Few dogs embrace life quite like a Pug. With their wrinkly foreheads, expressive eyes, and comical snorts, they bring joy wherever they go. Whether they’re zooming around the house or glued to your side like a tiny, four-legged shadow, one thing’s for sure — Pugs love to be part of the action!
Thinking about welcoming a dog into your life? Or already sharing your life with a Pug? Either way, this guide has everything you need to know about keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Pug.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Pugs have been charming humans for over 2,000 years. Originating in China, these small companion pups were bred as lapdogs for Chinese emperors, earning them a special place in royal households. Their popularity spread to Europe in the 16th century, where they became beloved by aristocrats and even had ties to the Dutch royal family.
Today, Pugs continue to be adored worldwide for their loving, sociable nature and their quirky, entertaining personalities.
Key characteristics
Pugs are small but sturdy, with charming, mischievous personalities that make them irresistible. They are deeply affectionate and thrive on human interaction, often following their owners from room to room.
Despite their small size, they have a big personality and love to play. But they’re also known for their laid-back attitude — happy to snooze the day away beside their favourite humans.
Their signature snorting and snuffling sounds are part of their charm, though they can sometimes indicate breathing difficulties due to their flat faces.
Health considerations
Pugs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature. They may also experience obesity, eye problems, and dental disease. A custom portioned, high-protein diet can support their weight maintenance, body condition, and their overall health.
Appearance and size
Pugs are compact, muscular dogs with a distinctive wrinkled forehead, short snout, and curled tail. Their large, round eyes give them an expressive and endearing look. Their short coat is smooth and comes in black or fawn with a characteristic black muzzle. Despite their small stature, Pugs are sturdy and well-proportioned, with a playful and confident gait.
Pug personality and temperament
Pugs aren’t just affectionate — they're like Velcro, following you from room to room, tail wagging, eyes full of adoration. Expect them to be your couch companion and your bathroom buddy!
Their playful and sturdy nature makes them great with children and other pets, but they can be stubborn, requiring patient, consistent training.
As a toy breed, they’re an excellent choice for city living and can adapt easily to apartments, as long as they get daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Real insights from a Pug parent
For a real-world glimpse into life with a Pug and the traits that make them so special, hear from Amber about her experience parenting Pickle – a smooth-coated Griffon and Lyka pup.
Pickle, our little Pug is a delightful bundle of energy and irresistible charm.
Pickle's eyes sparkle with curiosity, mischief, and goofiness, while her piglet-curled tail wags enthusiastically with every step. She has boundless energy and eagerly seeks attention, snuggling on our laps or our bed whenever possible.
Despite her small size, Pickle exudes confidence, bringing joy and laughter to any room with her quirky antics and unwavering devotion. She radiates happiness, making it impossible not to fall in love with her. Pickle’s loves treats, sleeping and playing with Poppy the Border Collie and best buddy Peppa the Pug.
– Amber, Pickle’s dog parent (she's on Lyka)
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Size guide
A full-grown Pug weighs between 6-8 kg and can grow between 25-30 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by 9 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Pugs live?
Pugs have a lifespan of around 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
Pugs can be prone to developing oral health problems like gum disease. Brush their teeth regularly and give them a food containing kelp to help control plaque and tartar build-up.
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Pug eat?
A charming and quirky Pug needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best Pug diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Pug’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Do Pug puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Pug puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Pug health issues
Pugs from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs can experience health issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which affects their breathing. Avoid over-exercising and over-heating (especially in the summer) to prevent respiratory distress.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy. Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
2. Eye conditions
Pugs’ signature big, round eyes need extra care. They can be susceptible to injury and conditions like cataracts, entropion, dry eye, and cherry eye.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Obesity
As a toy breed, it can be easy for Pugs to gain unnecessary weight, putting additional strain on their backs and joints.
Maintain your pup's optimal weight with a portion-controlled, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape.
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:
🍠 Purple sweet potato: a low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.
🥬 Kale: fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.
Pair this with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and healthy, along with regular veterinary check-ups.
Pug coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Pug well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine also helps to maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Pugs have a short, smooth, double coat that sheds moderately year-round and more intensely before the warmer seasons.
Grooming
Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt can help remove loose fur and keep their coat in top condition.
The folds of loose skin and wrinkles that Pugs are famed for can contribute to skin conditions, if they’re not kept clean and dry. A gentle wipe with a cloth and a thorough towel-dry can help to maintain good skin health.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use gentle, dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Pug hygiene tips
A Pug's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Pug to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of ear infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Pug exercise requirements
Pugs require moderate exercise to stay fit and healthy. A couple of short daily walks, combined with interactive playtime, will keep them happy. Due to their flat faces, they can struggle with breathing in hot or humid weather, so it’s important to avoid overexertion and keep exercise sessions short and in cooler morning and evening periods.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their lifestyle.
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Training a Pug
Pugs can have a stubborn streak, so training takes patience (and plenty of treats and praise!). They respond best to positive reinforcement — think short, fun sessions packed with rewards.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For Pugs puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Pug breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Pug is the perfect fit? How exciting! The next step is finding a reputable breeder or considering adoption from a rescue shelter.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable Pug breeders plan a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
These ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities and meet their dogs in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask them questions about their program and enquire about how they’ve addressed common health conditions, like scoring for hip dysplasia.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Pug breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Pug puppy?
You can expect to pay between $2,000 to $5,000 for a Pug puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember — the real cost of dog parenting isn’t just the purchase price. It’s the ongoing commitment of time, love, and care.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a Pug from a rescue shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got some unanswered questions about the Pug? Check out the facts in our FAQs below:
Are Pugs hypoallergenic?
No, Pugs aren’t regarded as a hypoallergenic breed because they shed their hair, so they’re not suitable for those with allergies.
When should I desex my Pug?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Pug pregnant?
The Pomeranian gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Do Pugs bark a lot?
Pugs aren’t known to be a vocal breed but may bark to draw your attention to something. Excessive barking may be a result of boredom or frustration if they’re not given adequate exercise or stimulation.
Do Pugs get along with cats and other pets?
Pugs can get along with other cats and pets if they’re socialised appropriately. Always supervise interactions and use positive reinforcement.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Pug comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Pugs across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
