10 things you should know before getting a pug.
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10 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Pug

So you’re thinking of getting a pug? Congratulations! Pugs are super special creatures who will change your life for the better, although I’m biased of course. 

If you’re thinking of owning a pug, there a few things you’ll want to learn beforehand. 

So, should I get a pug? And what are pugs like? Find out now. Here are 10 things you should know before getting a pug. 

10 things you should know before getting a pug.
Photo by Pets by Petra

1. Pugs Are Royalty

In ancient times, pugs were bred as companions for Chinese emperors. Later, they lived with ruling families in the Netherlands. 

Queen Victoria of England bred her own pugs, and her passion for them passed down to her grandson King George V and his son King Edward VIII.

Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, also had a pug, as did Napoleon’s wife.

2. Get a Lint Roller

Pug fur.

Pugs shed… a lot! Some pugs even come with double coats, meaning they have both an undercoat and topcoat of fur. Make sure you stock up on lint rollers, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner.

See here to learn how to deal with a shedding pug. 

3. They’re Like Velcro

If you're new to the pug life, then you might be surprised to learn that pugs shed an insane amount. Here are tips to help manage pug shedding. 

Pugs love their humans and always want to be with them. On your lap, in your bed, even at your feet while you use the bathroom. They’re called velcro pugs for a reason! Get used to never being alone again, and forget about your personal space.

4. Feeling Hot Hot Hot

Pugs provide the necessary inspiration for pug memes to go viral. Take a look at the best pug memes on the Internet! Which is your favorite?

Like all flat-faced breeds, pugs sometimes have breathing issues. They don’t do well in hot or humid weather. They do best in moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Always make sure your pug has a comfortable area to be in, and that they don’t spend too much time outdoors in extreme weather. Here are some tips on how to help them stay cool.

5. Put Your Vet in Your Contacts

Female Veterinary Surgeon Examining X Ray of a dog. Vet looking at animals radiography. Unrecognizable veterinarian in white uniform at veterinary clinic working.

Pugs are prone to a variety of different health issues. Their big eyes can lead to corneal ulcers or dry eye, their smushed face can lead to breathing issues, and their wrinkles must be cleaned. Trips to the vet for general check-ups are a must, along with regular grooming (nail trims, wrinkle wipes, and ear cleanings).

6. They’re Never Full

a pug meme.

If you are what you eat, then pugs are anything and everything! They live to eat, and are prone to obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are super important, as is watching their weight. Don’t overdo it on the treats, and make sure your pug stays at a healthy weight to avoid health issues.

All dogs are different, but we’ve found that this recipe is great for keeping Boogie at an appropriate and healthy weight.

7. They’re Stubborn with a Capital S

A grumble of pugs.

A pug will always go to extreme measures to get what they want, whether that be food, their human, or more food. This means they’re not always the most obedient. Always use positive reinforcement when training them, but definitely expect some push back.

8. They’re Versatile

We asked the pug community: what's the best harness you've used for your pug? Here are the harnesses most pug parents swore by. 

Pugs are the ideal pet because they’re so versatile. They’re great with old folks or children, in the city or country, as a solo pet or in a pack, or in an apartment or a house.

9. Learn to Love the Pug Symphony

Volunteering for rescues made me privy to the world of pug adoption. Here are some tips on how to navigate the experience and adopt your own pug. 

Pugs wheeze, snort, sneeze, and snore. They’re constantly making funny sounds, especially at night time and when napping. These sounds are second nature in a pug household, but if you’re a light sleeper or have audio sensitivities, you might want to invest in ear plugs.

10. You’ll Never Regret It

A list of items pug owners like to keep stocked in their home. 

Once you go pug, you’ll never go back. These creatures will keep you laughing, and put a smile on your face every single day. They give unconditional love, and make great family dogs. Their size, temperament, and great personalities make them the perfect pet.

10 things you should know before getting a pug.
Photo by Pets by Petra

Do you have a pug? If so, what makes them great? We’d love to hear in the comments!

Click here for more pug stuff! 

We recommend 20 Things Only Pug Owners Would Know and 10 Fun Facts About Pugs.


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Pugs are goofy, loyal, and loving little creatures, but there’s a lot more to them that people don’t realize! Here are 10 things you should know before getting a pug.

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49 Comments

    1. I want a pug so badly for a companion and for a support pet. I love pugs deary. But can’t afford much to buy one. I need my money for their shots, etc.please let me know of any that are for sale near Kalamazoo Michigan area. Thank you Sharon

  1. Pugs are the best company, the most entertaining, heart-breakingly adorable, NAUGHTY, sweet angels. But they will cost you a fortune at the vets. So be prepared for that and don’t add one to your family if you can’t commit to your pugs health.

    1. Totally agree! The $ is worth it though, because they will pay you back x10 with unconditional love <3

    1. Believe me I never was a pet person till 10 years ago when we got our first pug from that day on it changed my world If my pug sparky couldnt do it or go with me I never did it plain and simple he stole my heart then a friend had a female he rescued and we bred them and we took a Male pup we name him Dynamite these guys was my life I was self employed and they went everywhere with me we done so much together they became more like my kids .But here last January or so sparky started getting sick vet said he thought cancer me I think anxiety got to him he was 10 and was so nervous when I wasnt in his sight but he passed on june the 10 2020 he woke me up kicking me at 6 am I got the wife and held him till he passed at 6:11am I’m still having a hard time grieving him not being here cant afford to buy another pug at the time now .but believe me they will change ur life forever he did mine .maybe I’ll be able to get one one of these days before I’m no longer here but one thing is my little buddy will be there at the gates waiting on me .love ur pug nothing will love u more then a pug

  2. I am posing this strange question to all human companions of pugs; what would make one particular breed of dog ( enter The Pug ) more obsessed with food than any other breed ? I have talked with multiple vets, scores of pug owners – and they all agree the the pug is the most food oriented. But why ? I would assume that any trait specific to one breed has to have some historical or genetic foundation.
    The above guidance, by the way, is extremely accurate – and very helpful.

    1. Thanks so much Ted! You pose an interesting question. I have no idea why they’re so obsessed, but most certainly are. Maybe it has to do with their stubbornness, and always wanting to get what they want.

      1. My pug 13 years die the 23 of
        November . Have those unique eyes
        Every time every moment in my mind . Tears? Have never cry like this . He was ok . Next day vomit 5 times , vet we went no reason to give him medicine , pancreas liver posible cancer . We took my Cesar to emergency . Wait 3 hours. No way .there I order the needle .
        Hold my Cesar so close to me😭😭
        Trying to get a baby pug , maybe I want to see those beautiful eyes again It was my mom dog . Now in heaven both 💔😭

        1. I’m so sorry you had to lose your sweet companion! I am still mourning my pug that left me in March this year. I wish you the best during this terribly difficult time.

    2. My Norfolk terrier is obsessed with food . She practically vacuumed the sidewalk when out for a walk. I have her on a constant diet because she gains weight just thinking about food

  3. Hi ,I have a question ! I wanna get a pug , but I live in a country with really hot weather in the summer . Would getting a pug be a good idea ? Thanks !

    1. Hi! We have taken the dogs to hot climates before, and NYC gets very hot in the summer. We make sure they have a cool place to hang out (fans, air conditioning, kiddie pools, and shade are good!) and they don’t spend too much time in direct sunlight. It should be fine to have one as long as you have options for them to keep cool.

        1. Yes! We actually purchased one this year, and got a cooling mat a few years ago. Both are great.

    2. take him 😉😉earlier to walk please
      Same evening. If won’t be fair that
      He suffer .pug are pugs adorable
      Everything we need . Love him
      Brush his hair every day .I did his own
      Groomer remove a lot of hair . Better get a good groomer, take time
      Congratulations 💁🏻‍♀️🇺🇸♥️♥️♥️♥️ A brush his teeth. ! Little by little but Due, 😀 all those are adorable not only the pugs if you are an animal
      Lover !! Like me 😊

  4. All the tips are so true. We have 5 pugs. 3 are foster though. Only one is not a Velcro dog. They are never full. I wouldn’t not want to live without one or more.

    1. I love my Pug he’s 11 now and I will be so lost when he’s gone! He’s been my best friend and has always been there for me.

    2. Do your pugs cost a lot at the vet . My daughter wants me to take a two month old puppy pug . Pls tell me what do I need to buy for the puppy. Thank u 🙏🏽…

  5. Hi , my 6 year old daughter is completely obsessed about pugs . She’s wanted a dog for so long and recently I’ve been secretly considering adding one to our little family . I found these tips really helpful , thanks . I know this sounds really shallow but I’ve only owned working dogs before and the more I read up about pugs I just keeping hearing the horrifying words major shedders . I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how big of a problem this really is with a pug . It’s not enough to put me off but I can be quite a clean freak at time . Thanks in advance to anyone who can enlighten me .

    1. Congrats on getting your first pug! How exciting 🙂 I’m sorry to say but….be prepared for fur! Pugs do shed a lot. All pugs shed, although some pugs shed more due to having a double coat. Get a good vacuum and stock up on magic fur removers (link to get them here). Best of luck!

      1. I have had Fawn Pugs and now a Black Pug. My Black Pug does not shed nearly as much as my Fawn Pugs did. If I wear white, I do come away with black fur on me. But we do not have the tumbleweeds of Pug fur as we did with the Fawn Pugs.

    2. Casey, I have had 10 pugs. I have to tell you that a black pug does not shed as much because they have one layer of fur where the fawns have two layers of fur. Please get a pug. It is the best pet I have ever had.

  6. I have an almost 10 month old pug “Sparky”. I’m trying to find a good dog food that He likes to eat. I have tried Nutri Source and Science Diet for small & toy Breed (puppy). Was wondering if you had a preference to a specific one? Also, my pug loves chicken. So I usually give him some when I have it. He likes it a lot! Cooked chicken, mostly breast meat or thigh boneless cut up small bites.

    1. Hi Mary! We home cook for our dogs. You can find our recipe here. Congrats on your new pug!! They are the best 🙂

  7. Thank you for the recipe. I made it today in batch half your size, but it was still plenty for now. I look forward to seeing how Sparky likes it! Thanks again!
    In reply to pugs are the best, “Yes” I agree, I had a female pug “Daphni” for 13 years, and she was part of our family and missed & loved very much!

  8. I have never had a pug until a few weeks ago he was born March 1st and since I got him he breaths really hard. Not sure if it’s normal for him to have that hard of a time or not I know the other puppies didn’t breath that hard like he does. Thinking maybe he have something wrong. Should I just take him to the vet and have them run test? I know he sneezes a lot and sounds like a little rattle in his chest

    1. Pugs certainly breathe differently than other dogs, and it can be noisy. Sometimes it’s made worse by things like stress, heat, or nerves. If you’re worried about it, then I would definitely visit a vet. Better safe than sorry!

  9. I would second Boogie’s observations. Pugs suffer from brachycephaly ( a shortening of the face ). If you examine pug photos from the 19th century, you can see just how much breeders have emphasized the development of this trait. Unfortunately, it also shortens their airways, and can lead to a variety of breathing problems. My nine year old pug Grace is the sweetest, most loyal dog I have ever had – I can’t imagine not having a pug. I also credit her with restoring my will to live when I had encephalitis. But the best advice I ever received was from my vet, who encouraged me to get pet insurance when I acquired her. ( I went with Trupanion ) Grace has had one expensive surgery to correct her airways, and another to pull up her upper eyelids – the constant rubbing on the cornea was causing damage to her vision.

  10. I keep seeing online the theory that there are behavioral differences between female and male pugs: that male pugs are more affectionate but have a hard time training and bark more, whileas female pugs will make you work harder to garner their affections but learn more quickly and bark far less. Do you know this to be a truth? I wanted to get my sister a pug in the next few years (saving up for it), and want to have a better scope of the breed. Thank you!

    1. Hi Sarah! I’ve heard this theory too, but as far as I know, personality depends on the pug, more so than the gender. I know two un-neutered males can be difficult due to marking, but other than that, I think either male or female is fine. Congrats on deciding to get another pug! They’re the best.

  11. We lost our last pug last year. She was shy of 15. All three of my girls were seniors when they crossed The Rainbow Bridge, and let me say pugs are full of life and love. We spent a lot of time at the vet but they are worth it. Very mischievous little angels!!! They all slept in our bed, pretty much took over the bed!!!
    I tell everyone pugs are like Lays Potato Chips, you cant have just one. Always in our hearts, Sophie, Heidi and Amy.

    1. Hi Doris,
      How wonderful! I hope you’re able to open your hearts to more seniors in the future.
      Best wishes.

  12. I’v been wanting a pug a long time .the only thing I’m worried obout is
    the pug having stool problems.is that a big isue like the shedding?
    we also wont have to clean much hair because we have a hair robot.
    just want to know .Also ,tell me if there’s a cheaper fan to keep the pug
    cool .thanks for the help!

  13. Very valuable information, it is not at all blogs that we find this, I was looking for something like that and found it here.

  14. i might get a pug that a puppy this will be my first time ever having a dog what are some things that you recemend and like tips and stuff thanks!

  15. Thanks for sharing such great information. It really helped me. The character of the Pug is considered to be comparable to that of a little clown. It is not his curious face, very wrinkled, his flat nose, or his large black eyes that make you smile, but the extraordinary sense of humor of this dog. With a Pug, every day has its share of new nonsense and silliness, usually ending in good laughs for the masters.

  16. You have so many great points here. I think the best one is to be patient with your new dog. It has to be so difficult moving in to a strange place with people you don’t know yet. There is a lot of stress to be expected there. Dogs need out unconditional love in return for theirs.

  17. Regarding the shedding problem that ppl mentioned I found that shaving my pug helped enormously .
    It grows back but a groomer can keep himclipped and looking great

  18. I have had pugs my whole life, I lost Jordan at the age of 14 in February, I’m completely devastated..I think about him every day I miss his mushy face and pug kisses. sometimes I think he was the true love of my life..
    I’m currently looking on websites for a baby pug, my gosh these breeders want so much 2-3800 k ..I’m so extremely sad I don’t have the money to get a new baby… hopefully one day soon I can bring another puggie into my home to love forever..
    pugs are the absolute best..my little Velcro dog..
    I’m in Jacksonville FL if anyone knows of available pug puppies that I can actually afford..

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