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Pug

Fawn Pug with a wrinkled face sitting outdoors
Photo: Augustus Binu — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A small, wrinkly-faced charmer with a curled tail — comical, affectionate and glued to its people.

SizeSmallBest asFamily companionCoatShortOriginAsia

How to spot it

A compact, square little dog about 25–33 cm tall and 6–8 kg, with a large round head, deep facial wrinkles, big dark eyes, a short flat muzzle and a tightly curled tail. Coats are fawn or black.

Temperament

Even-tempered, playful and very people-oriented — it wants to be in your lap and in the middle of everything. Good with children and generally sociable, it is a true companion breed.

Exercise & training

Needs only modest exercise — short walks and play — and can be a little stubborn, but responds well to gentle, food-based training. Do not over-exert it.

Grooming & care

The short coat sheds surprisingly a lot; brush weekly. The face wrinkles must be wiped clean and kept dry to prevent infection.

Health & lifespan

Around 12–15 years. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed the Pug can struggle to breathe and overheats easily — keep it cool, never leave it in heat or a hot car, and keep it slim. This matters a great deal in Indian summers.

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