Anyone who's ever owned a Pug will know just what special creatures they are. While it's easy to fall in love with a Pug's delightfully wrinkled little face and big brown eyes, they are also hugely affectionate and make wonderful family pets.
If you're thinking of adopting a Pug, you should look beyond their distinctive looks as there's so much more to the breed. Here are five facts about the Pug that every potential Pug parent should know.
1. A Pug will follow you everywhere
Pugs are often described as velcro dogs because they will follow you everywhere and always want to be close to their humans. In your bed, on your lap and even by your feet when you are using the bathroom, you will never be alone again when you own a Pug.
2. Pugs are prone to having health problems
Pugs can be high-maintenance canines due to their various health problems. Things you'll need to watch out for if you adopt a Pug include food allergies, eye scratches, breathing problems, eye and nose-fold care and a higher than normal tendency to react to vaccinations.
3. Pugs are total love bugs
Once you adopt a Pug, you will undoubtedly have a best friend for life. They love to give their humans kisses and snuggles. Meanwhile, they love nothing better than to be on the receiving end of head scratches and belly rubs.
4. Pugs shed. A lot.
Pugs may look as if they would hardly shed at all. But any Pug owner would tell you that their carpets, chairs, sofa, bed and clothes all end up covered in Pug fur. Pugs even have double coats, which means they have both an undercoat and topcoat - a lot more hair to shed.
5. Pugs are smart but stubborn
Pugs may not be bred to be working dogs, but they are certainly not stupid. Pugs can be trained on agility, scent detection and tracking, just like other dogs. However, that doesn't mean that a Pug will always make things easy for its owner. A Pug will go to great lengths to get what they want, whether its attention from their human or food. Pugs respond well to positive reinforcement, but don't be surprised if you get some push back! Pugs are hugely motivated by food, so treats and lots of praise can help.
