General Appearance

Symmetry and general appearance, decidedly square and cobbly. The Pug should be Multum in Parvo (much in little) and this condensation. The head is large, massive, round - not apple-headed, with no indentation of the skull. The eyes are dark in colour, very large, bold and prominent, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire. The ears are thin, small, soft, like black velvet. There are two kinds of ears- the "rose" and the "button". The wrinkles are large and deep. The muzzle is short, blunt square, but not upfaced. The body is short and cobbly, wide in chest and well ribbed up. The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.

Coat

The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither hard nor woolly. The colours are silver fawn, apricot fawn, or black. The silver fawn or apricot fawn colours should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the colour and the trace and the mask. Black to be glossy jet black.

Markings

The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead, and the back trace should be as black as possible. The mask should be black. The more intense and well defined it is the better. The trace is a black line extending from the back of the neck to the tail.

Temperament

This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition. A great dog for apartment dwellers and wonderful with children. Pugs like to snore and are lap dogs, so when you are sitting down be prepared to have a pug on your lap.

Training

Pugs are eager to please you, but you must be warned they are clowns at heart. Pugs respond well to basic training ,stay, sit, lay down, roll over, and shake a paw. They are difficult to house train, it usually takes about 8 - 10 months and plenty of patience.

Feeding

Pugs live to eat not eat to live. The main health problem with Pugs is obesity. Pugs will eat till they burst and always "act" hungry, even if they are well-fed. You base the correct amount on what your dog looks like, not what the bag says or how much the bowl holds. You should just be able to feel your dog's ribs and be able to see a waist. Extra weight leads to breathing and health problems. A good quality dog food is all they need. It is very hard to resist those big brown eyes when they are begging for food, but say NO.

Health Care

The Pug is a relatively healthy breed, and many Pugs have lived to 15 years or longer. Health issues to be concerned about include eyes and weight. With their large eyes and no muzzle to protect them, you must take care to remove rose bushes or any other thorny hazard from their environment. They are certainly indoor pets, since they can't tolerate heat or cold. Pugs needs special care during hot humid weather because of their short nose. Do not leave Pugs out in the hot sun. Nails and teeth need weekly attention. Pugs shed a lot and needs brushing at least twice a week. Bath as necessary. Wash the eyes two to three times a week. Pugs enjoy a romp outdoors, or a walk around the block. You must a good supply of clean fresh water, as Pugs are great drinkers.

Breeding or Spaying/Neutering

The Pug has become a very popular breed, since starring in Men in Black, and several commercials. When that happens, many people want to get into to breeding. We have also seen several so called breeders mating purebred pugs with Boston Bulls, Poodles, Jack Russels and the Beagle. I have a real problem with this kind of breeding and if that is your intent, you will not be receiving a pug from me. Also Pugs only come in black, fawn, silver and apricot. There are no registered bindles or tea cup pugs.

Breeding dogs is a great responsibility and can be very costly. It is the breeders responsibility to place their puppies in loving homes. A good breeder will offer a guarantee with the purchase of their pugs. There can also be complications during whelping, and your may need a caesarian section. This can be dangerous , as well as very expensive. Then their are shots, and vet check ups. You also be prepared to answer large number of emails and phone calls about your pugs. Then their is the heart break of losing pugs or even the mother, if you are an inexperienced breeder.

We do not require you to sign a spay or neuter contract, but I highly recommend it. Neutered males cannot develop testicular cancer and are less likely to have prostrate troubles if they are neutered. Neutered males are less likely to wander in search of a mate and are more tolerant of other male dogs.

Females come into heat twice a year, so you have to contend with spots of blood on your floor and carpet for approximately 21 days.