How Old Was the Oldest Pug Ever?

Pugs are small dogs with big personalities. They have an affectionate, loyal disposition and make friends with humans and other dogs easily. Pugs also rank among the happiest dogs, making them the perfect pups for people who want a cheerful companion to boost their mood. Although people often bemoan the relatively short lifespan of certain dog breeds, some pugs have managed to defy the odds and live to a nice old age. Learn more about these charming little pups and discover the oldest pug who ever lived.

Pug Facts and History

Pugs are typically either all black or fawn-colored with a black mask. They have round heads, thin ears, wrinkled brows, short muzzles, and prominent dark brown eyes. Pugs have compact and muscular bodies. They stand between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh from 14 to 18 pounds.

Pugs are among the oldest dog breeds. Historians believe pugs originated in China sometime around 400 B.C. Pugs were bred to be companions for Chinese emperors and their families, as well as members of the imperial court. Pugs were also companions to Tibetan Buddhist monks.

At some point in the 16th century, pugs were introduced to Europe, first to the Netherlands and then to England. Today, the pug is a popular breed that is found throughout the world. It’s a common breed in cities because of its small size and lower exercise requirements.

The Lifespan of a Pug and Pug Health

The average dog lives between 10 and 13 years. However, smaller dogs generally live longer than larger dogs. For example, breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies often live 14 to 16 years, while Great Danes tend to live between 7 and 10 years.

As a smaller dog, a pug’s life expectancy is 13 to 15 years on average. Of course, some pugs may live longer, depending on the individual. Due to their flat faces, pugs often experience breathing problems and struggle in hot, humid weather. Nearly all purebred dogs are predisposed to specific genetic issues. For example, pugs are predisposed to the following problems:

• Corneal ulcers and dry eye
• Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), an inflammatory condition affecting the nervous system
• Hip dysplasia
• Obesity, which can result from their low-energy lifestyle
• Skin infections from their wrinkled skin

Keeping your pug healthy requires a good diet, plenty of exercise, and regular veterinary checkups to address any potential issues.

The Oldest Pug Ever

Since pugs are such an ancient breed, it is not surprising that several noteworthy individuals have lived longer than the average pug lifespan. The oldest pug on record is widely cited as Snookie, a South African pug who reached an astonishing 27 years old before passing away in 2018. Some sources claim that Snookie was verified by Guinness World Records, but no official record can be found.

King Tug the Pug from the U.S. was also a super senior dog, living until just two months shy of his 19th birthday before passing away in 2017. Gooner was another American pug who lived a long life, reaching around 18.5 years old before her death in 2020.