Here are some things to consider before you bring home that little bug-eyed adorably chubby puppy.

Pugs Are Stubborn!

Pugs are very stubborn.  They can be difficult to train and when they are puppies are very hyper and easily distracted.  If you have the time and the patience (be honest) training a pug can be very rewarding.

Pugs Are Needy!

Do you value going to the bathroom by yourself?  Do you occasionally like to have your lap free?  Do you despise having dog hair on your nice black pants?  If you answered yes, a pug is not a good choice.  However, if you love the idea of that little smooshy face following you everywhere (literally everywhere even into the shower) then a pug would be a valued addition to your home.

Pugs Shed!

They shed all the time.  They never stop shedding.  So throw out those black pants, and say hello to khaki!  A vacuum CAN be your best friend!

Pugs Chew!

Pugs chew on everything!  Fingers, clothing, toes...  It takes patience to teach them what they can and cannot chew.  Are you patient?  Can you handle a few ruined socks, pacifiers, underwear, chair legs, house plants?

Pugs Snore!

Yes, and they snore loud!  If you are a light sleeper, you may want to consider another breed of dog.

Pugs Have Anal Secretions!

Yes you heard me right.  They ooze stinky brown stuff from two glands on either side of their anuses.  I do have clothing with weird smelling brown stains.  This is something that you may also have to express yourself if they get clogged!  I am not kidding!

Consider Your Breeder!

If after all this you still are in love with the pug, then by all means bring one home!  However, do your homework.  If not bred by a responsible breeder, pugs can come with a plethora of medical problems.  So research your breeder.  Ask them about the medical history of the parents.  The couple hundred dollars more you have to pay will be a much larger savings in vet bills later.  Never buy a pug from a pet store!  These dogs are bred in puppy mills with atrocious conditions, I know you want to rescue this dog, however, purchasing an over priced puppy mill dog only keeps the puppy mills in business.

The Good Stuff!

Pugs are wonderful companions.  They are extremely lovable and travel very well.  They do not require hours of grooming and are relatively low maintenance.  They do not need a lot of exercise (although they do need some!).  Pugs draw a crowd wherever they go, and are friendly with strangers.  Pugs do not bark much (unless taught to bark) and stay relatively quiet.  Pugs are small so are relatively inexpensive to feed.  Pugs can live very well in small spaces like apartments and don't need a ton of yard space.  Pugs like to be clean so they are pretty easy to house break, and they don't enjoy splashing in mud puddles.  Charlie won't even step into a tiny bit of mud!   I love my Charlie and am very happy that I decided to bring him into my family.  He is definitely a keeper!