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A Pug’s Temperament: Learn About The 8 Best and Worst Pug Traits They Are Famous For

A Pug’s temperament: any canine fella, no matter the breed, has its own good and bad qualities. Wrinkled buds are no exception. And that’s ok since humans are not 100% perfect either. Any Pug owner knows that their flat-faced companions can not only be as sweet as a cucumber but also vicious as a Pitbull at the same time, depending on where they are coming from, who their owner is, and how they are being raised. Sometimes a Pug’s temperament with other dogs varies as well like humans’ one who doesn’t get along with just anybody. 

In case you are thinking about adopting a smushed-faced companion, this article will teach you anything you need to know about a Pug’s good and bad qualities. The breed knowledge will best prepare you for any surprises your Pug friend might throw at you. 

pugs temperament
Pugs Temperament: Best and Worst Traits

Do Pugs Have a Good Temperament?

So, what about a Pug’s temperament? Are Pugs aggressive? In general, what we can state with confidence is that Pugs are great family dogs who love to cuddle and snuggle. This canine species is “blue-blooded” as many Chinese emperors were the first-ever Pug breeders and treated their beloved pals as royalty. Many present-day Pugs have aristocratic Asian ancestry and reputable breeders make sure that their wrinkled pups are as “pure” as they can be. Usually, if a pooch is purebred, there are fewer behavior as well as health problems to deal with down the road compared to a mixed puppy. Now, let’s take a look at both the good and the bad Pug qualities.

The Best and Worst Pug Traits

The Best:

Friendly

Pugs are known to be a “sweetheart breed,” wanting your full attention, greeting you by jumping up and down, and always happy to see your friends. It is one of the most social breeds, constantly craving company. Aggression issues are almost non-existent and unheard of with our wrinkled friends. Pugs are famous for their “class clown” reputation and are always up for a good time.

Cuddly

If you are a snuggly type, then you should choose Puggo as your cuddle buddy. They like to sleep a lot and are not considered very active (on the contrary with Shepherds or Labradors), therefore can turn into perfect lap dogs. While you are watching TV or talking to somebody on the phone, they can just lay right next to you, catching some zzz’s. 

Devoted

It will be very hard to find a more dedicated, loving, and trusting canine than a Pug. People who crave companionship might find that Pugs are one of the best breeds when it comes to full devotion to their masters. They will adoringly look into your eyes when you approach them, especially if you have a treat in your hand. If you were a Pug, wouldn’t you? 

Playful

Even though they are not super active, they love to play! More so, if there are any “human siblings” present in the household. They can play hide and seek, tug-of-war, and fetch with your kids while you are busy with some house chores. Puggos are one of the best child-friendly breeds in the canine zodiac. 

The Worst:

Clingy

For some Pug owners, their pet’s unlimited affection transpires as “clinginess,” and starts to get annoying. In case you are one of the owners who hate it when a dog follows your every step, it is possible to train it to become more independent. It is very similar to the situation when a pet parent doesn’t like “wet kisses” or “hugs” from his/her pooch, therefore every time a Pug stops licking you or sits calmly on the couch when you get up to go into another room, reward it with a high-quality treat to associate its behavior with something desired.  

Separation Anxiety Issues

The same goes for a full-scale separation anxiety issue: if your mutt is diagnosed, you need to talk to the vet or trainer to come up with an individually crafted plan for a pal who just can’t be left alone. Yet, the same positive reinforcement strategy works with the anxiety problem as in the case of clinginess. It might just take longer to get to the “desired destination.” But, if you are consistent with your efforts, you will get there. In case you truly want a Pug bud, don’t let its OCD behavior stop you, just give your pal some time of day. 

Stubbornness

A Pug’s stubborn temperament is a well-known trait that spoils their friendly reputation. That’s why they are hard to train. If you want your unruly pal to learn some good manners, you need to be very patient and use the reward system as a helpful tool to make a Puggo bud do what you want it to do. It may not take a day or even a week, but it will be worth it in the end. 

High Maintenance

    This last drawback doesn’t have anything to do with a Pug’s temperament but becomes somewhat of an obstacle when it comes to introducing a wrinkled friend into your life. These facts restrain a lot of people from getting a hound of this breed. 

    Firstly, their health issues: the “palette” of ailments like breathing, heart, joint, thyroid, and diabetes, just to mention a few. Pugs are brachycephalic breeds, meaning that their scull shape is flat, preventing normal oxygen flow throughout the body. This leads to heart problems and seizures. Smushy-faced pals’ bodies are somewhat chubby compared to their much-tinier, short legs. The latter is forced to carry an unproportionally large body’s weight and this creates extra tension on weakening joints. And the diabetes problem stems from Pugs being prone to obesity.

    Secondly, the heavy shedding: Pugs shed all year round, not just in the spring. So, be prepared for the never-ending vacuuming and mopping. It is not recommended to choose this breed if you are allergic to pet hairs. You can invest both in a good-quality de-shedding brush and/or a robot vacuum that does the “dirty work” for you. 

    Thirdly, wrinkled pooches are not very heat-tolerant. If it gets above 80 degrees outside, they should take short walks and spend most of the day indoors, next to an air conditioner. Also, they need to stay hydrated when temperatures skyrocket. Hence, always check that your furry friend’s water bowl is full of aqua. Take water with you as well when you go for a walk to always have it handy.

    pugs temperament
    Pugs Temperament

    Curl-Up

    Every canine has its best and worst qualities. When it comes to a Pug’s temperament, both are there as well, so you just have to decide for yourself what is going to prevail. Some dog owners would choose a Pug for their spunky personality and will try to deal with anxiety and health problem issues. Others will be irritated with the pooch’s constant following around and would prefer a more independent breed. In any case, I hope this detailed insight into a Pug’s temperament will help you to make the right decision.

    Related Reading: How To Potty Train A Pug Puppy?

    stuart and his dog

    Family Dog Expert Author

    Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.