Anyone have a Pug dog?

[Mercy]

We lost our dog, Henry, to cancer last year. My husband is now feeling the need to have another dog in his/our lives. He has been talking about Pug's, which surprises me because he usually favors larger dogs.

I think they are adorable, but I've done some research on them and apparently they shed a lot!! Every website I've been on, mentiones the shedding and says that if you don't want a dog that sheds a lot, stay away from the Pug.

Anyway just wanted to hear from anyone who owns one.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do not know anything about pugs, Mercy, but they sure seem nice. My daughter, Natalie wants to get one someday. Our fur babies are family, aren't they?

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Yep, they do shed a great deal, and they don't know when to stop eating. You must be very careful not to overfeed...always playing like they are starving to tug at your heart.
They are very pack animal oriented, meaning they like to have company and if you don't have a second dog and even if you do, they will still expect you to spend a good amount of time with them. Mine sleeps on my ankle in bed and on someone's lap most of the time.
I don't have the problem with mine, but I am told that since the dog has the pushed in nose that sometimes problems arise from that, as well as some having skin problems because of the folds. Our min pin usually takes care of keeping our pug clean in that area when I don't get there first.
They aren't the fastest and sometimes are known to be stubborn. I've taken him for walks and find myself waiting for him to "catch his breath" as he doesn't have the ability to make much distance, but will come home and run around the place for the short bursts.

I used to have Great Danes...love that breed. Always thought about rescuing a greyhound; I know folks that have done that.

We are so happy to have ours and we do love our guy for certain.

If Dax doesn't respond to this thread, you might want to PM her as she just let a litter go and will have valuable info to add I am sure.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it is.

 

[jipsy]

Look for Dax here on the DIS. She raises them.

 

[DVC-Don]

We have a pug, Bentley. As said, they shed a LOT and are always trying to convince you they have not eaten in days. They are also prone to ear infections and eye injuries which can lead to blindness. We rescued ours from a law student who did not take care of him at all. He is blind now due to eye injuries while with the previous owner. It is amazing how he has memorized the layout of our house and if you move something, he can adapt after a bit. But, he is the most loyal and friendly little fella you'd ever meet, once he figures out where you are.

 

[Mercy]

Thanks for the responses guys. Our previous dog Henry, shed a lot. He was a mixed breed, shepherd and lab I think. Even though we loved him to death, the shedding did get to me, there was constantly hair everywhere. Now that he is gone, we do miss him, but I can honestly say I don't miss the dog hair.

In choosing our next dog, the shedding factor is definitely something we will consider. Pugs are so cute and adorable, it's hard to believe those little guys shed like they do! Maybe we need to consider another breed.

Thanks for recommending Dax, I will pm her and ask her opinion.

 

[pixiemomma]

My sister bought us a pug for Christmas and we LOVE him. I have always favored large breed dogs myself but this puppy is just the sweetest little guy imaginable. He is a wonderful companion to all of us even my young children.

 

[Tink10]

I've had 2 pugs....Harley, who we lost 3 years ago & now we have Wyatt......He's my baby. They're a WONDERFUL breed. Always loving, sweet and playful.

My sister is a recognized breeder and runs a Pug rescue group. She just had her first book published......

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=2YGQURWP7T&isbn=0764124889&itm=8

Needless to say, we're a pug family.......If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask....

As far as shedding goes, we also have a yellow lab & they both shed about the same........

 

[llebrekniT]

Looks like you've already had your question answered - yes they do shed alot, everyday of their lives. We have a fawn male and a black female, the fawn sheds more than the black. They are basically a big dog trapped in a little dogs body, they do not know they are small. (They also do not know they are dogs, at least ours don't) Their fur is short, so the shedding may not be as bad as you imagine if you are used to shedding by longer hair dogs. Anyway, IF you can put up with the shedding, you will never have a better best friend. Our fawn is 6 and our black is 3, neither have had any health issues to date. Good luck!

 

[jenfur]

I have been looking at puppies too! Shedding is also a big concern for us. We have decided on a Yorkie ( I have ALWAYS wanyed one) but another great family dog that is just so sweet and completely shed-free is the Bichon Frise. I thought they looked like big Q-tips from the dog shows but after seeing some in person they are really adorable and very sweet.

 

[Dax]

Check your PM's Mercy....I sent you some info....


And thanks to the rest of the crew here, who recommended me for info....Nice to Know I am an "expert" so to speak about something...even if it is just pugs..LOL