Dog breed · Toy
Pug
Charming, sociable, comical
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6–8 kg (13–18 lb)
- Height
- 25–33 cm (10–13 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- China
By Maya HartThe coat
Short · Colour points
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Pugs right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
Be ready for
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Pugs weigh 6–8 kg (13–18 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Pug
Pugs were bred purely as companions and excel at it: they follow their people everywhere and love company. Their flat faces cause breathing and eye problems, and they shed more than their short coat suggests. Choose breeders who test for breathing function and breed for more open nostrils.
Health to know about
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Eye injuries and ulcers
- Skin fold infections
- Obesity
- Pug dog encephalitis (rare)
Care in short
- Keep lean — excess weight worsens breathing
- Short, cool walks; avoid heat
- Clean facial folds several times a week
- Use a harness, never a collar lead
Kit for a Pug
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
| Trait | Pug |  Cavalier King Charles SpanielCompare |
Boston TerrierCompare |  French BulldogCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6–8 kg (13–18 lb) | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) | 5–11 kg (11–24 lb) | 8–14 kg (18–31 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 2/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Pug get?
Adults usually weigh 6–8 kg (13–18 lb) and stand 25–33 cm (10–13 in) tall.
How long do Pugs live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Pugs good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Pugs shed?
Quite a lot — expect hair on furniture.
What health problems are Pugs prone to?
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome; Eye injuries and ulcers; Skin fold infections; Obesity; Pug dog encephalitis (rare).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts