Appearance:

Body: Short, sturdy, square, and stout with a short, wide back, deep, rounded ribs, and broad chest.

Coat: Short, soft, fine, and glossy.

Color: Black, apricot-fawn, or silver.

Ears: Thin, small, fine, soft, high set, and black; folded back (rose), or forward (button).

Eyes: Large, round, prominent, dark, and lustrous; expressively gentle.

Feet: Not long or round, toes are well-split, nails are black.

Head: Massive, somewhat out of proportion to the body, with no indentation in the skull and a short, blunt, deeply wrinkled muzzle.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, muscular and set well under the body. Hindquarters are muscular, legs straight and very powerful.

Neck: Short, thick, strong, and slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 14 - 18 pounds
Height: 10 - 11 inches

Tail: Set high, twisted into a tight curl and carried up over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children

The Pug is affectionate, fun-loving, good with children and charming. He's a non-aggressive dog but with a strong presence and comical personality. He is also an opinionated, stubborn, dog who knows what he wants and will refuse to budge until he gets it.

Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says he is "Sometimes playful and clownish, sometimes calm and dignified, always sturdy and stable, good-humored and amiable-this is the Pug. He will sound off with his rather odd bark when visitors arrive. Then he will welcome them inside with his snorts, snuffles, and grunts."

He's not particularly handsome but he carries his stout body and wrinkled black face with dignity. He has been owned by emperors and is often seen on antique pottery and Chinese porcelain. He's a companion and lap dog who can become clingy and jealous of people and pets who may be seeking your attention at his expense.

AKC Standard says, "Today's Pug are a clownish, mischievous, loving, lovable, and devoted breed. This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability playfulness, great charm, dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Bred for human companionship.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Light exercise will do.

Grooming: Brush once weekly. Dry with a towel immediately after getting wet from a bath, the rain, or the snow. Wipe his weepy eyes with a towel or cotton swab dipped in warm water.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Breathing problems - due to his abnormally small nostrils
Dental problems
Eye lacerations
Gastric problems
Heat exhaustion
Legg-Perthes - deterioration of the femur (thigh) bone
Luxating Patella - dislocated knee cap
Obesity
Seizures
Skin conditions

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

China