and help remove some of the guesswork from the feeding process—the numbers don’t lie!
If you have questions about your pup’s nutrition or need help shedding a few extra pounds, talk with your vet. They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. However, it’s important not to overdo it and get your Pug too hot. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced with a short nose), some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. These conditions don’t affect all Pugs, but they may develop as the dog ages. You’ll want to avoid exercising your dog in the heat and humidity and avoid situations where your Pug might get overly excited if they tend to overheat quickly.
Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. At best, a Pug’s speed is only about 5 to 10 mph, so they’re more likely to enjoy quieter play, like playing fetch with you.
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Environment
Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. Apartments? No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Check. Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy.
Pugs are good with children, since they’re friendly, have fairly low energy levels and love to play (for a short time!). They’re also a fine choice if you love entertaining and often have guests over. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. (This is why they make OK watchdogs, but since they like to make friends with strangers, they’re not so good as guard dogs).
Pugs aren’t very cold- or heat-tolerant. So, if you live in a region that experiences severe ranges in either direction, you may have to limit your Pug’s time outdoors. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Most don’t require a lot of space, but they are true companion dogs who generally want to hang out with you. You are the Pug’s ideal environment!
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