Pug: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Group

Toy (the largest Toy Group breed)

Weight

14-18 lb desirable

Temperament

Even-tempered, playful, charming and loving

At a glance

• The largest breed in the AKC’s Toy Group ².
• The standard describes an even-tempered dog with stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing, loving disposition ¹.
• A flat-faced breed, so heat and breathing need attention ³.

Overview

The Pug is in the AKC’s Toy Group, and the AKC describes it as the largest dog in that group ². Pugs were bred as companions ².

Size

The breed standard lists a desirable weight of 14 to 18 pounds for both dogs and bitches ¹. I did not find a reliable AKC height figure, because older standards in the results conflicted with the current one, so none is given here.

Temperament

The standard describes the Pug as even-tempered, with stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing, loving disposition ¹. AKC advice adds that Pugs were bred to be companions and are eager to please their owners, which makes them easier to train ².

Special care: the flat face

An AKC Pug club flier describes the breed as relatively healthy and often living to 15 years or older, but warns that several health issues can occur because of the large eyes, short nose and airway ³. Flat-faced dogs can overheat easily, and extra weight makes breathing harder. Read the details in our guide to inherited diseases in popular dog breeds and on heat safety in our exercise guide.

Is this breed right for you?

A Pug may suit you if you want a small, affectionate companion with modest exercise needs and you are prepared to manage heat and breathing carefully. It may not suit you if you want a dog for long runs or hot climates.