Looking for the Pug-fect breed to get home for your kids? Well, our puns might not be great, but Pugs sure are!
We know you love dogs, well, so do we! However, when you consider bringing a dog home, it is natural to worry if they’ll get along with your kids.
Pugs are adorable, playful, and the least snappy breed you’ll ever come across. So are they good with kids?
While they might seem like the perfect breed to bring home, it’s important to get to know them better. Scroll-through to learn more about Pugs and how well they adapt to your family.
Know the Breed: What Are Pugs Like?
While Pugs shown in ancient paintings appear lean and long, the 21st-century Pug looks a lot different. Pugs now are muscular and have small and blunt bodies.
Wrinkles and rose or button-style ears are the most distinctive features of a Pug. They also have intense, dark eyes and a tiny curled tail.
Fawn and Black are the most common coat shades seen in Pugs. Their coat is velvety-soft, but they do shed a lot of fur.
Furthermore, Pugs have a fun-loving, good-natured, as well as adaptable personality. They love attention, long naps, fetch, and of course, treats!
Related: What Were Pugs Bred For?
What’s a Pug’s Temperament Like?
The Pug is known to have one of the ideal temperaments for a family environment. It has a quiet, cuddly, and loving nature that appeals to dog lovers across the globe.
When studying the child-friendliness of Pugs, their general behavior should be observed. Experts say that they are a calm breed that can handle children well.
Toddlers and pre-teens are many-a-times naughty, unpredictable, and restless. It is very difficult to see them get along with a large, anxious, and ferocious breed.
Pugs are happy-go-lucky creatures and very stable when it comes to hanging around with kids. This is supposed to be the ideal behavior for a dog to have around children.
The American Temperament Test Society has passed the Pug with flying colors when it comes to having a good temperament. Pugs have an excellent temperament rate of 91.7%.
We compared this temperament pass rate with other breeds. Surprisingly, Pugs ranked way higher than most other breeds.
We were also astonished to find out that Pugs had even surpassed the tiny Shih Tzu, who scored 77.6%. Their lapdog counterpart, the Poodle, also ranked way lower with a 78.9% temperament rate.
These statistics show that Pugs have the best temperament to suit kids’ behavioral needs.
Studying the Pug’s Behavior
Pugs have been a subject of study by countless dog experts. The ATTS, as we mentioned, evaluates the temperament of dogs. Their research gives us a lot of valuable information.
The ATTS studies the nature of dogs through a well-researched method. This measuring process is very easy and gets done in no time.
To measure the temperament of Pugs, they are set free on a 6-ft leash. They are then allowed to roam within an enclosed area. A few stimulants are added to study their reaction.
Three ATTS experts evaluate the dog and look for any irritable, panicky, or aggressive behavior on the dog’s part. Two out of three judges need to pass the dog in this test for them to feature on the list.
It is also quite evident that Pugs are low-energy dogs. This enables dog owners to keep them in good health by taking them out for a walk or a game.
Pugs are very food motivated. So if you have a Pug at home, you need to train it to stop begging for food frequently.
This breed can come off as stubborn and unadaptable. However, it’s quite the opposite. Pugs are highly adaptable to their surroundings. They’re lazy, well, but will never complain.
The Pug’s Behavior With Kids
Pugs are comical- that’s a given fact! They’re very fond of playing and love to please their owners.
This breed is not just playful but also hilariously entertaining. They will dance around, knock things over, and even mess up all the rules of Fetch. All this to make you laugh!
Children that grow up with a Pug find themselves a confidant. Pugs love watching kids’ backs while playing with them constantly.
Pugs are also one of the finest charmers amongst other breeds. Having them as playmates allows children to grow in a loving, playful, and disciplined atmosphere.
These little fur babies are always eager to please. Kids love this attribute since they have it too! So quite often, you’ll find your kids and your dog both engaged in entertaining each other!
Pugs can also get naughty in the company of children. This is not very alarming because their energy comes in spurts and results in a nap sometime later.
Another lesser-known fact: Pugs are smart. They might not look it, but they are. They might not learn all the gentlemanly tricks instantly but can slowly transition into the perfect dog.
Related: Are Pugs Hyper?
So, Are Pugs Good With Kids?
Well, our answer is confident- YES! These dogs bring more than just fun and frolic to the table. Here’s why-
Pugs Are Extremely Calm
An overactive kid and an anxious dog do not go together. Several dogs have a habit of being the child of the family instead of the human-born.
Well, this means that we’ll have to discipline two parties to be quiet and well-mannered. As parents, that’s a Herculean task in itself.
Pugs are thankfully one of the quietest breeds. This is great for when you have new-borns or toddlers in the house.
Kids can get alarmed if a dog barks too often or too loudly. With Pugs, you never face this problem. They’re an extremely understanding breed.
Pugs never bark recklessly. They choose to bark only in a few obvious situations. For instance, when they see someone new, they will put their tiny vocal cords to use.
Moreover, Pugs are very protective of kids. A deep growl is certain when a stranger approaches a child. This quality makes them ideal for children.
Pugs Are Durable Dogs
Despite their tiny frames, Pugs are surprisingly durable. They’re compact creatures and barely cause any nuisance towards kids.
This breed is rarely seen knocking kids over or hurting them playfully. However, they’re also sturdy enough to handle mischievous kids.
Kids can get intense during playtime and forget their playmate’s size. Thankfully, Pugs can easily dodge slight rough play.
Larger breeds can also be well-mannered and calm, but their size is always a risk to your child. Pugs, on the other hand, pose no such trouble owing to their petite structure.
Pugs Are Super-Loyal
Pugs love their human family more than anything. Even with all the treats in the world, you cannot convince a Pug to give up its loyalty.
Pugs are constantly behind you. This makes them adorable, not clingy.
They hang around with your children throughout the day, keeping them happy and in great company.
Pugs Are Low-Maintenance
Pugs don’t need frequent baths, walks, or even playtimes. They prefer napping very often during the day.
This characteristic makes them very easy to manage. Their calm nature, tiny size, and low-energy levels make them the perfect companion for hyperactive children.
In most cases, children can manage their Pugs all by themselves.
Do Kids Pose Any Risk to Pugs?
All dogs need supervision. Pugs are no exception to this rule, especially when around kids. There are several things one must be careful about when raising a Pug alongside a child.
Over-Exhaustion
Pugs have unique facial features. Their faces are flat, and they have a tiny snout. This snout not only results in frequent snort-like sounds but can also cause breathing troubles.
You can often hear loud snores, snorts, and panting noises from your Pugs. This is because their nasal passage does not allow over-exhaustion.
When Pugs play too hard or run too much with kids, they can face issues while breathing. Most often, these breathing problems are mild, but sometimes it can turn severe.
Pugs can also become short of breath if they’re too excited or play under the hot Sun. Furthermore, they’re not fit for swimming or long hikes.
That said, kids should be taught to limit their playtime with their Pugs to a duration the latter can handle.
Sturdy, but not Super-Dogs!
Pugs are muscular and strong despite their small bodies. They can handle some intense playtime but can get injured if the game gets too rough.
This breed is very prone to injuries. Constant exertion and rough handling, they can suffer from joint disorders, hip dysplasia, and even arthritis.
So if you notice your dog being lazier than usual, you must take them to the vet. It is better to keep an eye out when they’re playing too much to ensure their safety.
You must also pre-inform your children of these health hazards. That way, it is easier to prevent your dog from getting injured.
Your dog also needs to be kept hydrated. Pugs are often seen with their tongues hanging out if it gets too hot or humid.
How to Train Pugs for Kids?
Training is vital for all breeds. While bringing up children and dogs together, rules and discipline play a huge role in nurturing their relationship.
Lay Down These Rules for Your Children
Here are some rules that your child must abide by while interacting with Pugs. These rules safeguard Pugs against injuries and help build a safe surrounding.
- Never force a Pug to play.
- Pulling on a Pug’s wrinkled skin is a strict no. This can hurt them and make them wince in pain.
- Do not ride your Pugs. Back injuries are very common when children put their body weight on a Pug’s back.
- Loud noises startle Pugs. Try to be quieter around them.
- Always approach Pugs from the side.
- Do not interrupt a Pug’s meal. This makes them irritable and snappy.
- Do not wrap your arm around a Pug’s neck too tightly. This leads to trouble in breathing.
- Exhausting your Pug in hot weather is not a great idea.
Teach Your Pugs to be Obedient
It is important to teach your dogs to follow the rules and listen to you. Pugs are usually easy to train. They react well to discipline training.
They need some time to adjust to rules but eventually try their best to learn well. It is better to repeat instructions so that dogs understand the importance of them.
Developing effective communication with your dog is another useful tactic. This helps you train your dog to behave well with family members.
Finally, obedience training teaches your dog to believe in you and trust you implicitly.
How to Make a Pug Social?
Pugs are natural extroverts and love socializing. However, here are a few things you can do to make your Pug more social.
- Take them for walks to a park
- Allow your Pug to interact with kids other than your own
- Take them to the beach
- Car rides are great for Pugs
- Take them shopping with you
- Visit other dog-friendly families
Introducing your Pug to new people and places can help rid them of anxiety, stress, as well as fear. It makes them more open and lets them enjoy their surroundings better.
How do Pugs Benefit Kids?
Pets make life happy, fun, and add a touch of positivity to our day-to-day lives. Pugs are an instant source of joy and can benefit your kids greatly. Here’s how-
- They act as a constant companion to your kid
- Pugs improve the quality of life
- They help deal with the majority of emotions
Overall
Pugs are brilliant pets for kids since they’re patient, calm, playful, and adaptable. Even though their face structure can pose some health troubles, they can easily be overcome with training.
Pugs are people-pleasers and are always by your side through thick and thin. Their loyal nature makes them ideal for all kids.
Overall, Pugs are loved around the globe and have an irresistible personality that keeps the entire family happy.