Pug | Everything you need to know about the breed

The Carlino , or Pug as it is known in different countries, is a very popular dog breed around the world. These animals are characterized by being friendly and adapting quickly to the family environment. However, they need some special care. Are you interested in learning more about this breed? Keep reading the article that we bring you on this occasion.

• Small size .
• Weight : Between 6 and 8kg.
• Hair type : Short hair.
• Character : Playful, friendly, mischievous and docile.
• Health : Prone to health problems
• Life expectancy : Between 13 and 15 years.

History of the Pug breed

The origin of these canines is controversial and doubtful. Experts and historians say that this breed originated in China in the year 700 BC where they were considered pets of high society or royalty. They were even given as wedding gifts to princes, emperors and distinguished guests.

Its expansion throughout the world began, in principle, by Dutch traders who brought this breed to Europe, to France and England specifically. Then, as time went by, they spread throughout the continent, even reaching America.

It is said that Pugs come from another dog recognized throughout the world: the Pekingese . Although many people claim that they descend from canines with larger wingspans such as Bulldogs . The truth is that, although their origin is very difficult to verify due to the longevity of the breed, today they continue to be fine and very peculiar dogs .

Characteristics of Pugs

These dogs have an imposing physical build despite being small in stature. They are generally strongly muscled and have a short or flat snout. They have very large eyes and a head covered with wrinkles.

The ears are small, consistent with their size, but with a variant arrangement. They can be folded towards the back of the head and/or folded towards the front, pointing at the eyes.

The coat is silky and shiny. The flat snout and other details of the animal's face are very characteristic due to its dark color. In the same way, the tail of Pugs is curled and has the same color as the hair on the body.

The average weight of each specimen of this breed in adulthood is 8 kilograms and about 35 centimeters in height. Being a small but powerful specimen in terms of strength . Intelligence and charm are one of the main characteristics that cannot be captured with the naked eye.

Types of Pug

Pug or Carlinos dogs can be differentiated by their colors or physical characteristics:

• Black . It is perhaps the rarest color among dogs of this breed. The origin is unknown but they are very common in European countries such as England or France. Some puppies are born with white paws but over time that color darkens or disappears.
• White . The white color is one of the most common and in most cases denotes the lack of purity in the breed. The main features are the light color on his ears and the details on the face are almost invisible.
• Albino . It is very similar to the color white, but in this case, the ears and eyes lack pigmentation.
• Fawn . Golden or beige hair with black ears, combined with a dark line that runs across the animal's back, are the main characteristics of this tone. It is the most common color among puppies or adults of this species.

Pug Character

Pug dogs are docile and friendly by nature . They have a fairly controlled temperament and rarely react violently to general stress situations. They are faithful and loyal to their owners or families.

It should be mentioned that the barking of Pugs is serious , contrary to what anyone could imagine when taking into account their size.

How to care for a Pug

Before bringing home a Carlino or Pug dog, you need to know its basic characteristics. Likewise, it is important to know aspects of your personality, common diseases and what to do to keep you healthy.

Pugs are very active, playful and at the same time dominant dogs . That is why from the moment you arrive home you must show who is boss. Marking authority is necessary to prevent them from becoming disobedient and more naughty than they should.

Knowing the character of these pets in depth is the first step to their good care. It should be noted that sometimes they can ignore orders from their masters at the moment and carry them out when they consider it convenient. Sometimes they can act as if they are not listening, however, they are very sensitive to sounds, which is why you should avoid shouting and not raise your voice when they are nearby.

To train a Pug, just use a firm "no." Vociferating could upset them, since they are very nervous animals. For this same reason, the most recommended for their well-being are relaxed and confident owners.

On the other hand, food plays a fundamental role from the first months of a Pug's life. A diet that provides all the nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates and fats is essential, because due to its activity it burns a lot of energy.

Likewise, in the first 10 months of birth you should receive three servings a day of food for small breed dogs. After this time, you should get used to only one dish a day. It is most recommended that this is always at the same time. Likewise, it is necessary that they exercise regularly to keep them in optimal condition.

Health problems of a Pug and its care

Like all living beings, Pugs can suffer from diseases . When purchasing one of these dogs, we recommend doing in-depth research into the most common conditions they contract:

• Snoring . Being small animals, their morphology causes them to snore even when they are awake. In general, Pugs have strong, labored breathing.
• Colds . Pugs have sensitive skin and respiratory systems, which is why sudden changes in temperature or climate affect them greatly. At home they should have a suitable environment and sleep in a neutral place.
• Eye problems . Due to the shape and arrangement of their eyes, they produce abundant tears and are more prone to contracting diseases such as conjunctivitis, red eyes or ulcers. If you suffer from any, it is advisable to go to the veterinarian to receive the precise instructions for each case.
• Overweight . Despite being very active, Pugs can gain weight easily. That is why you should avoid giving him leftover food or extra treats. The diet must be balanced, otherwise your general health would be affected by being overweight, thus shortening your life.
• Allergies . Both the skin and the fur of the Pug must be cared for to avoid allergies. These dogs can easily get them if their wrinkles are not cleaned well. For this it is necessary to take care of your hygiene at least once a week.
• Tumors . These dogs can suffer from mast cell tumors, which appear mainly on the skin. These can be confused with warts. If you suspect these, visit a specialist.
• Complications in childbirth . In females, it is common for childbirth to be complicated, since the puppies' heads are very large in relation to the mother's body. Therefore, a cesarean section must often be performed.

How to bathe a Pug or Pug

The specimens of this breed do not have a strong odor, however, the habit of bathing must be created from an early age to avoid the stress of the moment. Due to their short, smooth coat, the task of grooming a Pug is easy , but it requires attention.

First of all, folds or wrinkles should be cleaned at least once a week, including those on the face. This will prevent skin infections and allergies due to dirt accumulation. You can use a damp cloth with dry dog ​​soap. First check that the product does not harm you.

The bath should be done only when needed, remembering that this dog does not have the characteristic and strong smell that other breeds have, this way you will also be avoiding a possible cold. In addition, it should be dried well after bathing. Some veterinarians recommend thorough grooming every six months due to the sensitivity of their skin and respiratory system.

As for the care of the coat, a brush with stiff bristles is required. Daily brushing will be enough to keep it shiny. During the shedding season, greater frequency and firmness are required during the task.

On the other hand, teeth must also be taken care of. As puppies they need to bite until they have all their teeth. Although they are cleaned naturally with a bone, it is also recommended to brush their teeth once a week to remove tartar.

The Pug's nails also need attention. If they are too long they can hurt themselves or their owner, so it is ideal to file them down and keep them short.

How and when to feed your Carlino dog

Because it is a delicate dog, the issue of feeding cannot be taken lightly. This breed does not have a good digestive system, so food must be supplied with great caution. Especially when they are puppies or in the growth stage, since they are more vulnerable.

To feed your Pug correctly you must follow these recommendations:

• Balanced food . These dogs tend to gain excessive weight, which is why many experts and veterinarians recommend balanced food. This way they will be able to avoid problems related to canine obesity such as cardiac or respiratory complications, for example.
• Fruit . Fruits such as watermelon, apple, melon, banana or kiwi can be included in your Pug's menu. This will help recover the vitamins and minerals that you may lose during your growth. Likewise, they can be an ideal complement to the animal's carnivorous or dry diet , especially in summer or on hot days.
• Meal schedule . It is important to create a eating habit for your dog early on. It is advisable to provide small portions of food every 5 or 6 hours. This way you can control both the weight of the animal and the amount of food it consumes per day.
• Bones . It is advisable to give him large, hard bones that are difficult to break. This way you will prevent him from swallowing solid parts that could cause bigger problems. Likewise, it will serve to sharpen and strengthen your teeth. It is usually very strong.
• Meats . Lean meats should be a priority in a Pug's diet. These dogs need all the nutrients that beef or chicken provides. We do not recommend pork or other animal meat, since the bacteria they have can be harmful to the Pug.

Your dog's hydration is very important to maintain energy balance. The water should always be at room temperature and close to the food container. We recommend having water in several places and easily accessible so you can stay hydrated at all times.

Another question is the amount of food that should be given to the dog. It is always advisable to follow your veterinarian's instructions. They will always provide the necessary information to meet the basic nutritional requirements that your pet needs .

Life expectancy of a Pug or Pug

The life expectancy of a Pug is thirteen to fifteen years, everything will depend on the diet and health of each animal. They generally remain strong for at least eight years, thanks to their bone structure, which gives them a lot of resistance over time.

Being a small but muscular dog makes it one of the pets with the highest life expectancy. This means that he will be part of a family or will be company for a long time.

We hope that with this article you learn everything related to Pug dogs.