Any one got a pug?

[Murdermysteryreader]

Hi,
We are thinking of getting a pug puppy next summer and are after things to think about from those who have one. They appear to have a nice temperament and not to need too much excercise - any advice from pug lovers? I would have August off to get the puppy trained, and have 2 days home per week and hubby can work flexibly.
Any advice? Any downsides?

[JKramer]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pug

I have a mixed breed (3/4 Pug and 1/4 Jack Russel).
Lively and fearless little thing, I guess that's the Jack Rusell in him.
He can also be quite clingy and possesive like a Pug.
The reason why I opted for a mixed breed is because they supposedly have less health problems.
Being 3/4 Pug, he has a very Pug like appearance.
Have you thought of getting a crossbreed?

[OneStepCloser]

I have a PugX as well, Pug and King Charles. shes possesive like a pug and brave behind a fence or window very loyal and great with the kids, but craves attention all of the time, and tries to dominate the other dog and cats (in her dreams).

Shes utterly gorgeous, but does not like being left, as she will fret, which is ok because I am with her most of the day. I adore her. Pics on my profile.

[monkeyfacegrace]

I have three pugs. Proper pugs not mongrels.

They were fucking expensive (£1500 each), are expensive to insure, malt like a motherfucker, fart, snore and are a pain in the arse. Oh, forget reliably housetraining too.

Please dont touch cross breeds. Pugs have too many issues to buy off a backyard breeder. They need rigourous testing before breeding, most usually have to deliver via c section, and then need 24 hour human care for the first 4 weeks. You will not find this from somebody out for money- pug litters do not make a profit if done correctly!

If you want a puppy please let me know.

I fucking hate the little sods, but my house would never be without a pack of pugs.

[monkeyfacegrace]

^^ by the way, im not a breeder, it sounded like i may be pushing a sale there.
I meant i have daily contact with the best group of pug breeders in the uk so can ensure you get a solid bloodline.

You dont want to risk losing a pup to pde, a nasty pug brain issue.

[GeraldineAubergine]

We had a pug when I was a kid and he was lovely but he died very suddenly at about 6, literally just dropped dead. Vet said it was pug dog encephalitis. He had also had a few seizure like episodes which may have been to do with this. He was very friendly and the only dog my very abused and dog aggressive gsd could cope with.

[monkeyfacegrace]

Which is exactly what bastard cross breeders and byb dont test for [cross]

[PuggyMum]

I also have 3 pugs and agree with what monkeyface says. But the clue is that we both have 3!

I adopted all of mine though so didn't have them as pups so can't offer advice on the pup stage!

You must research your breeder properly as they can also have genetic issues. Any reputable breeder will have worked hard for clean bloodlines.

I'll never be without a pug now for sure!

[GeraldineAubergine]

The guy we got our pug from was reputable, had tonnes of kc wins, pups were registered insured wormed etc and he was really shocked when he found out about our pug. I think it was just really bad luck as he was pretty healthy for a pug!

[monkeyfacegrace]

Puggymum, where in the country are you out of interest?

[monkeyfacegrace]

Geraldine, pde testing is very very new. Bloods have to be sent off to california for testing.
So im sure your breeder did his best at the time, bit for any pups being born now, there is no excuse.

[bamboobutton]

my sister has one and I wouldn't touch the breed with a bargepole!

they have spent approx £3000+ on specialist vet bills due to breathing problems, which aren't covered by insurance as they are congenital.

dsis really regrets getting the dog. poor dog cant be left alone as the breathing hole in her throat could close up and suffocate her (yes, breathing hole! her nasal cavity has collapsed, its now kept open by one of those flesh tunnels punky people have in their ears)

it has put dsis off getting another dog for life. pugs may look cute but they are not a breed for frist time owners imo.

[Murdermysteryreader]

Ladies thank you so much for all of these thoughts. I posted, popped out to the shops and there were these messages I appreciate it. Those that found a good breeder - any advice on how you found one? Bamboo butoon - gosh that sounds awful. I wonder if it is typical. I guess I need to do more research.
Any other books or sites you found useful in helping you get to grips with a pug. If not a pug then what else? Needs to be cheerful personality and a little dog and not a chewer. thanks so much

[bamboobutton]

I have a friend who has cavalier kc spaniels, they seem like happy little dogs that suit family life.
Again you have to be careful with breeders as they can have problems with skull/brain size.

[monkeyfacegrace]

Good breeders are very rare. The best
pugs (in my vast experience) come from eastonite, cariella, and jessygaff. In fact, as far as im aware, jessygaff was the leader in the pde tests in the uk.

They wont be breeding again for a while though.
Im pretty sure cariella may have some ready now, but whether they are all taken im not sure.

Be prepared to travel too. I drove 8 hours to collect one of mine. And be prepared to be interrogated. You wont have a hope of getting one of these babies if you dont pass their grilling

And no, breathing issues isnt typical. Its called a collapsed trachia, and again, rare.
The usual issues are dry eyes which are easy to sort, and they need regular cleaning of their faces.

You also would be very unlucky to get a proper chewer. They are playful sods as pups, but wont destroy a kitchen like some breeds. Slippers however, another matter!

Where in the country are you?

[4paws]

Spraying snot all over you constantly
Wheezing because they can't breathe properly.
Determined to park their big brown bum holes right on your trousers.

Pugs are cheerful I grant you. and utterly disgusting

[4paws]

Ah, I forgot. They love balancing a nice big poo anywhere of their choosing. Like sticky out electrical sockets, or your slippers.

But soooo friendly about it

[FuckyNell]

4!

I have a well bred pug. She's just had her nostrils widened and soft palate resectioned. Next year she will need her leg sorted as she's got a luxating patella.

Her insurance costs more than my own life insurance. Her eyes get snotty. Her arse glands fill up and then burst on me. The smell is magnificently disgusting. £20 every 6 weeks at the vet to get them squeezed. No walking in the heat or cold.

Yy to the moulting. Every day.

IMO these are not for first timers. Although robust, they are also delicate and high maintenance. Expensive too.

Don't buy a cross breed, you are paying a lot of money for what is essentially a mongrel.

[FuckyNell]

Btw my pug is 2.

[Selks]

....if not a pug, border terrier? Cracking little dogs.

[LadyTurmoil]

Good god, sounds like a really bad choice. In view of all their health problems, I wouldn't get one on principle as it just seems to be encouraging bad breeding and continuance of terrible health problems for the poor animals...

[fanoftheinvisibleman]

The mention of not much need for exercise as a bonus would worry me with a Border Selks, they may be small but mine is like the duracell bunny!

[PuggyMum]

I'm in Cheshire monkey

[steeking]

Upper airway obstruction syndrome
You know all those "cute" pugs on you tube who sleep standing up? They do it because they have to.