When choosing a pet, it is impossible to pass by such a dog as a pug. The description of the breed should start with the history of its breeding, which is so rich that legends and myths still surround these animals. Images of short-faced dogs with bulging eyes, carved in jade stone, are found at the stage of the emergence of eastern Buddhist civilization.
Characteristic features of the breed
Pug, perhaps, has a special role next to the person. Despite the confidential, compassionate look, such a dog is not an empty toy. In addition to decorative functions, the breed has the exceptional qualities of an assistant, friend and companion.
But still, the secret of such a high popularity of these animals lies in their extraordinary appearance. Clever and dark shining eyes hidden in expressive folds, a tail with a hook, short paws - a pug is impossible not to love. Walking with him is an endless source of positive and pleasure. The dog will certainly become the center of attention, simple passers-by cannot keep a smile at the sight of such a wonderful creature, it is important that the “leading” owner is on a leash.
The breed began to have a modern appearance thanks to the British. After the dogs got into the country together with the Dutch sailors, the breeders of Misty Albion slightly “conjured” their appearance. Pug, whose price has increased sharply due to selection, has become blunt, short-legged, with a square forehead. The body of the Chinese brethren is more elegant, and the muzzle itself is sharper.
Despite the positive appearance, you can not treat pugs solely as a toy. Representatives of this breed can become faithful and loyal friends, showing true affection. If the owner is in danger of even minimal danger, they fearlessly enter the fight and defend him to the last. Openness, friendliness, the ability to get along not only with the person, but also with other animals, help the dog to become a full member of the family. Pug puppies, getting into the house, invariably interfere in all matters, getting underfoot, and notify everyone of their presence with a barking bark.
As a remark, it is worth noting that in China, pugs were used as hunting and security dogs. Already at that time the wayward life position of these animals was manifested - to the hunting grounds of the pugs, like the emperor, they were delivered on a stretcher. But such a historical fact does not mean laziness and impudence of dogs - it reveals to us their innate sense of self-esteem.
All of the above features are harmoniously combined in a small, square and funny pug. Description of the breed can be continued indefinitely. By the way, the sharp increase in the popularity of such dogs in Russia is associated with the release of the film "Men in Black", where the awkward and sweet dog played the role of a super agent. The novels of Daria Dontsova also played their role.
Intelligence
A pug is a non-intellectual dog; he does not differ in quick wits. Representatives of the breed are just satellites, companions. They do not need training, and they do not like pugs of all these wisdom - they have too stubborn disposition. Nevertheless, the pets are ready to perform the simple tasks that the beloved owner will put.
Character
Representatives of the breed are kind and sociable, but with a penchant for shocking and leprosy. They value the attention of all family members and achieve it in many ways. Pug puppies immediately begin to take care, courage towards the new owner, gradually becoming home watchmen. For every suspicious rustling at the door, a reaction will necessarily follow.
A brighter temperament is observed in black dogs. Light apricot shades suggest that it is a calmer pug. The description of the breed allows us to note that, regardless of temperament, all pets get along well even with the smallest children.
Purebred dog standard
The current standard was approved by FCI five years ago. A purebred pug is always a stocky dog of small size, “square” compact in shape. The dog has harmonious proportions and well-developed muscles.
What are they real pugs? Characteristics of purebred individuals:
- weight - from 6 to 8 kg;
- growth at the withers - from 30 to 35 cm;
- color: yellowish-fawn, apricot, black and silver are allowed;
- smooth coat;
- head: large round without hollows on the skull, with a clear indication of the transition from the forehead to the nose; muzzle short, blunt, square;
- ears: soft, small, thin, velvety to the touch. They can be in the form of roses and buttons. In the second version, the ear holes are not visible, and the roses have a hall in the middle, which slightly opens the inside;
- eyes: round, large, dark, with a meek look. In a healthy dog, they shine brightly when the dog is excited by games or glad - full of fire;
- nose: short, not snub-nosed. The lobe is black, the nostrils are well developed;
- bite: it is customary to call a snack, as the lower teeth protrude slightly beyond the upper;
- the chest of the breed is wide, the ribs are well bent;
- the back is short, the top line is flat. Cavities or bulges - a marriage of the breed;
- forelegs: limbs strong, have a moderate length, always straight, set in parallel, correctly located under the body. Fingers are divided, claws are black;
- hind legs: very strong, moderate length, with parallel setting. Fingers well separated, with black claws. A pug whose legs are excessively short or elongated is not purebred;
- tail with a high landing, tightly twisted, lies on the thigh. A special sign of purebred is a double curl.
Color features
If the dog is light in color, the markings should be as dark as possible. They are present on the ears, like a mask on the face, on the cheekbones, like a speck on the forehead (in the form of a rhombus or “fingerprint”). On the back of a purebred dog there is a clear, straight line of dark color.
Black individuals
Rare representatives of the breed are black pugs. On the canvases of Brekelenkam dated 1653, dogs of this color are found, however, this species was able to reach breeding only in 1886. Prior to this period, such individuals were rejected as non-standard litter. The difference from relatives is manifested not only in the color of the coat, but also in a brighter temperament.
Dog Care
Care for the pet should be manifested in the regular care of the coat and skin of the dog. It is good if the owner uses special cosmetics. At least once a week, all the folds are thoroughly rubbed at the pet, the ears are cleaned and the claws are trimmed. Wool can be combed every day using a simple rubber brush - dogs love this very much.
General principles of content
1. Physical activity and walking. These dogs can boast of a developed muscular system, so they love walking, including long ones. A trip with a pet to the street is preferably carried out daily. In the cold season, pugs freeze very quickly - a walk should not exceed 15 minutes if the dog is not dressed.
In the summer, in hot stuffy weather, it is better not to let the pet out of the house: representatives of this breed tolerate heat very poorly and may feel unwell. Walking in the city is strictly on a leash, and the age of the pug in this case does not matter, since even a small puppy must be accustomed to the correct behavior. This is important for the owner, because then the dog will not tear somewhere in case of fright, it will not suffer from other dogs, etc. For children under 14 years of age, walking dogs is not recommended, even if it comes to a small pug dog.
2. The next paragraph of our story about caring for a dog like a pug is a description of the place in the apartment. Since childhood, a dog should have its own sunbed. When choosing a place for a puppy, you should position it so that it is away from the fireplace, the battery, as dry air makes breathing difficult, in addition, it is harmful to the coat. The pet likes to be among people, so you can equip him with a dwelling in the living room.
3. Vaccinations. An adult dog is enough to vaccinate once a year. All vaccine marks are stamped in the veterinary book. Breeders and veterinarians strongly recommend using the services of state veterinarians. Vaccines are given to puppies no later than two months of age. Small pugs are re-vaccinated after a tooth change, i.e. at about seven months of age.
Food
Among all the representatives of the canine world, real glutton and gourmet is a pug. Description of the breed is often supplemented by this fact. These are dogs that are prone to overeating, so servings should be strictly dosed. The recommended feeding intensity is three times a day.
The owner should adequately evaluate nutrition and use specialized balanced feed. In porridges and soups there will never be that set of vitamins and minerals that a dog needs. But without balanced food you can’t count on a strong skeleton, beautiful coat, healthy teeth. Feeding a pet from the table can adversely affect his health, because the pug’s stomach is not adapted to digest boiled food. Dry mixes and canned canine meat - the best option, however, the pug is allowed to indulge in fresh raw meat.
Do not forget that the dog should have its own clean bowl for water and a separate one for food. Water should always be available to the dog.
Knitting. Breeding
Breeding puppies is best done by specialists. Inexperienced breeders do not take into account the intricacies of crossbreeding, which may entail the birth of not entirely pleasant offspring. However, there are several recommendations under which the owner can succeed:
- a bitch a month before mating, it is necessary to give antihistamines;
- the weight of the animal should be normal;
- mating is allowed at least 6-10 months old;
- the bitch is able to fertilize on 10-13 days from the beginning of estrus;
- animals must get used to each other. When pugs flirt, they prepare for mating;
- knitting is repeated after three days, then the probability of success increases many times;
- pug bears offspring 63 days.
How to choose a puppy from a litter?
Small pugs should be chosen intuitively. A potential owner, inspecting the litter, can rely on their own emotional perception. A puppy, which will become a favorite pet, often takes a step towards himself.
Experts recommend taking into account factors such as the thoroughbred of the dog, the nature, disadvantages and advantages of the breed itself. It is better to consult with a breeder who professionally selects a suitable puppy.
If the dog is purchased for participation in various exhibition events or breeding, the choice should be as thorough as possible. The puppy must fully comply with the standard, have a good pedigree. You can bring to the selection of a third-party highly qualified dog handler. He will appreciate the “champion” prospects of a young dog with an experienced look. When a pug is just a pet, such troubles are not so relevant, you can even take a puppy as a gift.
Who to choose: boy or girl?
Breeders and dog handlers are advised to use the standard crossing rule. It says that the owner is suitable "girl" -mopsik, and the owner - "boy". Moreover, the choice lies with the family member who will be entrusted with all the basic duties of caring for the dog.
Collective portrait of puppies
A pug, the description of which can be started with such characteristics as selflessness and courage, indefatigability and endurance, is certainly a boy. Many will like the dog’s society, its cheerfulness and activity inspire. The breed type is more pronounced, they are “more elegant”, with a wider bone, and therefore larger. However, the pug boy is stubborn from an early age, which requires certain actions from the owner. The owner will definitely need to show his will and character. The dog must feel its place.
The pug girl is calmer, lazy and friendly. She is obedient and always affectionate with the owners. Females are more intelligent, easily adapt to the conditions of detention, they have a higher intelligence. However, the girls are very cunning and not so reliable. The appearance of the girls is not so bright that, however, does not detract from their good looks.
Exhibitions
If the dog is a thoroughbred, exhibitions can be very useful. Their advantages:
- harmonious development of the pet;
- participation of the pet in breeding activities;
- give the dog self-confidence.
You can start a career from 4 months. Do not despair if the first time your team has failed. There are different experts and opinions at different exhibitions, so the result of the next performance may turn out to be excellent. Victory will be so delightful! Dogs with a pedigree are allowed to exhibit. Pugs, the characteristics of which do not meet the established standards, can participate in the program out of competition.
How much is such a treasure?
A pug without a pedigree can be purchased for 5-6 thousand rubles. A dog that appeared in the litter from thoroughbred parents, by all breeding rules, will cost significantly more. Purebred representatives can be estimated at 35 thousand rubles per puppy. A pug, whose price is below 15 thousand rubles, cannot have a pedigree - this is the practice both in the capital and in the regions.
How long will the pet stay in the family?
The average life expectancy of a dog is 10-14 years. The age of six years, allows you to consider the pet old. Light and black pugs have an equal lifespan. Caring for a dog, its proper nutrition is the basis of a pet’s longevity.
Instead of completing
A pug is a creature that is able to fill daily life with bursts of joy and emotions, bursts of laughter. However, it must be remembered that the owner’s duty is to love and care for his dog, then this delightful look of large brown eyes will not go out for a long time.