What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug Dog?

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Without question, pugs are one of the best-known small dog breeds. As these are adorable and fun-loving dogs, you’re probably hoping that a pug is the right dog for you. 

If you’re thinking about getting a pug for the first time, you have to know all the pros and cons of owning a pug dog so you can make an informed decision. Remember, a dog is for life. Keep this in mind as you choose the best breed for you. 

Advantages of Having a Pug Dog

Let’s start on the sunny side, with the pros of having a pug dog. We’ll explore them below. 

Friendly Temperament

Pugs are known for being relaxed and friendly to other animals. That is why if you have other pets in the house, a pug may well be a good addition. Of course, you would also have to consider the breeds of other animals too. You wouldn’t want to make a pug live with a large dog that may present a threat. 

If you get a pug, make sure you’ll never have to leave it by itself for long periods. This is a friendly dog, and this breed loves its human companions. Pugs love to cuddle, and their affectionate nature is one of their attractions. 

Low Exercise Needs

You won’t have to worry about constantly exercising your dog if you have a pug. Of course, these dogs do need some exercise, but only in the form of a few short walks a day. Don’t walk too quickly when walking your pug. Remember, this is a small breed with short legs, and it can get tired quickly. 

Play with your pug indoors, too. Don’t let your dog get bored (except for when it’s sleeping, which is a lot of the time). As we’ll discover later, you must be careful not to over-exercise your pug, especially in warm or hot and humid conditions. If you push your pug too far, it could end up with heatstroke. 

Small Size

The pug’s small size is an attraction for many prospective dog owners. A small dog is usually the best choice when you’re limited on space. A pug’s average weight ranges between 14 and 18 pounds. These dogs usually measure between 10 and 13 inches when it comes to height. 

Relatively Easy to Groom

As pugs are short-coated dogs, they’re easier to groom than many other breeds. Be ready for quite a bit of shedding, though. You should give your pug a minimum of one brushing each week. 

It’s best to use a brush with medium bristles when grooming your dog. Alternatively, you may use a grooming mitt. There is usually no need to wash your pug in the bath. Remember to trim your pug’s nails on a regular basis. 

Disadvantages of Having a Pug Dog

While pugs are wonderful dogs with a lot to offer, owning them has some drawbacks. We’ll take a look at those below. 

Breathing Problems are Common 

The pug’s flat face makes it susceptible to breathing problems. Dogs like pugs with flat faces are called brachycephalic. Also, pugs have overly long or narrow airways in relation to their bodies. This makes breathing more challenging. 

When you have a pug, you must be careful not to overstrain them during exercise or play sessions. This is especially true when the weather is warm or hot. Even when pugs pant, this won’t cool them down as promptly as it would dogs that don’t have flat faces. 

High Veterinary Costs

The pug’s tendency to medical problems means that you may well end up with big vet bills. This is especially true as pugs age. As mentioned earlier, breathing problems are extremely common in pugs. In some cases, these may lead to serious issues. 

Also, pugs often have skin issues. Even more worrying are the eye conditions that are common in pugs. For example, pugs are known to develop corneal ulcers frequently. The way the pug’s eyes bulge is what makes them so vulnerable. A corneal ulcer may result if the cornea (the eye’s surface) gets scratched or injured. 

Dry eye is another common problem in pugs. Again, this is because of how this breed’s eyes protrude. When you have a pug, it will likely develop eye problems at some point in its life. Educate yourself on them and stay aware of signs and symptoms so that you can get your pet veterinary attention right away. 

Risk of Obesity 

Pugs are more prone to obesity than other breeds. Of course, obesity is linked to a variety of problems that will require veterinary attention. Also, overweight and obese pugs are even more likely than those of average weight to end up with heatstroke. 

Pugs love treats and snacks, but you’ll have to be especially vigilant about what they eat and how many calories they’re getting each day. Talk to a veterinarian to find out how many calories your pug needs a day. 

Sensitive to Heat

As touched on earlier, pugs are sensitive to heat. Be extremely watchful of your pug when it’s hot outside, as they could end up overheating quickly. If it’s a hot summer day and you want to bring your pug outside, you will have the extra worry of bringing water in case your dog needs it when going for a walk. 

You must also give your pug frequent breaks when you take them out for walks in warm or hot weather. This breed is extremely prone to heatstroke.

Difficult Housetraining 

Pugs are one of the most challenging breeds to house train. There are two reasons for this. One is the fact pugs are often stubborn. The other is how much these dogs hate rainy weather. If you have a lot of rain where you live, you will find it challenging to get your pug to come outside. 

Final Thoughts – Pros And Cons Of Owning A Pug

As we’ve seen here, there are both pros and cons of owning a pug. Knowing these is important when deciding whether a pug will suit your family and lifestyle.