Pug

There is no doubt why a Pug is a favorite among many people who want a small dog at home. The ancient breed can be traced back up to 2,000 years and was bred to be a companion to royal families.

Here you get a real charmer filled with personality, humour and lots of room for family fun and love. A Pug measures around 28 cm in shoulder height and can weigh between 6.5 to 9.5 kg. You also get a companion for many years, as the life expectancy of this breed is between 10-15 years.

What type of dog is a Pug?

Let's take a closer look at the Pug's many good qualities. Here you get a family dog that loves to be surrounded by people. We can say that this is a real companion dog. The breed is good with children, and in the vast majority of cases, it is very gentle towards the smallest members of the family. The most important thing is that the dog socializes with the children from an early age.

In addition, a Pug is easy to train, even though it can be a little clumsy at times. It adapts to its owners and is calm and amiable. That is why it is a beloved member of many families.

Temperament and activity level

When it comes to a Pug's temperament, it is a calm dog that rarely gets agitated. On the other hand, the breed may be prone to barking at other dogs, strangers, or when it is alone at home. With the right training, however, you can wean it off of this.

In connection with activity level, a Pug is not the right dog to choose if you dream of long runs and lots of activity. The breed does not require very much exercise due to its size, and in fact, overexertion can be dangerous. It is therefore recommended that it walks 2-3 km daily. It can be an advantage if the dog receives additional stimulation at home with activity toys, where no strenuous effort is required.

A breed with a high risk for several diseases

The Pug unfortunately has a high risk of several health problems. The breed's very short snout makes it difficult for the breed to breathe, and as a result, it has difficulty getting rid of excess heat during activity or on hot summer days. Heat stroke in a Pug is incredibly dangerous, which is why surgery may also be needed to improve breathing.

In addition, the breed can also develop diseases such as brachycephalic syndrome or eye damage, the latter typically caused by the eyes being located far outside the skull. In addition, there is an increased risk of the following diseases:

• BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)
• Pug Dog encephalitis
• Disc
• Skin problems
• Hip dyslpasia
• Patella luxation
• Dental problems

Make sure to keep an eye on your dog and any changes in behavior patterns, so you can always be aware of any illness that needs your attention. If everything goes well, you usually don't need to worry.

Pug and longevity: A constant companion for many years

When it comes to the question of a Pug's life expectancy, you get a dog breed that can live up to 15 years - and even more. The estimated lifespan is between 10-15 years, but there is a big difference between each dog. Here, health plays a big role, along with nutrition, physical activity and overall health.

Fur care and colors

This breed has a short and smooth coat that comes in different colors. You can get a black, brown or multicolored pug. The short coat requires minimal grooming, but it does benefit from being washed and brushed regularly as it can get greasy. With the help of brushing, you can remove loose and dead hair, and this is particularly good during the spring and autumn seasons, when the dog sheds its fur.

The right diet for a small dog

Many people think that all dogs can manage to eat the same diet, but this is a big misunderstanding. In order to give your dog the best conditions, it is essential to have the right diet that suits the breed's size and activity level. In addition, there can also be a consideration in relation to the dog's stomach, where some breeds have particularly sensitive stomachs.

This breed needs food that protects the skin, as the breed tends to have skin problems. You can also choose a food supplement, which penetrates and cares for the skin in depth and thus protects it well.

In addition, it must be a low-calorie diet, as the breed's low activity level can in some cases end up in excess weight gain. It is therefore important to choose low-calorie food and at the same time refrain from feeding the dog treats and other snacks during the day. You can also choose low-fat treats for training your dog.

Recommendation of dog food for small dogs

When catering to the dietary needs of small breeds like Pugs, the selection of dog food holds paramount importance. Opting for a dog food tailored to their specific requirements is essential.

 For diminutive breeds, the ideal choice entails food abundant in nutrients and easily digestible components. We endorse this website as a valuable resource for navigating dog food options tailored to small dogs.

 Our cherished canine companions of smaller stature necessitate nourishment that bolsters their energy reserves while maintaining a harmonious metabolic equilibrium. Opting for a dog food replete with elevated protein content and wholesome fats will significantly contribute to their overall well-being. It's imperative to ensure that the chosen feed incorporates elements like chicken, salmon, or turkey, given their status as exceptional sources of protein.

Safeguarding robust digestion entails opting for a dog food infused with probiotics and dietary fiber. These elements actively foster a healthy intestinal flora, effectively staving off potential digestive complications.

Recommendation of dog food for small Pug dogs

When addressing the nutritional needs of small dogs, it becomes crucial to select a dog food that caters to their specific requirements. Presented below are three highly recommended options of dog food meticulously curated for small dogs:

Essential Foods - The Beginning - Puppy Food: This specialized dog food is meticulously crafted for small breeds, providing a harmonious blend of essential nutrients. It boasts a rich concentration of animal proteins sourced from chicken and duck, fostering stable blood sugar levels in growing puppies.

Essential Foods – Superior Living - Adult Food: Tailored to the unique needs of small dogs, this dog food emphasizes the use of premium ingredients. With a nourishing infusion of healthy fats derived from salmon and omega-3 fatty acids, it promotes optimal skin health and a lustrous coat. This variant also maintains a well-balanced calorie count to uphold a healthy weight.

Essential Foods – Older – Senior Food: Designed for mature Pugs that have become less active, this dog food for small dogs strikes a suitable balance. Featuring a slightly reduced fat content and diminutive feed pellets, it caters to the needs of aging Pugs, ensuring ease of consumption. This variant is recommended once the dog has reached around 2/3 of its anticipated lifespan.

You can readily access these highly endorsed dog food options for small Pugs on the dedicated food page. However, it is always prudent to consult your veterinarian for tailored recommendations that align with your dog's specific needs and any prevailing health considerations.