Some dog breeds are not recognized by kennel clubs and federations, but are common and in demand in different countries. This breed is the mini pug. The history of the origin of these small animals is relatively young; pugs and Pekingese were used for breeding. Breeders still hope to gain recognition for dwarf dogs with a specific appearance.
The history of the appearance of small pugs
Mini-pugs, or Lo-Shi, descended from Tibetan mastiffs, their homeland is China, from where the dogs were brought to Holland. In Europe they quickly won the love of the nobility. Representatives of the breed arrived in England in the mid-19th century, where breeders began to seriously breed them. In 1885, toy dogs were brought to America, by which time they began to lose their miniature size.
The breed was revived by Rebecca Mance. She crossed Pugs with Pekingese and, in the late twentieth century, created the short American Pugs, or Lo-Shi, which were soon recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club.
It's a shame they don't live long
Pug puppies have a genetic disease - pituitary dwarfism. Babies can be born healthy and acquire this disease later, then they stop growing. Their forms become dwarf. The external signs of the disease are the same as in humans. Pugs have unusually short legs or a disproportionately large head. There are also very small specimens, weighing barely more than a kilogram.
Sometimes there are cases when the number of puppies in a litter is too large. As a rule, the last puppies are born small and weak. When a bitch has well-developed instincts, she herself throws aside non-viable offspring.
If a compassionate breeder pays attention and feeds the last ones from a pipette and nipple, then these individuals have a chance to grow into dwarfs. And they will undoubtedly become public favorites, thanks to their original size.
Struck by the miniature nature of such dogs, lovers of decorative breeds begin to specifically look for mini-pug puppies. At the same time, without thinking deeply about whether such a breed actually exists. And they find it. Not too often, but it still happens when breeders offer a dwarf pug for sale. We assure you that there is no such breed. And such an announcement is just a publicity stunt.
But be that as it may, having received such a tiny miracle with a snub nose, the owner falls in love with it. And it’s a pity that dwarfs have a very short life span.
What types of mini-pugs are there?
Lo Shi are funny and attractive. Due to the variety of colors of dwarf pugs from black to white, they are often not alike, which allows you to choose a puppy to suit every taste. As a result of selection, varieties and types appeared, obtained from crossing short pugs with other breeds:
- Shar Pei - bred as a result of mutation and genetic failure, it is rare, a distinctive feature is a large number of folds on the skin.
- Hairy – with unusually long hair.
- Terrier – attractive, with a high neck.
- Bulldog – has a wide chest and a powerful body.
Breeders are working on breeding mini-dogs with different characteristics and have already received mixed breeds from crossing with Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, and French Bulldogs. Decorative dogs are very attractive, but have not yet received official recognition as a separate breed.
Price
The cost of purebred dogs depends on many factors and ranges from 10,000-30,000 rubles. Purchasing a pet for companionship or the role of a companion for various activities will cost much less than purchasing a purebred animal for breeding or participation in exhibitions. A dog with an impeccable pedigree costs 5,000-10,000 rubles on average.
Kennel websites sell pugs cheaper. The price of a pug depends on the health of the baby and the availability of properly completed documentation. Buying from strangers, as a rule, carries the risk of acquiring a dog with defects and hereditary diseases.
An attitude towards purchasing involves serious study of the issue, collecting information about breeders, and reading customer reviews. The largest nurseries are located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Minsk.
Description of the breed
There is no officially recognized worldwide standard for dwarf pugs, but breeders strive to ensure that the appearance meets certain parameters. Miniature size, short hair, folds on the muzzle, and a special bite are characteristic of the small representative of the breed.
Dimensions and weight
Among the many decorative dogs, dwarf pugs are considered the largest, however, their size is quite miniature. A puppy weighs 1 kg at three months, and from 2 kg to 5 kg per year. Height at withers – no more than 21 cm.
Ears, teeth and eyes
Mini pug ears are set high. There are three types of form:
- “button” - the triangular part covers the auricle, bends along the cartilage;
- “Rose” - slightly raised on a break in the cartilage and slightly opens the ear canal;
- “false rose” - hangs high, the auditory opening is completely open.
Sometimes a small pug has different ears, in which case it is necessary to carry out a correction in time.
The dog's bite is incorrect, the upper jaw protrudes. The teeth are straight and white. The eyes are round, slightly protruding, sensitive. Color – from light to dark.
Wool, color varieties
The short American Pugs' coat is short, soft, shiny, and plush to the touch. The undercoat is small.
In addition to traditional colors (beige, silver, black, apricot), red, white, brindle, two- and three-color colors are acceptable for mini dogs.
Paws and tail
The limbs of a micro dog are quite strong, powerful and durable. Their length corresponds to the size of the body, which allows you to confidently stand on your paws and move beautifully. The tail is high, curled twice into a ring, and lies on the back.
Dossier
Height: male – from 30 to 36 cm, female – from 25 to 30 cm. Weight: male – 6-10 kg, female – 6-8 kg. Characteristic color: yellow-brown, silver, peach, black. Coat length: short, thick, soft. Life expectancy: 12-15 years. Advantages of the breed: ideal for an apartment, intelligent, loyal. Difficulties of the breed: constant shedding, snoring. Average price: from 400 to 800 dollars. Classification: indoor, companion, can serve as a watchman.
Care and maintenance of a dwarf pug
Caring for short pets is not difficult, but certain rules must be followed. Mandatory hygiene procedures include:
- nail care;
- examination of ears, eyes, teeth;
- treatment of skin folds;
- bathing;
- combing wool.
A mini-pug is a dwarf dog that will find somewhere to frolic even in a small area. It is not necessary to take him for a daily walk; it is enough to take him outside two or three times a week. Tray training is easy. There are no problems with food. The main thing is that it is regular, high-quality and balanced.
Diet
Although mini pugs are unpretentious in food, a diet with a high calcium content is selected for them in order to maintain their teeth and bones in good condition and reduce the risk of developing joint dysplasia. Dogs eat sloppily - they dip their faces deep into the food, and it remains in the folds of the skin. After eating, you need to clean them of food debris using cotton pads or napkins. Otherwise, inflammation may develop.
Puppies are prone to obesity, so the diet should not include a lot of fatty foods; the best option is high-quality dry food. Clean water must be available at all times. It needs to be changed regularly and the bowl washed thoroughly.
Character, behavior and upbringing
Dwarfs are good for those who do not like active recreation - they will happily take a walk, but then they will spend time on the sofa with their owner. Small dogs are an excellent choice for a large family. They treat adults and children equally equally, are not aggressive, become attached to their owner, and get bored when apart. Pugs are safe for children, they don’t bite, and they behave calmly around older people, they don’t have to ask to go outside, they go to the litter box.
Pets are quite trainable, but during walking they can show an animalistic interest in other dogs and get into fights. Despite the fact that outwardly they look very small, they can bark and howl quite loudly, but their calm nature and proper upbringing do not allow them to do this often.
Life expectancy and diseases
Like most Pugs, the American Pugs are prone to eye diseases, cataracts, and retinal atrophy. It is important to recognize them in time, since pathologies develop slowly and imperceptibly.
The diet and daily dose must be monitored due to the tendency of pugs to become obese.
Small representatives of the breed, just like large ones, are characterized by joint dysplasia, which develops especially rapidly with a lack of calcium. The cause of frequent inflammation of the respiratory system and severe snoring during sleep is due to defects in the structure of the nasopharynx.
With proper care and health care, dwarf dogs live at least 12-15 years.
Teeth and coat care
The teeth and gums of pugs are regularly examined to see if there is any inflammation. From the age of two months, puppies are taught to clean their mouths. Use a special brush and paste. If signs of inflammation of the gums or stains on the teeth are detected, contact a veterinarian.
At least twice a week, the coat is cleaned of dirt, combed with a brush with natural bristles, and dead hair is removed with a grooming glove or cloth.
Hygiene procedures and combing
The number of baths depends on how often the pet is walked outside. If he is at home most of the time, once every six months is enough; with frequent walks, he is bathed once every three months. The procedure is carried out in a draft-free room, using warm water and special shampoo, making sure that soap does not get into the animal’s eyes and ears. It is washed, dried and combed. This is done more carefully during the molting period.
Character of dogs
Dwarf Pugs are ideal companion dogs; they are immensely loyal to their owner and are able to get along with all family members.
Lo-Shi do not like strangers; the arrival of guests is always announced in advance with a loud bark, and they can even try to fight with other people's animals, despite their modest size.
Thus, a mini-pug can be considered the best option for families with children or animals; these dogs even treat cats well. By their nature they are completely non-aggressive, but if you offend them, they may try to bite.
This breed is easy to train, especially if you reinforce the executed command with a good treat, because food is their second love, right after the owner.
It is also not difficult to train a dwarf pug to use a litter box, so it is not at all necessary to walk them every day.
However, they shouldn’t completely forget about walking, since they need activity so as not to gain excess weight. Dwarf pugs happily frolic in the grass, play, run, or just leisurely walk next to their owner.
They are also great lovers of sleep, and it is almost impossible to wean them from lying on the sofa or in the master’s bed.
Because of their boundless love for their owner, Lo-Shi do not tolerate separation well and become very bored if left alone for a long time.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
The sad look of a pug cannot leave you indifferent, but don’t believe them - most often they beg for food like this, even if they have just eaten. In fact, these are very cheerful dogs, smart, moderately active, and terribly stubborn. They love the owner infinitely, they will walk with their tail wherever he goes, and when they are left alone, they begin to suffer, and so loudly that if you don’t know, you will decide that this is a dog at least three times larger. But when the owner returns, there is no limit to joy. The main thing is not to offend them, otherwise you will have to ask for forgiveness for a very long time and lure them out of the darkest corner (the easiest way to do this is with the help of something tasty).
Pros and cons of miniature pugs
A mini-sized pug has a super character. He is accommodating and friendly, but he has his own shortcomings and advantages.
Pros:
- ease of maintenance due to the micro-size of the dog;
- no need to walk daily;
- high intelligence;
- The coat is short, so no need to cut it.
Minuses:
- make loud snoring and sniffling sounds;
- shed heavily;
- prone to obesity;
- can be stubborn;
- overly attached to the owner.
Nutrition
- Little friends love to eat, but you can’t overfeed them, they may become obese, so watch the portions.
- Snacking is inappropriate, sweets and treats are limited.
- Every day the dog needs to eat kefir, cottage cheese, beef, lamb, duck meat, all kinds of cereals (not semolina), vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread.
- Chicken meat can cause allergies - red spots, rashes on the skin.
Suitable nicknames for dwarf pugs
Among a huge number of nicknames, each owner chooses the one that matches the character and appearance of the small pet.
Nicknames for mini-girls: Iris, Agatha, Bianca, Cherry, Gabi, Donna, Cleo, Kim, Liona, Maya, Nikki, Princess, Pepper, Samantha, Tess, Fifi, Florence, Chelsea, Heidi, Elzy, Utah and others.
Nicknames for mini-boys: Buster, Woody, Harry, Justin, Zuf, Zephyr, Leo, Mojo, Nikki, Oscar, Pepe, Steve, Titan, Fabio, Hitch, Sheriff, Shrek, Chaco, Eric, Jupiter, Yantar and others.
Deviations are misleading
We often get asked questions about the existence of Pugs-Terriers or Pugs-Bulldogs. In fact, there are no such breeds. Simply due to some circumstances, puppies are born that have the characteristics of terriers or bulldogs.
In terms of appearance, ordinary pugs are divided into three types. If a dog exhibits, for example, a long neck, then this type is called terrier. And if she has a too wide chest, a powerful body and puts her legs like a bulldog, then this look is called a bulldog.
The most unacceptable is the Shar Pei variety of pug. This is when he has too many skin folds and the excess weight is definitely noticeable. However, such representatives at one time even received awards at exhibitions. Now the breed standard does not allow such deviations. They are all shortcomings. And it does not mean that these pugs had bulldogs, sharpeis or terriers in their family.
How to choose a decorative pug puppy?
Finding a kennel that breeds mini pugs is not easy since all the official breeders are based in the USA.
When choosing a puppy, pay attention to several features:
- weight no more than 400 g;
- the back and body are short;
- does not differ in activity;
- there is a non-standard bite;
- We have official documents and a veterinary passport.
All the puppies are cute and beautiful. They choose one that suits the character of the future owner, looks healthy, and meets standard requirements.
Everyone wins
Among the varieties of pugs that we looked at in the article on breed standards, there are sometimes dwarf representatives. They are very similar to real pugs. The same ears with a button or a rose. The same folds on the forehead in the form of a hieroglyph. And even the dark mask on the face with moles looks similar. However, they do not have enough weight and leg length for the standard norm. And therefore, due to their smaller size, they look like completely “pocket” dogs.
However, the appearance of a very small puppy in the litter is more of a misfortune than a joy. After all, it is clear that the newborn’s health is not all right. But there is no doubt that a tiny specimen evokes affection, and its rarity arouses the desire to have something that no one else has. In the end, everyone wins. The breeder may sell the puppy for more than it should be worth. And the new owner is pleased with the uniqueness of the acquisition.
Designer fantasies are gaining momentum
Today, another type of pug is being obtained by mixing with the Chihuahua breed. They even came up with a name for it - chops or chihuaps. Their muzzles are slightly elongated. The body does not harmonize with long legs and looks too powerful. But overall it doesn’t spoil the impression.
The resulting animals are in good health. They take this quality from the Chihuahua, because this breed was created in a natural environment. The ability to learn is also passed on to descendants, regardless of age. That is, such a dog can be taught all kinds of commands in old age. And finally, a pathological love for the owner is inherited, whom the chops try to protect even from his family.
Of the problems, the most significant is the birth of puppies with large heads, which complicates the natural birth process. Therefore, a bitch expecting offspring must be carefully monitored. And if there is a danger of the birth of such a fetus, then care should be taken in advance for a caesarean section.
We hope that after carefully studying the material you have read, you have a clear understanding of the different types of pugs.
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