Pet Care

Pet Care

Caring for your Pug

pug

The breed

Pugs, like all items of first rate quality, do not inspire neutral feelings! They are a dog that are either totally adored or detested! It would account for the continuous swings in popularity of this breed, however, there are always those of us who adore them and totally devote our lives to them. The Pug, as with so many short faced breeds, originated in the Far East, in China. As far back as 600BC there are references to 'short-mouthed dogs' which were evidently much adored, however it is believed that these dogs were used for hunting rather than the lap-dog that we know today, as there are references to them being conveyed in specially prepared carriages. It is believed that the reason for this was as a way of preserving their energy before arriving at the hunting grounds. By the 16th Century Pugs were known in Europe and were especially favoured in the Netherlands. When William & Mary came to the English throne their Pugs came too. In 1860, when the Imperial Palace was ransacked British soldiers bought back with them both Pekingese and Pug type dogs and from them the breeds became established.

The Pug had many years in favour as a royal companion and was well known at the courts of George III & IV, and even more recently to the late Duke of Windsor. That well known British Bulldog, Sir Winston Churchill, had a Pug in the family. It is important to recognise that during the late 1800s two distinct strains of Pug were derived - the Willoughby and the Morrison and even today these two strains are recognisable. The Willoughby Pug, at the time called the Salt & Pepper Pug, which was characterised with interspersed black hairs in the coat (what we might these days refer to as 'silver') and the Morrison, a Yellow-Fawn which tends to dominate. The Morrison strain was derived from a pure Dutch source, whilst the Willoughby came from Russian Pugs obtained by Lord Willoughby de Eresby. Although the Kennel Club recognise Black, Fawn Apricot and Silver as accepted coat colours, it is very rare these days to come across a true 'Silver'.

Pugs are classified by the UK Kennel Club as Toy dogs, but one must realise that these are no fragile individuals! The Pug is a well built rumbustious playful dog and although being short nosed, is very game for a long walk - having said this, the two things a Pug lives for are You and your lap, and his food - not necessarily in that order!

Grooming your Pug

A quick rub over with chamois leather is usually all that is required to keep a Pug well groomed. However, when they moult you will know all about it! At this time one should use a rubber glove (bought from a pet store, not the sort you use to wash up in) to go over the coat every day. It is suggested that this is done outside unless you enjoy seeing your home covered in a layer of dead hair! The skin fold over the nose should be kept clean with either a cotton bud, or a small piece of cotton wool, dampened. It is amazing how much of their dinner they can shovel up here!

Problems in the breed

Hemivertibrae, luxating patella, Hip Displacia, Eye Ulcers. Good and considerate breeding can eliminate the former problems, but eye ulcers are something every Pug owner should be on the lookout for, every day of their lives. The correct eye of the Pug should be large (not bulbous as some people think), therefore their eyes are vulnerable to scratches which can lead to ulcers. Every morning and evening check your little Pugs eyes for discharge as this is a sign that you should be on the lookout for a bluing of the eye – if this is seen veterinary assistance should be sought immediately.

Exercise

In hot weather do not walk your Pug in the heat of the day, choose early mornings or late evenings; however, do not think that your dog will be better not being walked – Pugs need exercise and their bodies should look as they do because of muscle, not fat. A fat Pug will die early. The average lifespan for a Pug is 13 – 14 years, although we have fortunately known them to go on until 16 years.

At a glance

Exercise Low/moderate

Feeding Low

Grooming Low