Are Pugs Good for First Time Owners? And Are Pugs Smart?

If you have been searching for the right pet dog, you must have come across pugs. These small dog breeds are a popular choice but are pugs good for first-time owners?

Being a first-time dog owner can be quite challenging as the experience is strange. So, should you get pugs as a first-time owner? Read on to find out.

Also, this article will answer another question that must be on your mind; are pugs smart?

Key Takeaway

Pugs are ideal for first-time dog owners because they are friendly, loyal, smart, and playful. They are the top choice for house pets and are great with kids and other pets.

Why Are Pugs Popular Pet Choices?

Pugs are a popular breed for pets. They are small, cute with a wrinkled face and flat nose, and absolutely adorable. Relatively, pugs can be low-maintenance. They don't require a lot of activities and are happy to spend the entire day curled up on the couch with their favorite human.

This is not to say that having a pug as a pet is a joyride. Pugs are prone to respiratory and spinal problems. They are also prone to skin infections. However, you won't have to worry about these health issues if you get your pug from a reputable professional breeder.

ThingsFirst Time Owners Should Look Out for When Getting A Dog

So, you have been dying to get a pet dog, but the options are numerous that you don't know which to go for.

Having a pet dog is great as you would have a loyal, friendly canine companion but not every dog breed is ideal for first-time owners.

If you are a first-time dog owner, here are some things to look out for before getting the dog;

Size: It's your ultimate choice to decide whether you want a small dog or a big dog. This is also dependent on the amount of space you have. Pugs, for instance, are small dogs but are sensitive to heat. They can suffer heat stroke when kept in a small space or apartment. You want to make sure the available space and resources can accommodate the dog's needs you want to get.
Temperament: Some dog breeds can be stubborn, aggressive, and hard to train. Not every toy dog, like pugs, has a good temperament. Pugs themselves are stubborn, and you need to be patient when training them.
Cost of buying and owning: As a first-time dog owner, your budget largely determines the kind of dog you can get. Dogs like pugs have moderate price tags, but you may pay a little over $2000 for one depending on how healthy and well-bred the pug is. Also, it would help if you considered the cost of owning a dog. Some dogs have fewer needs, while some have significant needs that consume a lot of money.

What Are the Best Choices for First Time Owners?

Many dog breeds are excellent choices for first-time owners. They include;

Pugs
Yorkshire terriers
Shih Tzu
Boston terrier
Puggles

Are Pugs Good for First Time Owners?

Source: Unsplash.com

Generally, pugs are good for first-time owners. They are friendly, great companions, playful, and small. They are also relatively low-maintenance. They don't require as much exercise as other breeds except for the regular walks.

However, as a first-time owner, you must be willing to create time for a pug. They love to play and be around their favorite humans. They also love to eat.

Their huge appetite and lazy nature make them prone to obesity. Beyond obesity, pugs are also known to have respiratory issues and spinal problems. They usually have difficulty breathing and are highly sensitive to heat. They are also prone to skin infections because of their wrinkled faces.

A pug's health might be a major concern. Hence, it is vital that you buy a healthy pug. Some of these health issues are inherited from one or both parents. You can either adopt, rescue, or buy a pug. The best option would be to buy a pug from a licensed, reputable breeder to ensure the pug is healthy.

Besides these health issues, pugs are perfect for first-time owners and make great pets.

Are Pugs Smart?

Pugs are observant dogs, and they adapt quickly. They are not the smartest dogs, but they are relatively intelligent. They obey commands easily (although it takes practice). They are also independent-minded, which can make training them trickier.

Are Pugs Easy to Train?

It is true that pugs are stubborn and have minds of their own. Don't be fooled by the cute face. They can be stubborn, but this doesn't make them hard to train. However, it is easier to train pugs when they are puppies than when they are older. Training an adult pug won't be as easy because, once again, they like to be independent. If you have the time to train your pugs, you can do this with a lot of patience. Otherwise, you should hire a professional trainer if you can afford to.

Conclusion

As a first-time owner, you can have pugs as long as you are willing to care for the friendly canine buddies. Remember that pugs are prone to some health conditions that can affect their quality of life. They are also stubborn, independent-minded dogs who love food and comfort. You must have what it takes to give your pugs the best care and attention.

Pugs are smart dogs, and they are good for first-time owners.

REFERENCE WEBSITES

https://mom.com/momlife/17968-best-dog-breeds-first-time-owners/brittany-dog

https://blackpugsite.com/are-pugs-good-for-first-time-dog-owners/

https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/5-reasons-pug-might-be-right-dog-breed-you

https://thesmartcanine.com/are-pugs-smart/