How to tell it's a Pug

General Appearance

Symmetry and general appearance are decidedly square and cobby, it is “multum in parvo” shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle.

Head

The head is large and round. Round when viewed in profile, square when viewed from the front. Best of all are the wrinkles around the face, covering the brow and looping over the black nose.

Ears

Velvety black ears fall forward to about eye level, the tip lying close to the skull to cover the orifice.

Eyes

The large, round, dark, lustrous eyes are soft and solicitous in expression, but come alive with excitement during play.

Muzzle

The muzzle is short, square and broad to match the breadth of the skull. When the mouth is closed, you should see neither teeth nor tongue.

Neck

The neck is strong and thick with enough length to carry the head proudly.

Body

The short back is level from withers (shoulders) to the high tail set. The body is cobby (compact), wide in the chest and well ribbed.

Limbs

The legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length and are set well under. The shoulders are moderately laid back. The rear legs should look strong, and when viewed from the side, be moderately bent and parallel from each other when viewed from the rear.

Gait

Viewed from the front, the forelegs should be carried well forward, showing no weakness in the pasterns, the paws landing squarely, not turning in or out. When viewed from behind, again the legs should move parallel to one another, along the same line as the front legs, not turning in or out.

Coat

The coat is fine, smooth and glossy, neither hard nor woolly.

Color

The colors are silver, apricot, fawn or black. The silver, apricot and fawn colors should be clearly defined to make the contrast complete between the colors, trace and mask. Mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark, diamond on forehead and trace should be as black as possible. The Black Pugs should have a shiny, jet-black coat and very dark eyes.

Loose Skin

Pugs generally have loose skin that sometimes form rolls of flesh around the throat, over the shoulders and down the back. These rolls usually become more pronounced with age.

Weight

The ideal weight is 14 to 18 pounds.

Temperament

This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing loving disposition. They like routine are social and get along well with other Pugs or breeds. The worst thing that can happen to a Pug is to be ignored, they need attention.

With Children

Pugs are loving and like to play just like kids do. You might want to take into consideration the age of your children and how they handle your Pug. Younger children, under the age of 7, tend to be rough. Even though the Pug is a hardy little dog, they are prone to eye injuries. Also puppies like to jump, climb, nip and chew. Babies and younger children might have a hard time with your young playful Pug.

Exercise

Pugs by nature are both active and “coach potatoes”. Either way daily exercise is recommended to maintain good health. A romp outdoors or a walk around the block is always beneficial.

Training

Though Pugs have a reputation for being stubborn, they are also loyal, curious and intelligent. These later traits serve them well in obedience training. Housetraining may be a little tedious due to the first trait.

Living Environment

Pugs are suited for both apartment and single home dwellings. Pugs are an indoor breed; they are intolerant to high temperature and especially high humidity due to their short muzzle.

Nuisance Traits

Pugs tend to emit a variety of noises when they doze or sleep. This can range from a slight snuffling to a good hearty snore. Although this is a short-coated breed, they have a double coat: a very soft undercoat with a layer of longer and harsher top coat. What does this mean? They shed!

Life Span

This would be a long term commitment: Pugs average life span is 12 to 15 years.