9781422278437

1 Pug

Beagle Boxer Bulldog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel Dachshund French Bulldog

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Miniature Schnauzer Poodle Pug Rottweiler Siberian Husky Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier

By Ellen Williams Pug

Mason Crest 450 Parkway Drive, Suite D Broomall, PA 19008 www.masoncrest.com © 2018 by Mason Crest, an imprint of National Highlights, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. Printed and bound in the United States of America. Series ISBN: 978-1-4222-3848-6 Hardback ISBN: 978-1-4222-3947-6 EBook ISBN: 978-1-4222-7843-7 First printing 1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 Cover photograph by Daniella Jakob/Dreamstime.com. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the publisher.

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Contents

1 Introducing the Pug............................................ 6 2 What Should a Pug Look Like?. ....................... 22 3 What Do You Want from Your Pug?................... 30 4 Finding Your Puppy. ......................................... 40 5 A Pug-Friendly Home........................................ 48 6 Caring for Your Pug. .......................................... 70 7 Training Your Pug............................................. 82 8 Keeping Your Pug Busy. ..................................100 9 Pug Health Care. ..............................................106 Find Out More.......................................................................... 126 Series Glossary of Key Terms................................................. 127 Index. ...................................................................................... 128

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Chapter 1 Introducing the Pug T he Pug is one of the most distinctive looking of all breeds, and it is rare indeed to mistake him for any other dog. The breed motto is multum in parvo —“much in little”—which means you get a lot of dog in a little body. The Pug is small and compact, but his proportions are square and stocky, so he’s a substantial little dog. But multum in parvo seems most true when it comes to temperament. The Pug is big on per- sonality—a charming mixture of dignity and playfulness, combined with the most loyal and loving disposition. Physical characteristics The Pug is a Toy breed and fits comfortably on a lap or a sofa, but his balanced proportions and muscular build allow him to live the life of an active dog. The Pug’s most distinctive feature is his round head, with its

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short muzzle, flattened nose, and small, velvety ears that frame his forehead. The eyes are round and dark, with a melting, lustrous ex- pression that becomes bright and full of fire when he is excited. The typical furrowed brow, created by the wrinkles on the forehead, can also make him look serious and thoughtful. The Pug can be all shades of fawn, ranging from silver through to apricot, or pure black. Fawn dogs have black markings on the head, which should be well defined. When he moves, the Pug has a steady and purposeful stride; a slight, unexaggerated roll of the hindquarters is a breed specialty.

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Brachycephalic breeds The Pug is brachycephalic breed. Like the French Bulldog, the Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Bulldog, he has a broad, short skull, with a foreshortened muzzle and a pushed-back nose. These features should be distinctive, but never exaggerated. This type of conformation, when exaggerated, can result in serious health prob- lems, including labored breathing. All brachycephalic breeds need extra care in hot weather, when exercise may be trying for them. And all Pugs need some extra skin care because of their facial folds. The Pug’s prominent eyes are also easily injured, so you will need to take care. The shortened muzzle accounts for another Pug specialty—this is a breed that snores! However, most owners find the snuffles and snores of a sleeping Pug most endearing; just one of the many fea- tures of owning this highly distinctive breed.

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Temperament The Pug is a friendly, confident dog, and likes nothing better than to be with his beloved family. His aim in life is to please—and to entertain—and he will take exception if he is excluded from family activities. There is no doubting his intelligence. This is a dog who will fig- ure things out when it is to his advantage, but he may not always be so cooperative about doing exactly what you want. Some say the Pug has a stubborn streak, but it is more a matter of knowing his own mind and being unwilling to compromise. The clever owner who understands the Pug brain soon becomes

skilled in tricking a Pug into thinking that something is his idea—and then he will be only too happy to do as you ask!

A dog for all

The Pug is small, robust, and adaptable and, as a result, he will fit in with most family situations. Town or country, family home or apartment, he will be happy as long as he is with his people. He is better suited to living

with children than some of the more delicate Toy breeds, and his playful disposition and sense of fun will make him an enter- taining companion. His short coat is easy to care for and,

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as far as exercise is concerned, he will fit in with whatever you can offer. He is more than capable of going for a long, rambling walk in the country (except in hot weather), but if his owners are seniors, he will make do with puttering around in the yard or a walk around the block. However, if his exercise is limited, it is important to provide sufficient mental stimulation—and to keep an eye on his weight. Living with other animals The Pug is a very sociable dog and will enjoy the company of other dogs—particularly his own kind. Pugs are one of those breeds that seem to be highly collectible, so watch out—before you know it, you may have a pack of Pugs. If you own a larger dog, there is no need to worry, as the Pug will look after himself. He has a self-assured, dignified character that puts others dogs in their place, and he is tough enough to play with

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a bigger dog, as long as the game is not too rough. The family cat has nothing to fear, as long as initial interac- tions are carefully supervised. In fact, some Pugs form a very spe- cial friendship with their feline housemates, and positively en- joy curling up with a cat. The Pug does not have a

Pug history

strong prey drive, but if you keep small animals, such as hamsters or guinea pigs, they should be housed securely and, even so, your Pug should never be left alone with them. It is far better to be safe than sorry.

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