I am Bonnie, I am not a Pug

One of the first times I met a pug, I couldn’t help but laugh at him. He was goofy, friendly and all-around a wonderful little creature who loved the attention thrown on him. And that is really what the breed is in a nutshell.

Known as an excellent companion breed for young and old alike, the pug is a charming breed that is full of personality. Whether they are snoring on the couch or playing a fun game of fetch, these pups will fill your life with a lot of fun and laughter.

They are truly a gem amongst breeds and there is much to learn about them. So, let’s take a look at this wonderful breed. Not only will you find things to laugh about, but you may also even realize that this is the breed you’ve wanted all along.

Funny Face: The Wonderful Appearance of the Pug

Height:

Males and Females: 10 to 13 inches (25.40 to 33.02cm)

Weight:

Males and Females: 14 to 18 pounds (6.35 to 8.16kg)

Coat Colors:

Accepted Breed Standard Colors

  • Black: Solid black dog
  • Fawn: Ranging from light silver fawn to dark fawn

It should be noted that pugs have a black mask on their face and ears, even black pugs, however, it is harder to notice on a black dog.

Disqualified American Breed Standard Colors

pug

Many breed clubs, including the American Kennel Club, only accept the two colors with pugs, however, they can be found in other colors.

It should be noted that many breeders debate whether these colors are purebred or the result of other breeds being crossed into the breed. In addition, there are no “rare” colors and puppy buyers should never pay extra for these colors.

Finally, some health problems have been linked to coat color but we will cover this when we look at the health of the pug.

  • Silver: A grey dog with a silver color to the coat.
  • White: White dog, usually without a black mask but still has a black nose
  • Merle: A coat that is mottled colors in a solid or piebald coat. Merle’s can also have miscolored eyes.
  • Brindle: Black with brindling of fawn or apricot

Short, stocky and thickset are three words that describe the appearance of this small breed. They should have a square appearance to their build with their height being equal to their length.

The chest should be broad and the legs should be muscular and thick. While they are a small breed, they should not appear fragile or delicate.

The head of the pug should be large with a round shape to it. It should have large, round eyes that are always dark brown in color. Light eyes or miscolored eyes are not accepted but can be seen in some of the disqualified colors.

The muzzle of the pug should be very short. In fact, the breed is a brachiocephalic breed and should have an extremely flat muzzle.

That being said, there should be a muzzle and the lower jaw should be slightly longer, extending out more, than the upper jaw.

Teeth should have a slightly undershot bite and there are often moles on the cheeks of pugs and they should have prominent wrinkles on the face. Finally, the ears of the pug should be small that are rose or button-shaped.

Pugs should have a level topline and should be a sturdy dog. The breed should have a tail that is carried over the body and is curled tightly.

The coat of the pug should be short and it should have a smooth and soft texture to it. As mentioned above, the only accepted colors are black and fawn, however, in some countries, apricot is another accepted color.

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Dr Snippets Pet Hotel Tips

Going on a vacation with a pet might sound challenging, especially in case you’ve already chosen a destination of your dreams. However, pets are our family members that deserve to stay involved in everything, even to our holidays.

That’s why we’ve prepared a list of pet-friendly hotels that will help you spend a relaxing time with your four-legged friend.

We all know how dog owners can feel sad about leaving their dogs to boarding kennels. The things can be especially difficult in case you own a companion dog breed. Since companion dogs used to work alongside their owners, they can start feeling anxious and depressed by realizing their owners are not by their side.

Even when you want to spend a weekend without your pooch can cause him to feel sad and stressful. Therefore, it’s advisable to take your four-legged friend with you whenever you can.

To make sure you’ve packed all the essentials for your furry friend, we decided first to introduce you with the over needed checklist.

What to bring to a pet-friendly hotel for your dog?

It’s an undeniable fact that your pet would be happy to spend a holiday with you. It’s the time when you’ll not go to work and leave him/her to spend time alone.

On the other hand, for some dogs,  relocation and changing a sleeping place may seem stressful by themself. In case you’ve already packed your suitcases, make sure you didn’t forget to take the following items for your four-legged friend.

Collar with an ID tag

Sometimes, we can’t predict certain situations to happen. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep your pet safe when spending time in a foreign country by putting a collar with an ID tag on his/her neck.

In some states, this rule is even prescribed by the law. The ID tag should consist of a dog’s name and your phone number. Another thing to consider is to make sure the microchip contact details are up to date.

Harness and leash

In case you own a brachycephalic dog breed or your dog doesn’t feel comfortable to carry a leash on it, it’s recommended to bring a harness to a pet-friendly hotel.

Harnesses not only provide better support to a dog’s body, but they are also suitable when going to long walks. In the case of going hiking, harnesses will surely make your pooch feel more comfortable.

Dog blanket

We all know that dogs like to feel the smell of their homes whenever they are. Therefore, your dog’s blanket with his scent will make him feel relaxed and calmed when spending time in a new environment.

In case you forgot to bring it with you, your dirty shirt can become his/her a great replacement.

Dog food

How can we forget about bringing dog food? Regardless of whether you went to spend only a weekend out of a town, it’s not advisable to suddenly change a dog’s diet.

Otherwise, your pooch might experience diarrhea and stomach flatulence. To be honest, these issues could really ruin your holiday.

Dog toys

It’s an undeniable fact that dogs like to play with toys to stay entertained. However, dog toys not only improve your dog’s intelligence, but they also prevent them from suffering from separation anxiety.

Many interactive dog toys can keep your pet occupied while you’re having a bath, drinking a coffee, or having lunch.

Dog Clothes and shoes

One of the most important things to consider is the season when you go on holiday. In case you are going to spend a winter holiday, then your dog should wear appropriate clothes just like you. Of course, this rule doesn’t apply if you own a mountain dog breed such as Siberian Husky.

Regardless if you are walking on snow or hot sand, your four-legged friend needs to wear protective shoes. When your dog wears boots, you’ll prevent his paws from becoming cracked or getting cuts and blisters. Note that road salt in winter can do severe damages to hit sensitive paw pads.

The reasons to bring a pet to spend a vacation with its owner

  • One of the best reasons to spend a holiday with a dog is that you’ll be able to make an unbreakable bond with your pet. You two will be able to enjoy a vacation of your life. There will be no going to work, preparing lunch, washing laundry, and doing other boring stuff.
  • It’s known that dogs are curious creatures that enjoy discovering new odors, nature, and places,  so you can be sure that he’ll be thrilled by the fact he spends time with you in a new environment.
  • You’ll be more active in case you take your pet on holiday. Since our pooches are ‘energy bombs,’ you’ll surely get in shape without going to the gym.
  • We all know that boarding kennels are expensive. Therefore, why not save some money and take your pet with you. In the end, you will not feel worried about leaving a dog at the dog sitting center.
  • Here we come to the most important reason! There are countless pet-friendly hotels that will literally prepare a red carpet for your four-legged friend. In some hotels, they even provide a dog with plenty of treats,  unique drinking and feeding bowls, and other equipment.

Extra safety tips when traveling with your pet

  • In case you’re traveling by car, it’s advisable to take short breaks every two hours. To escape potential dangers and your dog’s unwanted behavior, we recommend you always to put your pet in a travel seat.
  • Do not leave your dog in a car alone even for a minute. Since the temperature in a vehicle can go double in a short time, your pooch may get heatstroke. On the other hand, in cold weather, a car acts like a refrigerator.
  • Hydration is essential both for you and your pooch. When traveling, we advise you to feed your pet with multiple small meals instead of giving it one big. In that way, you’ll prevent your dog from digestive discomfort and stomach pains.
  • In case you want to take your dog to swim, make sure you bring a dog life jacket. Dog breeds such as French bulldogs, Pugs, and other brachycephalic breeds may sink faster due to their flat skulls and short legs.
Born To Be Wild