Affectionate and Friendly:

Pugs are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.

Good for Apartment Living:

Due to their small size and low exercise needs, Pugs adapt well to apartment living and smaller homes.

Low Maintenance Coat:

Pugs have a short coat that is easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming.

Playful and Fun-Loving:

They have a lively personality and enjoy playing with their owners and other pets, providing lots of entertainment.

Prone to Health Issues

Pugs are prone to several health problems, particularly related to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, such as breathing difficulties and eye issues.

Can Overheat Easily

Due to their short noses, Pugs are sensitive to heat and can quickly overheat in hot weather, requiring careful temperature management.

Stubborn in Training

While intelligent, Pugs can be a bit stubborn and independent, which can make training more challenging.

Tendency to Gain Weight:

Pugs love food and can easily become overweight, so portion control and regular exercise are essential.

Exercise Needs

Pugs have moderate exercise needs. While they enjoy playtime and short walks, they are not overly energetic and prefer to lounge around with their owners. Daily exercise is important to prevent weight gain, but care should be taken to avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather.

Walks

One or two short walks per day, along with playtime indoors, will keep them healthy and happy.

Training

Pugs are intelligent but can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement methods work best, along with patience and consistency. Early obedience training and socialization are important to ensure good behaviour and prevent undesirable habits.

Purchase Price

Purchase Price: $2,000 - $4,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $600 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $500 - $800 AUD per year, given their small size and dietary needs.

Grooming

Minimal grooming costs, typically around $100 - $200 AUD per year, though regular brushing helps manage shedding.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care, especially for breathing and eye issues, could cost $400 - $700 AUD per year.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $30,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Pugs typically stand 25-33 cm (10-13 inches) tall and weigh between 6-8 kg (14-18 lbs).

Coat

Pugs have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately year-round, but regular brushing helps manage shedding.

Colour Options

Pugs come in two standard colours: fawn with a black mask or solid black.

Temperament

Pugs are known for their playful, friendly, and easy-going temperament. They are affectionate with their families and enjoy being the centre of attention. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and resilient, making them well-suited for families with children.

Good with Children

Pugs are generally excellent with children due to their playful and gentle nature. They enjoy being around kids and are patient with their antics, though supervision is recommended with very young children to ensure safe interactions.

Socialisation

Pugs are naturally social and enjoy meeting new people and pets. Early socialisation helps them become well-adjusted, confident adults.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Pugs are best suited to indoor living with their families. They should not be left outside for long periods due to their sensitivity to temperature extremes, particularly heat. They are happy spending time indoors but enjoy short outdoor activities. 

Apartment Living

Pugs are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and relatively low exercise needs. They are generally quiet and adapt well to smaller living spaces.

Time Alone

Pugs are social dogs that enjoy being with their owners and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They are best suited for homes where someone is present for much of the day, or where they have other pets for companionship.

Climate Adaptability

Pugs are highly sensitive to heat and require extra care in warmer climates. It’s important to provide them with plenty of water, shade, and cool environments, especially during the summer months. In hot weather, walks should be limited to early mornings or late evenings to avoid overheating.

Common Health Issues

Pugs are prone to several health problems due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, including breathing difficulties, eye problems (such as corneal ulcers and dry eye), hip dysplasia, and obesity. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and careful management of their activity levels are essential to keep them healthy.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to the breed’s predisposition to health issues, particularly related to their flat faces, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.

Guarding Ability

While not typically aggressive, Pugs may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual noises. However, they are more likely to greet visitors with enthusiasm than to act as guard dogs.

Affectionate Nature

Pugs are affectionate and love being close to their families. They enjoy cuddling and often seek out attention and companionship from their owners.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Pugs are generally friendly and sociable with other dogs. However, due to their small size and breathing issues, supervision is necessary to ensure they do not overexert themselves or become overwhelmed by larger, more energetic dogs.