I’ve Owned 4 Pugs…Here Are the Top 12 Things I’ve Learned

Are you thinking of owning a pug? Pugs are amazing little creatures that will change your life. I know this firsthand. I’ve owned four pugs in my adult life (three of them currently sleeping at my feet as I write this.) Sadly, the fourth one left us some time ago, but she’s still in our hearts.

However special these funny little dogs are, they are also a lot of work, and some of them may end up having expensive medical issues. Before you consider getting a pug, you should do some research on the breed. Here are twelve things I’ve learned about pugs.

1. Pugs Have a Sweet Nature

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but I have never met a pug that wasn’t inherently sweet. My pugs love to bark at the Amazon delivery man, but if he actually walked into our house and said hello to them, I feel confident the menacing barks would quickly turn into pug snuffles, snorts, and friendly greetings. Pugs tend to get along well with each other, with other dogs, and even other animals. 

These little furballs also tend to be non-confrontational. Once on a walk, an overly energetic and enormous lab puppy ran up to our male pug and frightened him. Our little guy didn’t try to fight back. He just lay on the ground as low as he could make himself, not moving, and waiting for it all to be over.

2. Pugs Need Exercise

The second thing I’ve learned about pugs is that they need more exercise than you might expect. Pugs don’t need as much exercise as a lab or a Jack Russell Terrier, but they do need moderate daily exercise. How much they need will depend on their age and health, but most pugs could benefit from one or two 30-minute walks per day. It may not seem that exercise is important for a stubby little dog that loves to nap, but pugs are prone to obesity, and keeping them at a healthy weight with a healthy heart will lead to a longer and better quality of life. 

3. Pugs Are Always Hungry

Pugs don’t seem to have an off switch on hunger. They are always searching for a snack. They know when it’s time to eat and will start harassing you beforehand. The good news is, dogs that are highly motivated by treats are easier to train. A pug will do anything for a bite of kibble. 

However, owners must resist those big eyes when it comes to people food. Pugs can get overweight fast, putting a strain on their heart and joints. It’s best to feed them a healthy diet and keep the treats to a minimum. Our veterinarian has recommended we use vegetables for treats, such as green beans, carrots, and pureed pumpkin. I’ve seen other dogs turn their noses up at vegetables, but our pugs love them. 

4. Pugs Shed… A Lot!

I’ve learned that pugs shed year-round. You may be surprised how much a dog that doesn’t seem to have much fur can shed, but it is a lot of shedding. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed, don’t get a pug. You will need to keep a lint roller handy by the door to roll yourself off before you leave the house. Daily brushing helps a little, but it doesn’t stop the short hairs from going everywhere.

5. Pugs May Need Some Distasteful Daily Grooming

All those adorable little wrinkles and folds can harbor bacteria and become incredibly itchy for your pug. I use unscented wipes to gently clean inside their wrinkles. They make canine facial wipes, or you can use unscented baby wipes or even a damp cloth. After cleaning, gently dry with a soft, dry cloth. 

Pugs, at least my pugs, are prone to ear infections and need regular ear cleaning and sometimes vet visits if the ear looks red and irritated. Sometimes our vet gives us an anti-bacterial ointment to apply to our dog’s skin folds and inside their ears if they get infected.

Finally, and the most distasteful, some pugs may need regular vet visits to have their anal glands emptied. We’ve found feeding our dogs extra fiber, such as canned pumpkin, or fiber supplements for dogs helps with this. 

6. Pugs Will Help You Make Friends

When you take these little guys out for walks, or to the pet store, or vet’s office, you are bound to make friends. People are drawn to the pugs, and the pugs respond with overabundant affection. Before you know it, you’ll be having conversations and maybe even making new friends.

7. Pugs Are Velcro Dogs

Have you heard the term, “velcro dog?” Velcro dogs will follow you anywhere. If you’re cleaning the house, you’ll have a shadow behind you every step of the way. If I run upstairs to quickly grab something and come back down, I have a pack of snuffling dogs following me. Pugs love their owners and love being part of a pack. They won’t want to be far from you. Some may call this “clingy” while others find it endearing. What I’ve discovered is the more exercise they get, the more deeply they nap, and the less likely I am to have three small furballs shadowing me every step.

8. Pugs Are Amazing With Children

Pugs make great family dogs and will put up with a lot of nonsense from kids. Of course, you should never leave small children alone with any dog. Also, be sure to watch out for your pug’s safety around small children. Pugs are little and can easily be hurt or have their eyes injured. But, in general, pugs love kids and happily tolerate hugs, kisses, and lots of affection.

9. Pugs Hate Bad Weather

If it’s raining, my pugs do not want to go outside. They stand at the door staring out. Once prodded they walk gingerly in the wet grass and flinch as the rain hits them. They like to romp in the snow, but not if it’s too cold. They can’t tolerate the heat at all. Because of their short noses, they struggle to breathe in hot weather. In the summer we have to take our walks early or late when it’s cooler, or on very hot days, skip them entirely. 

10. Pugs Often Have Breathing Problems and Other Medical Issues

Pugs are a breed with a shortened snout. There are controversies regarding flat-faced breeds, known as brachycephalic, due to the health problems of having a smooshed face. If you’re looking for a pug puppy, some people recommend you look for breeders that are breeding dogs with longer, healthier snouts. There is a breed of a pug mix, called a retro pug, which is mixed with another dog breed with the hope of giving the dog a longer, healthier snout. A pug’s short nose also means when you share your life with a pug, or multiple pugs, you will have a constant symphony of snorts, and snuffles, accompanying you wherever you go. 

Unfortunately, one of the many things I’ve learned about pugs is that the breed also tends to suffer from other medical problems, including skin allergies, food intolerances, breathing obesity, and eye issues. Out of the three pugs we currently have, two of them are on an eye drop treatment twice per day. They will need these eye drops for the rest of their lives. They both suffer from pigmentary keratitis, which can be common in pugs, French bulldogs, bulldogs, and boxers. Pigmentary keratitis is when irritation causes pigment to build up on the cornea, and can lead to blindness.

11. Pugs Love to Dress Up — Unless They Don’t

There is a reason there are so many Instagram-famous pugs wearing funny-looking outfits. I have found that most pugs actually enjoy wearing clothes. Our male pug even wags his tail as we put his sweater on him. However, this isn’t true of all pugs. Our oldest female pug hates to wear anything and will sulk in the corner when made to wear her coat on very cold days. 

12. Pugs Are Small Dogs With Enormous Personalities

I’ve heard it said that pugs are large dogs that inhabit small dog bodies. Pugs do not have the stereotypical personality of little dogs. These dogs were originally bred as companions to Chinese royalty in the 16th century. It seems apparent they have held on to their royal heritage. Pugs love soft beds to lie on, plenty of toys, constant companionship, and finally, they seem to expect to be showered with love and attention at all times. However, you’ll soon find these clownish little dogs are worth all of the trouble. Pugs will make you smile when you’re sad. They’ll bring cheer to your life and they’ll love you unconditionally. 

Summary of the Top 12 Things to Know About Owning Pugs

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