Tell me about pugs

SEWF · April 2012

H REALLY wants to get a dog this summer, and seems set on a pug or a puggle. I've never had any pets, so I'm being really picky.

So if you have a pug or a puggle, what are they like? Are they loud? Do they nip a lot? Are they hard to house train?

Please make me feel... more willing and ready for a dog.

SarahPLiz · April 2012

My college roommate had pugs. They were gross. They were going blind from cataracts (common pug ailment) and their eyes leaked nasty shiit all the time. They always sounded like they were dying because their pug nose affects how they breathe.

Also, from having to ship our cats, I can tell you that you can't ship a pug on an airplane in the cargo area. They won't let you because they have breathing issues and can't handle the temperature changes.

In short. I think pugs are disgusting and not cute in the least. Sorry.

[Deleted User] · April 2012

The only experience I have with pugs is from when I worked at the vet's office. They are so squirmy! They were super hard to bathe and trim their nails because they wiggle around and you can't get a good grip on them like you can basically any other dog because of the way they are shaped.

But that information is mostly useless to you.

SarahPLiz · April 2012

But I encourage you to get a dog, just not a pug. Ew.

LP11509 · April 2012

I know nothing about pugs, so I'm not help there.

However, I have had miniature schnauzers my whole life and they are great dogs. They are generally very friendly, they don't require a ton of exercise, and they don't shed. I've had 5 at various points in my life and one one of them was an excessive barker. Lucy (in my sig) only barks if something alarms her, which is not often at all and only lasts for a few seconds when she does. They are good in both apartments and houses and good with children if you are planning on having any in the future. They usually only get up to 20 pounds max.

They do require grooming every 6-7 weeks, and do have a few hereditary health issues (eye problems and skin infections come to mind off the top of my head). But every single breed will have SOME type of health issue that is common for them.

SEWF · April 2012

It's just tough to decide on a breed. It needs to be small, but not too small. Nothing that yaps to much.Preferably something that doesn't nip and is easy(ish) to house train. I'm just really nervous about getting a pet, I think.

Ali092011 · April 2012

I have experience from dog-sitting a puggle. He was a really sweet dog, but incredibly energetic and active all the time. I swear the dog didn't sleep, unless it was with his head on my stomach. He was also kinda yappy (but he thankfully didn't have that annoying little-dog bark). He had some dry/flaky skin issues, but fish oil supplements controlled that.

They are pretty cute, though.

sarabear23 · April 2012

I think pugs are cute as hell. I want one, and I'm going to name it Frank.

I don't have anything to add other than that

justlove16 · April 2012

Not only do pugs sound funny when they breathe but because how their nose/face is shaped they have gas. A lot of gas. They also tend to get overweight and therefore have knee and other joint problems. I think they're cute but I don't think i could ever own one.

notyetavet · April 2012

I would not choose a pug for your first dog. In addition to their respiratory problems, they can have awful teeth (breeding for a short nose just reduces the amount of room in the mouth. They have the same teeth as a dog with a longer nose and when they're crowded into that little mouth, you have a breeding ground for bacteria and they get a lot of tartar). They can have eye problems because a lot of times their lids can't close all the way over their eyes (that are always bugging out). I could go on... A lot of the things you are looking for are training-related as opposed to breed-related. However, the really little guys (Yorkies, poms, etc.) tend to be the hardest to house train. All dogs have to be taught not to use their mouths on people. I've met dogs of all sizes that nip. I'm a big proponent of rescues as opposed to purchasing purebred dogs, so I'd recommend going to a humane society or two (or look on petfinder online) and see if you see anything you like. Sometimes shelters even let people foster dogs to get them used to homes/give them some time out of the shelter. You could see about fostering to decide if you're really into getting a dog now.

divinemsbee · April 2012

Yeah, as NotYet said, pugs can have a lot of health problems, even if you get one that is considered the epitome of breed standard. While it's true that most breeds have their specific issues (example: Cavaliers are prone to heart problems and knee issues, Labs can have a lot of hip trouble), breeds that are bred to have shorter noses tend to come out worse, and those problems can get really expensive. In some cases, even preventative care can get pretty high.

I'd also look into what kind of energy level you're looking to deal with. We have a CoJack (fancy word for a mix between a Corgi and a Jack Russell, he's a rescue), and he can be a holy terror. I haven't worked since we got him, and in a way it's been a good thing because training him has been intense. He takes a lot of attention, and, while he was pretty well housebroken quickly for a small dog he still took a while. On the other hand, my mom has a Cavalier (I want one so bad) and, while she is incredibly chill, she also takes a lot of attention because those dogs tend to bond to their people. So, while my mom doesn't have to throw a ball for and hour at a time, her dog gets very anxious without her.

Nebb · April 2012

This post hurts my soul. Ive had my pug for 5 years now and he is so far the epitome of health. You have to wash their face regularly (their rolls and their eyes and ears) but thats not really an issue once you are used to it. His breathing isnt ever loud or "off" unless he has been extremely active or he is overheated for some reason, he does snore though but not excessively and its never disturbed me. I found vin wasnt hard to train at all, we crated him at first and he sorta house trained himself and didnt have many accidents at all after a few months. For the first year, maybe, he was extremely hyperactive and extremely bitey on furniture, but he has never been nippy. He is without a doubt one of the most lovable and smartest dogs ive ever encountered though. As much as people promote rescuing dogs, I think a pug is something you want to get from a breeder, find out all about their parents - their health, their personality, etc. I think it makes a difference because a lot of pugs who are inproperly bred and most likely the ones who also have all of these issues, IMO. Also, they have pet insurance for that reason, if you are concerned about future needs, get pet insurance.

I love my pug, more than anything in this whole entire world, and I wouldnt trade my experience of seeing pictures days after he was born, picking him up at 8 weeks and seeing him grow and experiencing all of those little things with him. I still remember when he was too small even to go up or down stairs. They are just too special to let "what if" get in the way of. In the past 3 years we have noticed him really calm down, he barks at things sure, but he is so smart about it that you cant really be mad (if we tell him not to bark, he barks quieter or growls as an act of defiance).

Also, puggles are just bastardized pugs. Get a pug.

Nebb · April 2012

Also, I think its silly to say "pugs have a lot of gas". Dogs in general get gas, and I think it probably has more to do with their food than their breed. What a stupid thing to say.

rebeccalynn92 · April 2012

My dream is to have a pug... I would ADORE to own one.. my aunt had two and never complained about them! They were amazing!

brilibby4 · April 2012

Fiance and I have been researching dogs and (I think) we have decided on getting a puggle this summer. They really sound like a good match for us. I think the size is perfect, they are great family dogs, and the amount of activity they prefer is just what we are looking for. They are also supposed to be fast learners which is something we are looking forward too. I have heard awesome things about puggles and think they are adorable

AllAboutTheBenjamin · April 2012

Lucy is crying at you, Nebb

Ditto JCB. My dog Lucy is a puggle, she is about a year and a half old right now - for real, I think she JUST got potty trained. I mean, she'd go to the door and stuff, but she'd still do it in the house. Or if we didn't notice her at the door like, right that second, she'd go pee on the carpet. Now she waits. I haven't cleaned up an accident in like, a month. It is glorious. But good God she is stubborn and it took for fucking ever.

Like previous posters have said, puggles are very energetic. Be prepared to go on at least one walk (two is great!) per day and play A LOT. The chewing phase - I dunno, I've never had a puppy before Lucy, so I'm sure all puppies chew - but really, she was a nightmare. The only thing that seemed to work was a water spray botttle. Now if she's being naughty all I have to do is reach for the bottle and she quits.

When she isn't playing (rough) she is an excellent lap dog and snuggler. She is very affectionate and she pretty much thinks we are the shiit. Puggles are funny, because they have this crazy energy like pugs do, but they also have the nose of a beagle. Sometimes when we got outside it takes her forever to pee because she has to sniff EVERYTHING.

What I love about puggles is that they seem to retain their puppy cuteness even into adulthood, lol. She's fracking cute. And she is great with kids, all the neighborhood kids see her when we are out with her and they just come running to pet her and play with her. She's kinda sketchy of strange men, but once she warms up to someone, she's great.

I really, really hated Lucy when she was a puppy, lol. I mean, I loved her. But my frustration with her is far less now than it was when we were training her.

courtney3544 · April 2012

All dogs have different traits and personalities. I also have a puggle, he is about 6 years old and I got him from the humane society when he was 2 so I’m not sure how he was to train but by the time I got him he was fully potty trained. One common puggle trait is hyper activity but mine is very calm, he sleeps most of the day, if we are home or not and when he goes to the dog park he just walks the perimeter and smells everything, he might start playing with another dog but that only lasts about 5 minutes then he’s off sniffing again. So it’s really hard to tell how any dog will be.

My advice is to go to a dog park and your local shelter and see how different dogs are. Pugs and pug mixes are great and everyone seems to love the curly tail. But talk to people who have different dogs and see what will be a fit with you and your lifestyle.

Nebb · April 2012

Aatb we use the water bottle, vin HATES it. If you even reach for it, he stops what he is doing. He also knows what "do you want the water bottle?" Means. He's a good dude, he typically comes when called as long as he isn't distracted by people/dogs, he is super friendly and just loves interacting with people. Lol the first time we took him to a dog park he spent the whole time hanging out with some old man that was walking around, rather than play with other dogs. He is so cute though at parks cause he will keep looking back to make sure we are there. He is SO lovey too, he loves kisses and jumps up for hugs. How much he loves his toys is also cute, he has tons of plushies that squeek, a rawhide, a nylabone and ropes. He carries and collects them and is very protective of them.

AllAboutTheBenjamin · April 2012

Lucy is so hot and cold at the dog park. She always LOVES to go, but sometimes when we get there, she gets shy, lol.

Also, Lucy is 29 lbs. She's a beast.

amys325 · April 2012

I have a French Bulldog and they are similar to Pugs (and she is often mistaken for one). I was also *concerned* with all the supposed health issues that come along with the smooshy faced breeds (yes, smooshy is a technical term).

Besides snoring and some piggy like grunting (which is totally cute btw), she doesn't have any breathing issues. I do have to clean her wrinkles, which is totally easy. And you can't play very hard at all in the hot summertime temps. Besides that she is perfectly fine.

And LOOK at those bat ears...so cute.

OP, I say go for it. Get a Pug (or a French Bulldog). They rock!

Nebb · April 2012

I love french bulldogs!! Vin does thing I call snorfelling, he makes this weird noise when he's sniffing at things and investigating, from deep in his sinuses it sounds like, its squeeky. Also? Vin is 30lbs but has wicked long legs for a pug, the vet always comments on his tall he is. Oddly, he LOVES going to the vet, its like snorfelling heaven for him.

AllAboutTheBenjamin · April 2012

Lol Lucy hates the vet. I literally have to drag her in there. Last time we went to the vet, she pooped out of nervousness in the middle of the lobby.

amys325 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_tell-me-about-pugs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:94088f34-b6c5-4d81-8232-4fbd73178948Post:4471c8ab-a77a-4bcf-a074-6b4012240b25">Re:Tell me about pugs</a>:
[QUOTE]I love french bulldogs!! Vin does thing I call snorfelling, he makes this weird noise when he's sniffing at things and investigating, from deep in his sinuses it sounds like, its squeeky. Also? Vin is 30lbs but has wicked long legs for a pug, the vet always comments on his tall he is. Oddly, he LOVES going to the vet, its like snorfelling heaven for him.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

I should have said earlier, that I really like Pugs as well... they were my second choice. But I just LOVE the bat ears on the Frenchies. That's what won me over.

Nera makes all sorts of crazy snorty sounds and I do believe she has snorfelled before. My favorite is when she "nurses" on her stuffed animals....she kneads, sucks and grunts. It's really weird, but so cute.

Nera is tiny for a Frenchie. She's only around 17 lbs. Easier to carry when she decides our walk was long enough, does the bulldog stance and will. not. move.

This is my favorite Pug, Mr. Big...his owners own a Dog Party Venue called Chicago Party Animals. He's awesome!

<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/14/2/fe947259-9e47-45de-b284-3dbe7430ff76.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/14/2/fe947259-9e47-45de-b284-3dbe7430ff76.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

celticmyss · April 2012

I generally dislike small dogs, particularly the yappy ones. However, pugs seem to be way less vocal than other dogs of their size. I've yet to meet a pug I didn't like.

Most purebred dogs have the potential for health issues so i wouldn't let that sway you too much.

FH and I are terrible pet parents. We'll hopefully have our dog for many more years but we will, sometimes discuss what kind of dog we would get next. A french bulldog is pretty high on the list. FH really wants a bloodhound but I've vetoed that because of all the drool and "sounding off" they do.

Most likely we'll just end up with another mutt in need of a home.

kellyeliz · April 2012

My family has a pug. Since my sisters and I have all moved out we take her for "sleepovers". Honestly she thinks she is a person and likes to sit and have girltalk when we all come over. Unfortunately many pugs become over weight and thats when they start to have problems. Our pug is 5 years old and she doesn't have any of the issues people have talked about. She is not over weight, does not have problems with her teeth or knees, etc. The vet does recommend chew toys to eliminate some plaque.

When FI and I get a dog it WILL 100% be a pug. They are exremely loving and such people dogs. She barely even barks.

Nebb · April 2012

I also want to add one more thing, if you get a pug mix, PLEASE get a bugg. Google it. I met one once at a dog park and beyond a pug it was the cutest freaking dog ive ever seen, I love that they (generally) look just like a pug, but brindle.

Denise91980 · April 2012

Pumpkin is half puggle, which I guess makes her 1/4 pug. We absolutely adore her and she is awesome. She tends to have more of the pug body, ears and tail, with Papillon coloring. She was really easy to train and hasn't had an accident since she was 4 months old. She does have a lot of energy, but she also loves to snuggle. She is a bit overweight, and does make some of the pug sounds. She really only tends to bark when she hears MIL's Yorkie barking downstairs. She is a huge chewer, but I think that is the puggle part of her. We do see a lot of pug in her and it kinda makes us want a pug. We do love that she is mixed and people always ask, "She is so cute, what kind of dog is that?" because she is so different. I say get a pug, but do some researchers on the breeders like Nebb suggested.

AllAboutTheBenjamin · April 2012

Bugs ARE cute.

DO NOT get a chug.

amys325 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_tell-me-about-pugs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:94088f34-b6c5-4d81-8232-4fbd73178948Post:a2569f72-ccf7-4968-8292-e1b4304a48a7">Re: Tell me about pugs</a>:
[QUOTE]Bugs ARE cute. DO NOT get a chug.
Posted by AllAboutTheBenjamin[/QUOTE]

Haha....I had to Google it.

Nebb · April 2012

Unrelated but ive always wanted to get a great dane, get a little saddle made for him and then let vinnie ride him like a pony. I think that would be the most hilarious sight to ever see.

AllAboutTheBenjamin · April 2012

Oh I want a great dane in the WORST way.

Tell me about pugs

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