Breed Of Dogs With Wrinkled Faces

Is the Pug the Right Dog for Me?

Author: Samantha Markham

Pugs are compact dogs that are full of charm. The breed is instantly recognizable by its short legs and stocky build. However, the most prominent feature of the Pug is the extraordinarily large eyes and wrinkled little face. Although some small breeds of dog can be snappy and aggressive, the Pug is known for its complete lack of aggression. Consequently, the Pug can make a wonderfully affectionate, loyal and playful family pet.

Origins of the Pug

The origins of the little Pug are thought to begin in Asia, where they made their first appearance pre 400 B.C. Unfortunately, it is impossible to be accurate about the date, but it does make the Pug one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dog. As a small breed, the dog has always been a favorite among royalty and nobility.

However, by the 18th century the popularity of the breed was cemented when being kept as the pet of Holland’s William of Orange. It is believed that William’s pet Pug saved his life, by alerting him to the impending arrival of the Spanish forces. After this event, the Pug was name as the official dog of the House of Orange.

Due to its size, the Pug was not really capable of being used as a working dog, subsequently they were principally kept as pets by the rich and powerful. Nevertheless, as William of Orange’s Pug demonstrated, they could also prove useful to humans.

Appearance

Usually, the average Pug will grow to approximately 12-14 inches in height and will weigh about 20lbs. However, owners should be aware that Pugs can put on weight very quickly, because they have a seemingly incessant appetite and a love of all things lazy. Therefore, it is important not to overfeed a Pug and to ensure that he, or she, gets plenty of exercise.

The breed comes in a variety of colors. However, the most commonly seen are fawn, black, apricot and silver. Regardless of the color, the Pug’s muzzle is always black. All Pugs have very short coats, which are easy to groom. Nevertheless, the Pug will shed profusely during the shedding season, so the breed may not be suitable for allergy sufferers.

Temperament

As mentioned above, the Pug is a very loyal dog, which becomes quickly attached and devoted to his, or her, owner. This affection can cause problems if the dog is left alone for extended periods, while you are at work for example. In addition, the strong attachment that a Pug feels for its owner can manifest itself in jealous behavior if the dog is not receiving any attention. While this means that good training is important, potential owners should bear in mind that aggression in Pugs is almost unheard of, so jealousy will not pose a danger to people or other animals.

Pugs are known for being extremely intelligent, which has its pros and cons. On the upside, it means that training them can be a quick and easy process, but, on the downside, Pugs will quickly become bored with repetition. Therefore, training needs to be varied to keep them amused.

Health Concerns

Like most breeds of dog, the Pug is susceptible to some genetically predisposed medical issues. Pug owners may find that their dogs suffer from obesity, skin irritation, allergies, breathing problems and sensitivity to temperature. To avoid potential skin problems, it is wise to regularly clean a Pug’s face, including between the wrinkles. Moreover, to help prevent obesity and breathing difficulties it is important that a Pug gets plenty of exercise, but be careful not to overdo it, as this may increase breathing difficulties.

Regardless of the many health problems that the breed is susceptible to, the average Pug has a relatively long life, living for 12 to 15 years.

Despite having a face that only a mother could love, there is something incredibly cute about the Pug. The breed makes a wonderful family pet, but it is always advisable to assess the needs of the dog before bringing one home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-the-pug-the-right-dog-for-me-1635859.html

About the Author

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer, based in the UK. Currently, she is producing articles for Remmeer.com, an online supplier of pet products and gift ideas for animal lovers, including dog picture frames and Pug dog breed picture frames.

[TEMPLATE]Merchants Review[/TEMPLATE]

Tagged with: affectionate breeds of dog • breed of dogs • breed of dogs with wrinkled faces • do pugs make good family pets • faces • facts about pug • family breeds of dog • is the pug the right dog for me • pugs as pets • toy breeds of dog

Filed under: Wrinkles

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!