Pugs are wonderful dogs;
They're cute, they love people and kids, and they make wonderful companions.
But, they're not for everyone !
Here are some facts !

Pugs Snore !!
Pugs snore during the night, and also when they take naps. If you can't tolerate the sound of snoring, pugs aren't the dog for you.

Pugs breathe loudly !!
Not only when they're sleeping, but when they're running and playing around the house, or with other dogs, pugs snort and breathe loudly. They also clear their nostrils a lot which resembles a sneeze - don't be surprised if your dog "sneezes" in your face or on your furniture - it happens frequently.

Pugs cannot live outside or be left outside for long periods of time !!
Pugs cannot tolerate high heat and humidity for very long. They can and will literally over heat and die in high heat and/or humidity. Pugs can't tolerate cold temperatures either. Very cold temperatures can be fatal.
Pugs are indoor dogs.

Pugs shed !!
Just because they're short haired dogs, don't think they don't have tons of fur! After you hold a pug, you will need a lint brush.

Pugs need daily care !!
Pugs have wrinkles and rolls on their faces, that can accumulate dirt, and sometimes even omit a foul smell. Daily or weekly cleaning may be necessary to keep these areas clean. More about this

Pugs like to chew !!
Though a pug may "look" like a typical lap-dog, they're a lot more than that. If you don't want your furniture chewed up, you'll want to provide a pug lots of items such as rawhide and other chew toys. A pug is a dog, and dogs need things to chew.

Pugs are very playful !!
Pugs are people oriented dogs, they love to be around you. They are not a good breed choice if you are not at home a lot -- they can and will get into mischief.

Pugs have sensitive eyes !!
Eye injuries are fairly common, as pugs eyes are not set back as some dogs eyes are. They tend to protrude slightly, increasing the likelihood for corneal scratches or even more severe eye injuries.

Pugs are not good watch dogs !!
Though a pug may bark to alert you that someone is at the door, or someone unrecognized is nearby, all a person has to do is be friendly to a pug and they will win the pugs friendship.

Anesthesia concerns
A pug, along with other flat-nosed breeds are not ideal candidates for anesthesia – that is because the risk of death is higher while under anesthesia due to the structure of their face and head. Before agreeing to any surgery on your pug, always confirm that your veterinarian is aware of the specific protocol for bracycephalic breeds – your dogs life may depend on it. Don't assume all vet will know automatically - ASK. Here is an article which may help explain this further. Surgery article

Pugs can't go running, cycling, or skateboarding with you
Pugs don't have the stamina that large dogs do. Because of their breathing difficulties, they will quickly become exhausted and overheat from exercise that is too strenuous.

Pugs are a breed of dog that often get stolen
Keep your pug out of harms way. Secure your home and your precious property (the pug) so that passers-by are not tempted to steal the dog (and anything else on your property). Because pugs can be sold for high prices, they are sometimes stolen and sold. Micro-chipping is a good method for finding lost and stolen dogs, but all too often they are never returned to their original owner. See bottom of page for additional ways to secure your property and deter thieves.

About Puppies
You don't have to tell us...we know...there are few things cuter than a pug puppy. But we see and hear about so many pugs that were purchased as puppies by owners who did not research this breed to see if they were compatible with their lifestyle, or simply found that they could not handle all the energy and/or accidents that puppies have, that we felt the need to address this issue. Pug puppies have TONS of energy, it has been said that there's no "off-switch". They may keep you up at night, whine, chew up things that you value, and have accidents on your carpet. It takes several months until any puppy is fully potty trained, so be prepared to clean up pee and poop, and occasional vomit from your carpets or furniture...it happens! You'll also want to train your dog so he/she is able to follow your basic commands - training takes time and lots of patience. If you do get a puppy, a responsible, reputable breeder is a must - because this breed has a tendency to have health issues it is so important to find breeders that are not carrying down degenerative health traits. Vet bills cost a lot of money and treating a lifelong condition will cost even more, not to mention the discomfort for your dog.

Consider a Rescue Pug
If you love pugs and want to own one, consider adopting a rescue pug who needs a home. Let's look at the Pro's of a Rescue Dog: 1) They've had a health assessment so if any medical conditions exist, you are made aware.
2) They've had a behavioral assessment - this is very important, you can match your dogs temperament to your own. 3) You are saving a life - many of these dogs have a sad story to tell, and they all deserve a 2nd chance at a happy life and you can give them that. 4) If you find that things don't work out, the rescue will take the dog back and place it in a loving foster home. 5) An advantage to an adult dog is that they are potty trained, often come knowing a full set of commands, and they have worked out all their puppy behavior and are ideal pets.

Important Safety information every dog owner should know.
In addition to good veterinary care, quality food, and lots of love, the issue of dog theft must be addressed. Unfortunately, it's a very real thing. Taking extra precautions can help.

Spay or Neuter	A pug that is unable to breed is less likely to be stolen by those who are looking to make money
Microchipping	This is a very inexpensive ($30) way to put a "serial number" on your dog. Should he or she ever end up at a shelter, the first thing they will do is scan for a chip. The chip contains contact information for you. Microchipping can be done at your veterinarian office. More Info...
Start a Neighborhood Watch	This is a good way to have an extra set of eyes around even when you're not home. It's easy and inexpensive and your neighbors will appreciate you for doing it. More Info...
Contractors and repair people	Be careful about anyone you let into your house. Though you may ask them to shut the door or gate when they leave, in many cases they forget. Many a sad tale has resulted from a negligent contractor who's got a lot of other things on their mind and your pets are at the bottom of the list. If possible always be home to show someone out.
Don't keep pets who are home alone visible to passers-by	...especially little yappy dogs. Pugs are not good watch dogs and will not be a deterrent to a thief. If you must leave your pets outside, use a type of fencing that doesn't allow passers-by to see into your yard. Thieves work by casing the property first. The less information they have, the better.
Be alert even when you're home	Even when you're home, if your pug is out in the yard or on a deck, keep him/her in view. Someone can hop a fence quickly and quietly and be gone with your pug. Even if you see them get away, the damage is done.
Take Inventory	Every night before you lock up the house, check to be sure all your pets are inside and safe where they belong. When you have guests or a house-sitter at your house, alert them to these guidelines so they won't inadvertently do something resulting in a lost pet.
Common Sense	Don't leave your pug tied up outside a grocery store, video store, post office or any public place. A thief will be gone with your pug in seconds. Even leaving them in the car with the windows cracked and the door locked is risky. If someone is bad enough to actually steal a dog, breaking a car window shouldn't be a problem either.
Gates	Gates are the biggest cause of pet loss we see. The classic story of "someone forgot to close the gate" happens way too much. Stop and think...if a gate is opened a dog will want to wander out. If someone forgets to close a gate, the dog will wander out. Gates don't always close completely. People may have things on their mind and forget to close the gate. People other than you, may not think it matters much or may assume the dog will just be sitting waiting to get back in if he should get out. This is rarely the case. Stop and think...if there's even a risk, keep the dog inside.