Pug Dog Breed Facts & Information

Pugs regularly show up on lists of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s not hard to see why! This compact canine is known for its cute wrinkled face and charming and energetic personality.

While the exact origin of this dog is still unknown, many believe that Pugs were first bred by Chinese emperors and considered a symbol of good luck. If adopting a Pug is in your future, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything from temperament and trainability to grooming needs and ideal environment.

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

Pug lovers have plenty to dote over with this adorable breed. Pugs have a small size and sturdy stature and are known for a few key traits:

• Distinctly flat muzzle, or brachycephalic muzzle
• Round and wrinkly face
• Flat ears
• Curled tail
• Short legs

Pugs typically stand 10-13 inches high and weigh between 14-18 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that most commonly comes in two colors: black and fawn. Some Pugs also have beauty marks (or small moles) near their snout, upping the cute factor on their already smiling face.

Personality

Pugs have a big personality and playful spirit!

Lauren Butler, an American Kennel Club-recognized breeder since 2015, says Pug owners can expect “funny little clowns” with a keen ear, especially where treats are involved.

“They listen to every word you say,” Butler says. “They’re famous for that signature ‘head tilt’ when spoken to, and are often ruled by their stomachs. Pugs are extremely loyal and will do almost anything for food!”

Pugs have plenty of energy, so they’ll thrive in a household that offers diligent walks and plenty of playtime. Around the home, Pug parents can expect a little shadow following their every move, as these dogs enjoy basking in the presence of their human.

Searching for the perfect name for your new Pug? Check out our list of 177 popular pug names.

Health

Pugs in good health may live up to 15 years.

To keep your dog healthy, it’s important to provide a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise and make sure to schedule routine vet visits.

Like other brachycephalic breeds, Pugs are prone to breathing problems associated with their shortened muzzle, also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. This is one important reason why a vet should regularly monitor their well-being.

“Breathing issues, snorting, reverse sneezes, and seasonal allergies are common,” Butler says, who adds that a vet-recommended diet is crucial to proper care for a brachycephalic dog. This also means keeping dinner scraps out of reach from your pet. “Pugs are beggars when it comes to human food,” Butler says. “But don’t give in.”

While some vets may recommend surgery for severe breathing abnormalities, a good first step involves finding a proper harness that does not tug on your dog’s neck. You’ll want to avoid using a regular neck collar for brachycephalic dogs, since the collar can put pressure on their neck.

Pugs can be extremely sensitive to heat, Butler says, so it’s important to make sure they stay hydrated and cool in warm temperatures.

Exercise & Training

Pugs are smart but stubborn. They’re highly trainable—as long as they can learn at their own speed.

Whether you’re working on housetraining or teaching a new trick, short and focused training sessions can make it easier to keep an inquisitive Pug focused on the task at hand.

Positive reinforcement also boosts motivation—just don’t overdo it with treats, since Pugs tend to put on weight quickly. Your vet can offer more guidance on the right amount of treats and other ways to offer positive reinforcement.

Pugs may not be the most athletic dogs, but they’re extremely playful and benefit from regular exercise. According to Butler, certain Pugs may be picky when exploring outside, depending on their personality. “Many dislike being outdoors after it has rained,” she says. “They don’t want their feet or stomach wet from tall grass.”

Routine walks and daily playtime can help Pugs stay in good health. You’ll want to make sure your Pug gets the right amount of exercise—but not too much. Overdoing it can cause your Pug to overheat or make breathing problems worse.

Plan to give your Pug about 20-30 minutes of exercise each day, though your vet can offer more specific guidelines for your dog’s unique needs.

Grooming

“Pug grooming needs are fairly low maintenance,” Butler says. “They require a bath about once a month along with nail trimming. I recommend playing with their paws as a puppy to get them used to nail clippings, which can be difficult for some dogs.”

Experts advise routine brushing for any breed, and Butler says your Pug’s coat color can determine their shed level. “Fawn pugs have a double coat of fur and shed a lot. Black pugs have a single coat and shed less,” she says.

If you prefer to take your dog to a groomer for baths and nail care, plan to budget between $50 and $125 per appointment with any reputable dog groomer. Pugs won’t require a haircut, but a professional groomer can carefully cleaning your Pug’s face and eyes where dirt buildup can easily cause infection. 

Safe, pet-friendly eye cleaning solutions can help you keep your Pug’s eyes gunk-free at home.

Ideal Human & Environment

Thanks to their compact size, Pugs make great pets for city life and apartment-dwelling lifestyles. They won’t require much room to roam and prefer being indoors most of the day. They don’t do well in climates that are too hot or too cold.

Pugs can adapt to almost any environment, but they still require plenty of playtime and attention. “They want to be with you all day,” Butler says. “It doesn’t matter what you are doing, they just want to be next to you… preferably lounging on the couch.”

To sum up, a Pug may not be the best choice if you have to spend long days away from home—unless you can take them with you!

Butler also notes that Pugs make excellent family dogs for any household, since they tend to get along well with adults, children, and other pets.

Adoption

Whether you plan to adopt a puppy or rescue an older dog, bringing a pet into your home can be a rewarding experience. The Pug’s small size, low-maintenance grooming needs, and trainability make this breed a great choice for first-time dog owners.

According to Rover’s Cost of Pet Parenthood survey in 2024, upfront expenses for a new dog typically range from $870 to $4,565 in the first year, so it’s wise to prepare your wallet ahead of time for this exciting new expense!

Working with a breeder

You can use the American Kennel Club (AKC) search tool to find a responsible Pug breeder near you. When considering working with a breeder, it’s crucial to do your research. Plan to ask for references, meet the breeder at their home to learn how they care for their dogs, and ask questions regarding the parents’ lineage and health history.

Working with a rescue or shelter

This popular breed also finds its way into shelters and rescue centers, whether a litter has been saved from a puppy mill or an adult dog has been surrendered to be re-homed.

In addition to lower adoption costs, rescuing an older dog has many pros: these canines are typically housetrained and often have lots of love to give!