Meet the Breed: Pug
Jul 18, 2012 7:17 AM by Virginia Chavez
 Some dogs were bred to work, some were bred to herd and some were bred with a nose for adventure. In a world where seemingly every breed bears a purpose, we welcome the almighty pug. Everything you need to know about the breedThis is a breed whose sole life purpose is companionship. However, they weren't bred to accompany any average Joe. This regal breed completed the royal entourage of high-class aristocrats and leaders aroung the world. Yes, as dog owners we know how much our pets worship us, but no other breed masters the art of standing (aka snorting, sleeping, snoring) by your side like the funny-faced pug. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the breed. CharacteristicsMost pugs tend to fit the bill of their most commonly recognized features: squashy face, bulging eyes and a dark mask. While the fawn color stands as the official breed color for most pugs, they can also be found sporting various coats, including apricot, black and silver. No other dog provides a cuddlier shoulder to lean on as loyal pugs make themselves available to you through thick and thin. This fun-loving breed will make you laugh with a mere glance at their goofy faces and their little curly tails. With an equally comical personality, don't count on this breed to sit in silence for too long; snorting, snoring and a multitude of questionable noises completes the pug package. GroomingIf you're seeking a low-maintenance dog, turn away from those adorable puggy eyes and look elsewhere. Despite their short coat, pugs shed like crazy so get ready to find little pug hairs everywhere, even places that your pug never touches, such as your china cabinet, coffee mug, freezer, etc. Friends and family will be treated to furry delights thanks to Mr. Pugsley upon entering your home. To reduce shedding to a "normal" amount, constant brushing is necessary. Additionally, those darling wrinkles must be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. On the plus side, these guys love the attention and are easily lured with treats so getting them to behave at the grooming table is doable. TrainingOh boy! You're in for a treat, and be sure to have plenty of them if you plan on having this breed so much as sit down for you. Pugs tend to be stubborn by nature, but they do love to please their owners. So start training early, and you'll have a better shot at a well-trained pug. Just don't set your sights on a frisbee-catching, dive-loving, fetch-crazed pup. Basic training is more than enough for this strong-willed breed. HealthPotential pug owners should be aware of the high-health risks that come with this breed. Short snouts make them prone to a variety of breathing issues, and pugs can also tend to have poor digestive health and are prone to obesity. Due to these risks, their ability to handle severe temperatures and exercise is very limited. The likelihood of adopting a healthy pug is common. However, making sure you have sufficient funds to handle potential vet expenses is always recommended. Best fitPugs make the best family pets, just make sure your toddler knows the difference between hugging and squeezing for the sake of those bulging pug eyes. This breed requires low levels of exercise and makes great apartment dwellers. Although pugs don't require multiple daily walks, they live for constant companionship. Pugs thrive with lots of human interaction so busy-bees and travel enthusiasts might choose to opt out. Watch: Bringing a dog into a home with childrenToday on The Daily Dish, canine expert Brad Jaffe gives us some tips on how to ease a new pet into a home with children. More on dog breedsBest dog breeds for new babies
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