Pug Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

Curious by nature, pugs have human-like expressions written all over their faces. When they’re puppies, pugs love to play with toys or insist upon some serious nap time. Finding a perfect pug puppy shouldn’t be too difficult, as this breed is well-known for their spunky and human-loving attitude. Get the scoop on pug puppies below!

Over 2,000 years ago, pugs and other flat-faced dogs were coveted by royalty in China. Along with Pekingese and Shih Tzu, pugs were highly sought after and were often given as gifts to subjects of the royal court.

In the 1600s, Dutch traders brought pugs back to Europe. Prince William from Holland famously loved his pug, Pompey, and Queen Victoria II fawned after her pug Basco. They often were adorably depicted in many 18th century portraits with their owners.

Nowadays, pugs have taken the world by storm. Otis from the movie “Adventures of Milo and Otis” has graced most of our screens, and who can forget wise-cracking Frank from “Men in Black”? Pugs are guaranteed to brighten up any room with their bombastic personality.

Pug puppy facts

From the laps of royalty to many American households, the pug is one exceptional dog. Here are some important pug puppy facts to consider before bringing your new family member home.

Size	Small. Height reaches to 10-13 inches and weight is 14-18 pounds
Breed Characteristics	Pugs have large dark brown eyes and a signature wrinkled brow that keeps you guessing. Their coats are smooth, short and generally come in three different colors: apricot-fawn (a tannish hue), silver, or black. All three variations are accompanied with a black face mask. Their stout bodies and curly-cue tail are one of the many reasons why the public loves these dogs’ distinct look.
Temperament	Pugs are very curious and can’t help but discover new things to do. They are also especially interested in food. Due to their stature and tendency to overeat, pugs can be easily prone to gaining weight. Be sure not to overfeed your pug and exercise them regularly, as a pug’s expressive eyes may tell you they’re starving when they’re in fact not!
Grooming and Health Needs	Pugs shed and would do best with a weekly brushing from a rubber grooming mitt or a medium-bristle brush. Their coat is short, however, so they do not need professional grooming often. A pug’s nails need to be cut regularly, especially if they’re a city dog, as they don’t get many opportunities to file them down themselves by digging. The pug’s best feature is their eyes. Sadly, their eyes can be prone to some health risks. They run the risk of developing corneal ulcers and dry eyes. Due to their flatter faces and noses, they do best in moderate weather; otherwise, the heat or humidity can cause some breathing issues.
Training	Pugs are people pleasers. They’re unhappy if they do something wrong, and so this means some pugs are easy to train. This also means harsher training methods will only frighten a pug. Early socialization classes are ideal for this breed, as their curious nature might get them into trouble if they don’t know how to behave with other dogs.
Energy Level	Pugs love to snuggle. They are tried and true lap dogs, and if they had it their way it would be a snooze-fest all day long. That paired with their insatiable appetite means pugs need walks and play time to build up their stamina on a daily basis.
Life Span	Pugs live between 13 – 15 years on average.

Darby from @ThatPugDarby

Who is the best human for a pug?

A country or a city dog, pug owners pride themselves in knowing their pooch is built for both. Pugs are versatile dogs and are content to be the only dog in the household or part of a pack. Pugs aren’t built for speed, so having a family that loves to watch Netflix versus training for a marathon is ideal for this affectionate and lower-energy breed.

Getting a pug puppy

Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new pug puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically-sourced pug puppies.

Knowing what you’re in for when you get a pug puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.

Adopting pug puppies

It may be surprising to know, but adopting a pug puppy is possible. According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.

The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a pug mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.

Finding a pug rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The AKC also has an excellent list of pug rescues on their site.

Finding a pug breeder

The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.

Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit or the pug puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something fishy going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.