Pet insurance Australia is proud to announce the top 20 dog breeds for 2020.

“It’s always great to see these types of lists,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “It’s a really wonderful gauge to see how pet owners are choosing their beloved breeds.”

The top 20 dog breeds are comprised of pure-bred and mixed bred dogs of all shapes and sizes. From the smallest of dogs like the lovely Miniature Dachshund to the well-known larger breeds like the German Shepherd and Labrador.

“The top two breeds are smaller well-known breeds, that are certainly crowd-pleasers and make wonderful family companions,” Crighton says.

Interestingly many of the top pure breeds in the top 20, are also represented in a crossed breed form.

“This really illustrates the popularity of these particular breeds of dog.”

Many of the newer breeds also feature heavily, such as Cavoodles, Labradoodles, Spoodles and Groodles.

“These designer breeds have certainly taken off over the past ten years and are proving very popular with pet owners around the globe,” Crighton says. “That is no surprise considering their lovely natures and beautiful looks.”

With pet ownership and adoption on the rise, Pet Insurance Australia will be interested to see if this will make any difference in the breeds mentioned.

“Since COVID-19 pet ownership is certainly on the rise with many deciding it’s the perfect time to get a family pet,” Crighton says. “It will be interesting to see if this affects the breeds mentioned in our Top 20 Dog Breeds in 2021.”

Top 20 Dog Breeds in 2020

1. Cavoodle

2. Maltese Cross

3. Labrador

4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

5. Golden Retriever

6. Border Collie

7. German Shepherd

8. French Bulldog

9. Kelpie Cross

10. Labradoodle

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

12. Spoodle

13. Jack Russell Terrier Cross

14. Miniature Dachshund

15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross

16. Border Collie Cross

17. American Staffordshire Terrier

18. Golden Doodle (Groodle)

19. Jack Russell Terrier

20. Pug

MEDIA RELEASE, 28th July 2020

Top 10 Most Popular Dog & Cat Breeds in 2019

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As many of us snuggle up under blankets in front of a roaring fireplace, Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at the top dog breeds that relish the cold weather and winter days.

“Many of us across Australia will be busily purchasing winter dog coats to keep our short-coated breeds warm and cozy this chilly season,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “We thought it was time to highlight some of the winter-loving dog breeds from around the country.”

But don’t be fooled. Many of these breeds, regardless of their super warm coats will still enjoy getting too close to the fire or heater during a wintry blast!

“We have heard of many Alaskan Malamutes refusing to budge outside during the cold weather, so I think it’s all about conditioning. However, it’s very clear, that even though these breeds can tolerate the cold very well, compared to others, they also certainly feel the sting of the heat come summer.”

Winter breeds tend to have double coats consisting of a dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. This can make for some challenging grooming sessions during a seasonal change but is the reason why they are so tolerant of the cold weather.

Siberian Husky lying in the snow - Photo by Ugur Arpaci on Unsplash

“Many of these breeds were also originally bred in very cold climates for a particular reason, be it herding or sledding,” Crighton says. “When choosing a dog breed it’s important to match your needs with their historic development, understanding that many sledding and herding breeds do require a good dose of exercise and coat care.”

Top 10 Cold Weather Dog Breeds

1. Alaskan Malamute – a strong and powerful breed built for strength and stamina. They are very intelligent and high energy breed suited to an experienced dog handler. Be prepared for loads of love, and hair to match!

2. German Shepherd – a very smart and powerful breed used for many working dog activities including police work and security. A very loving and loyal breed who loves to run and play.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog – certainly a head-turner at the local off-leash park. These dogs love the cold and are super strong and quick. Known for their gentle and loving nature, they are certainly a larger than life pup.

Chow Chow - Photo by Alex Blăjan on Unsplash

4. Chow Chow – with their super woolly coats they are perfect contenders for enjoying the cold weather. They love simply adore human contact and cuddles and are very loyal and loving dogs.

5. Newfoundland – These large dogs are the giant teddy-bears of the dog world. These Canadian dogs are still used in water rescues for their incredible swimming capabilities. Their double coats are perfect from protecting against the cold and the wet!

6. Saint Bernard – probably one of the most recognisable winter breeds. These pups are more docile than many, preferring a big slobbery cuddle than a huge off-leash adventure. But they are perfectly built for the cold weather and have a wonderful willingness to work and please.

7. Samoyed – the smiling Sammy is built for the cold weather with their lovely warm coats. A super snuggly breed who is loads of fun. They do require a good dose of exercise coming from a reindeer herding, hauling, and hunting background.

8. Siberian Husky – A very popular breed amongst dog lovers with a long and interesting history in dog sledding. Like some of their cold weather-loving cousins, they do require a good amount of exercise and training to keep healthy and happy.

9. Tibetan Mastiff – This stunning breed looks more like a loveable lion than a domestic dog. Their large double coats are perfect at keeping them snug and warm during the winter season.

10. Keeshond – a super friendly, quick learning, cold weather-loving breed. The Keeshond is the perfect mix of loving a good run, while also enjoying a good cuddle and a day of relaxation.

MEDIA RELEASE, 11th June 2020

The Pharaoh Hound, ancient "Blushing Dog" of Malta, is a graceful, sleek but rugged sprinting hound historically bred to course small game over punishing terrain.

Pharaoh Hounds have a goofy streak, they are inquisitive and they love playing with toys and people. They are endlessly entertaining and they keep their owners on their toes. 

History

The Pharaoh Hound looks as though it has just stepped off the walls of an Egyptian tomb or returned from a hunt with a pharaoh. No better idea can be had of the Pharaoh Hound than that gained by looking at statues of Anubis, the dog (or jackal) god. 

Yet for centuries, the original Egyptian hounds were assumed to be extinct — until these dogs, almost certainly the descendants of Egyptian hounds traded by sea-going Phoenicians, were discovered on the island of Malta. 

The isolation of Malta allowed them to breed true for thousands of years, their physiques honed and tested by the need to earn their keep catching rabbits. The pharaoh hound is known as the Kelb-tal Fenek (which means “Rabbitdog”) in Malta, where it is now the national dog. The dog is traditionally used by some Maltese men for hunting.

Recent DNA analysis would indicate the breed has no link with Ancient Egypt casting doubts on the myth that the modern Pharaoh Dog is descended from the Tesem, one of the ancient Egyptian hunting dogs.

The first Pharaoh Hounds recorded to have left Malta were in the 1930s, but only in the 1950s and 60s was there a significant effort mounted to establish them in Britain and America. Since then, they have remained rare; after all, not everyone is suited to own the dog of the pharaohs.

Appearance 

The Pharaoh Hound is described as Dolichocephalic (long face) - like the Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Bull Terrier etc. - and the large, naturally erect ears are a hallmark of the breed.

Many people confuse the Pharaoh with the Ibizan Hound but the Pharaoh tends to be smaller. He is also one of the most moderate of the sighthounds, lacking the exaggerated raciness seen in others of this family. Unlike most hounds, the Pharaoh Hound dog breed hunts both by scent as well as sight.

Still, the breed retains Greyhound-like features: long, slender legs, relatively narrow body, tucked up waist, slightly arched loin and long tail — but everything is less so than in a Greyhound. Even the legs are only moderately angulated, indicating the build of a dog that combines considerable stamina with speed.

• Height: Males 56-63.5 cm (22-25 ins); Females 53.5-61 cm (21-24 ins) 
• Weight (both): 20-25 kg

The coat colour should be a tan or rich tan with white markings allowed including a white tip on the tail (strongly desired), White on chest (called "The Star") and white on toes. The coat is short, soft and great to stroke! 

For the Pharaoh Hound Breed Standard, please visit Dogs Australia

One the delightful traits of this breed is their ability to smile and the Pharaoh Hound blushes when happy or excited! They do not blush in their cheeks, but they do in their ears and noses.

Temperament 

Like all sighthounds, Pharaoh Hounds are chasers. They cannot be let off lead in an unfenced area without the danger of them running after something and onto the road.

These dogs' purpose in life was to hunt in packs and make decisions independently from their masters. They used to vocalise to communicate with the other dogs in the pack so remember that modern Pharaoh Hounds will yodel or bay which your neighbours may not appreciate! 

The Pharaoh Hound is independent-minded, highly intelligent and occasionally stubborn, yet very trainable when positive methods are used. 

It is a very sensitive breed and responds poorly to compulsory training methods and to being physically punished. Pharaohs were bred to hunt and think for themselves, and they have retained this trait for thousands of years. They tire / bore easily with repetitive commands, therefore it is the trainer's job to ensure that their training remains interesting and positive in nature.

Nobody ever accused a pharaoh of being an obedience wiz! They have very good eyesight and hearing but they don’t have any particularly ability to work as a watchdog or protection dog.

They are a very active breed but, like Greyhounds, as indoor dogs they are couch potatoes and need little "real" exercise. Indoors, the Pharaoh Hound is calm, quiet and content to stretch out on your best sofa and sleep as long as you have given him a daily run or romp. 

Pharaoh Hounds thrive with human companionship. If they are bored, they will get into mischief and create their own amusement. 

The Pharaoh is sensitive and aloof, it tends to reserved and scared around strangers. Few breeds can claim to match this breed's patience and gentleness with children, and they get along well with other dogs when properly socialised. But they need to be closely supervised around cats and other small mammals.

Health & Lifespan

According to the American Breed Club, Pharaohs are virtually free from genetic diseases. The conditions that seem to affect the breed the most include the following:

• Hip Dysplasia – dogs can be hip scored by a vet
• Luxating Patellas
• Eye problems
• Skin Allergies
• Canine Bloat / gastric torsion
• Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Reputable breeders continue to test their dogs for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and myriad eye conditions, just to ensure that these disorders do not become a problem. Reputable breeders should be able to show documentation of health screening performed on their breeding dogs. 

Note that Pharaohs, like most sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate anaesthetics. Their ears are thin and prone to frostbite when living in cold climates. Their thin coat makes them require dog coats or jackets in cold weather.

Average Lifespan: about 12-14 years.

Grooming & Maintenance

They have sensitive skin, and normal shampoo may cause allergic reactions, therefore it is best to wash them with a gentle dog shampoo. 

Grooming Pharaohs is as easy as a quick rub with a hound glove or a damp cloth. They are clean dogs, shed very little, and have no noticeable odour, except when wet or when they've been outside. But their odour quickly returns to normal.

Recommended for

Because their energy requirements are high, Pharaoh Hounds are recommended for active families. These active, high-energy dogs need daily walks and playing, and many also enjoy jogging. 

When outdoors, Pharaohs should be kept on a lead or exercised in an enclosed area because of their extremely high prey drive. If they give chase, they can be difficult to catch since they are such fast runners. 

However, they can do well in apartments if they are sufficiently exercised. A backyard would be appreciated, but it needs to have a tall fence (6 feet high minimum is recommended). 

See if there is a dog club in your area that offers an activity called lure coursing, which is chasing a mechanical lure in a controlled setting. This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviours that are "hardwired" into your Pharaoh Hound's genes. 

Being quite rare means they're amongst one of the most expensive dog breeds in Australia. To own one of these adorable dogs you could be looking at paying upwards of $7,000!

For more information about the Pharaoh Hound, please contact Hound Club of Victoria

There's a also a Facebook group for Pharaoh Hounds lovers in Australia.

Newfoundlands are the “gentle giants of the dog world”. Despite being large and powerful, their gentle and placid nature makes them ideal family pets. ‘Newfs’, as they are often called, thrive on human companionship and have a great affinity with water.

If you lead a busy life, work full-time or you are house-proud, this is NOT the breed for you.

History

The Newfoundland is the namesake of the eastern coastal region of Canada. It is almost certainly a combination of the ancient, native Indian dogs and the many European breeds, which were carried across the Atlantic by explorers and fishermen from the 15th century onwards. 

By the end of the 17th century the breed had stabilised into a large, web-footed, thick coated working dog used to haul small carts and sledges. Newfoundlands gained a reputation as being intrepid rescuers and helping fishermen by carrying lines from one boat to another. 

Newfoundland Dog - Painting by Sir Edwin Landseer

In the 19th century the dogs became popular in England and were named by George Cartwright.


Imported throughout Europe, the Newfoundland soon attracted the attention of rich people, who brought them to ornament their estates and entertain (and watch over) their children.



Appearance

The Newfoundland is considered a giant dog breed but their size varies with heights ranging from 60-75cm at the shoulder and their height from 45-80kg at maturity.

The majority of Newfoundland dogs are jet black but there are also chocolate brown, or white with black markings (known as the Landseer). They have a massive skull, a short square muzzle, small, tight-rimmed, widely-set eyes and ears that lie flat to the cheek.

For the Newfoundland Breed Standard, please visit Dogs Australia

The striking appearance of the Newfoundland dogs you see in the show ring is the product of many hours of bathing and grooming. 

The natural look of the Newfie is that of a large shaggy farm dog usually with some dirt and weed clinging to his coat! So please choose this breed for his character and not his appearance.

Temperament

A Newfoundland could still be acting as a puppy when two years old, however it would weigh at least 60kg by that stage! Despite being gentle and loving, an elderly or frail person or the very young can be knocked aside by a boisterous puppy, which is why basic obedience training is essential and should be started as soon as possible.

The Newfoundland is incredibly placid, patient and tolerant, and very good with children. However, because of their large size and strength, the breed shouldn’t be left unsupervised with young children. 

Newfoundland dogs are loyal and courageous with above average endurance and working ability. They are people-oriented dogs and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods in the backyard. 

Training & Exercise

If your goals are orientated towards achieving success at high level competitions, please realise that the Newfie is not among the breeds best suited to a highly polished performance! 

However Newfs can - with adequate training - excel at dog sports such as agility, carting, tracking and water rescue.

Although Newfoundlands are laid back and happy to laze around the house, they need exercise to maintain the health of their heart and lungs and maintain muscle tone.

An adult Newfie should walk a kilometre or more or have at least half an hour exercise each day. However when exercising a growing pup, shorter and slower walks are preferred for exercise as ball chasing and stick chasing can place undue strain on growing bones. 

You'll find some advice about age-appropriate exercise for dogs here.

Excessive exercise and feeding can cause joint problems later on in life.

Grooming

Newfoundlands drool because of their jaw and mouth structure which allows them to breathe while performing water rescue and this is an inherent quality of the breed. 

If you are squeamish about this or fastidious about the neatness of your home, then a Newfie is not for you!

The thick shaggy coat requires regular grooming (at least 10-15 minutes a day or half an hour twice a week) not only to avoid knots but to preserve the health of the skin underneath and detect ticks and other parasites.

Breeders advise brushing the coat because the dog is difficult to bath but on the plus side, the Newfoundland’s dense, coarse, oily coat encourages dirt to stay on the surface, making it easier to care for. The coat should be cleaned with a short, stiff bristled brush, brushing in either direction. 

Health & Lifespan

In common with all large dogs, Newfoundland dogs can have problems with their hips, called Hip Dysplasia. Newfoundlands can also suffer from Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), a disease that affects the structure of the bone cartilage.

Several breeds of dogs are known to have heart problems. One specific to Newfies is called Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS) which can cause a heart murmur and lead to death at a young age. However this condition is reported as rare in Australia. 
Other health problems may include lip fold infections, eyelid disorders, and, among older dogs, arthritis.

The majority of Newfoundlands have black coats that absorb heat more readily than light coloured coats and they are, therefore, more prone to heat stress. They require cool shelter and plenty of water in hot weather conditions. 

Giant breeds need specific balanced diets that allow for adequate nutrition without providing too much bulk. They will continue to grow until 18 months of age and require a diet that is low in calcium and low in energy. 

Don’t allow puppies to become overweight because this strains their bones. Their expected lifespan is between 10-12 years. 

Upkeep Cost

Newfoundlands are not a cheap breed to look after. Being large dogs, both your food and veterinary bills (most medications are proportional to body weight) will be sizeable. Breeders advise that it will cost nearly $1,000 (approx. $20/week) in the first year or so of your puppy’s life. Pet insurance is highly recommended.

Recommended for

The ideal owner should treat the Newfoundland as part of the family and give their dog plenty of love and attention.

For more details on the breed, please contact one of the following:

Newfoundland Club of NSW Inc (including the Re-Home & Rescue)
Newfoundland Club of Victoria Inc
Newfoundland Club of SA Inc

The Xoloitzcuintle or Xolo for short is a rare breed, numbering only around 20,000 in the world. Often called the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xolo is a calm, loyal and intelligent dog.

History

One of the most ancient dog breeds in the Western Hemisphere, they are thought to have originated around 3,500 years ago in Mexico and have changed very little since.

Artifacts and clay pottery depicting the Xolo have been
found in the tombs of Colima, Mayan and Aztec Indians

The name Xoloitzcuintle, which is pronounced “Show-low-eats-qweent-lee” combines “Xolotl” the Aztec god of the underworld, with “itzcuintli", the Aztec word for dog.

Xolos served the Aztecs and Mayans as healers, hunters, guard dogs and bed warmers but they were also used as a food source and sacrificial token. 

The meat of the Xoloitzcuintle (or Xoloitzcuintli in Nahuatl language) was considered a delicacy in pre-Hispanic Mexico, eaten by the indigenous population as a ritual to their beliefs and was regarded as a representative of "Xolotl" - the god of lightning and death - from which its name originates. 

Its task was to guide the souls of the dead to their eternal destination. Therefore the dog became scarce, reaching a point of near extinction in the 1950’s.

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo 
with her Xolos (1944)

Without the efforts of the Federacion Canofila Mexicana (FCM) and a group of dedicated volunteers, it is quite possible that the Xolo breed would not be here today. 

Early expeditions to remote villages in Mexico were organised to gather breeding stock with a breeding program officially starting in 1956: these dogs were the foundation of the modern day Xoloitzcuintle breed. 

The Xoloitzcuintle is the national dog of Mexico and is treasured by people.

The first Xolo only arrived in Australia in 2009 followed by 3 more after 2010 and the first litter was born in 2014 which explains why they are still a rare sight here.

Appearance

All Xolos should display a well-proportioned body, ample chest, well-sprung ribs with long limbs and tail. 

There are three different sizes: Miniature (25-35cm), Intermediate (36-45cm) and Standard (46-60cm, with a 2cm allowance in top quality dogs).

Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

The Xolo comes in two varieties and can be hairless or coated. The hairless Xolo is a very attractive dog characterised by a lack of hair with smooth and soft skin. The coated Xolo is fully coated and displays the same proportions. Both varieties occur in all hair or skin colours, and often marked, splashed, or spotted. The most common colours are termed black with also varying shades of grey and red.

Xolos often have tusk-like canine teeth and a particular feature (in the hairless variety) is that the dentition is nearly always incomplete, associated to the hairless gene whilst the coated dogs have full dentition.

Their well developed interdigital membranes in the toes are somewhat prehensile, allowing them to grip toys with dexterity!

For the Xolointzcuintle Breed Standard, please visit Dogs Australia

Temperament

The Xoloitzcuintle's primitive temperament (very high intelligence, sensitivity, high energy, inquisitiveness, strong survival and social instincts) is apparent because the breed's temperament was not modified overall by selective breeding in their native history in Mexico.

The Xoloitzcuintle is a calm dog, cheerful and alert yet reserved towards strangers. He is an intelligent, loyal and extremely devoted companion but he can also be an effective watch dog.

The Xolo makes a wonderful pup however just with all dogs, puppies need to be well socialised. With an intelligent and fast learning attitude, they will require an owner who utilises a consistent and structured training routine to earn their respect.

Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

The Xoloitzcuintle needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. Sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs”, bored Xolos can become anxious and suffer from separation anxiety, which they express by destructive chewing and excessive barking.

They also have a tendency to climb or dig to escape from confinement so high secure fences are a must. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you!

These dogs exhibit well in conformation, they excel in the obedience and agility arenas and they are also used worldwide as therapy and assistance dogs.

Health & Lifespan

Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

The Xolo has been developed by natural selection for thousands of years, and is therefore generally not prone to health and structure problems as other dog breeds more modified by human selection efforts. 

As Xolos came from tropical climates they are not suited for outdoor life in colder temperate and should be considered an indoor dog breed. 

Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.

Grooming & Maintenance

Xolos enjoy food and are well-known to enjoy chomping on some fruit and vegies.

Because they are hairless, they will require a dog coat during the cooler months and in summer a sun coat and/or sun protection should be used. 

Weekly bathing and skin care is also recommended.

Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

We would like to thank Jacqi Dinis from Wazzat Xoloitzcuintle for her assistance with this story. 

For more information on this unique breed, please visit the following websites:

www.xoloaus.com
www.xoloworld.com

The Pug is a sturdy, compact dog breed known as the clown of the canine world because they have a great sense of humour and like to show off. Spirited, wilful and affectionate, Pugs behave lovingly toward people of all ages and get along well with other dogs.

History

Pugs originated in China, dating back to the Han dynasty. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. In the early 1600s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still in use today.

Pugs quickly became favourites of royal households throughout Europe, and in Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572 after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange.
 

As the Pug's popularity spread throughout Europe, it was often known by different names in different countries. In France, it was called Carlin; in Spain Dogullo; in Germany Mops; and in Italy, Caganlino. 

Marie Antoinette had a Pug named Mops before she married Louis XVI at the age of 15. Another famous Frenchwoman, Josephine Bonaparte, had a Pug named Fortune. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and she also bred them.

Pugs are one of the earliest pure breeds of dog kept in Australia. Though it's uncertain when they arrived, records from the Agricultural Society of NSW show two Pugs being exhibited in 1870.

Appearance

The Pug looks like a miniature Mastiff with a compact, square body, large bone structure and thick, wrinkly skin. The head of the Pug is short, blunt and large compared to the rest of the body. The moles on a Pug's cheeks are called "beauty spots."

Large dark eyes should not protrude from the wrinkled squashed face but simply fill the eye sockets giving the dog an animated expression. The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with a double curl being considered perfection. 

Even though the coats are short, Pugs are a double-coated breed. Pugs are typically fawn-coloured or black. The fawn colour can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle.

• Height: Males 30 - 36 cm; Females 25 - 30 cm
• Weight: Males 6 - 9 kg; Females 6 - 8 kg 

Visit Dogs Australia here, for the full breed standard.

Temperament

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training and socialisation.

Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be wilful, which makes training challenging. Crate training is recommended as they are known to be difficult to house train.

Don't expect a Pug to hunt, guard or retrieve! Pugs were bred to be companions and tend to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Pugs love to be the centre of attention and are heartsick if ignored. Their compact package belies a great deal of energy, so expect to be entertained with some goofy antics if your Pug doesn't get a walk or some playtime.

Pugs will need to be kept in an enclosed area as their road sense is poor.

Health

Pugs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Pugs will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.

Due to their flat face, pugs should not be over exercised or become overheated. They need plenty of water and shade in hot conditions or they can experience breathing difficulties and suffer from heatstroke. Pugs are definitely house dogs and should not be kept outdoors. 


Being prone to breathing problems means that pugs should not be allowed to become overweight. Excess fat around the heart can bring about premature death. The wrinkles of the dog should be monitored for skin problems and the fold across the nose should be wiped daily with lanolin or Vaseline on cotton wool.

Eye problems: Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis (the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it) distichiasis (an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye); progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness) and entropion; (the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it).

Allergies: Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies ranging from contact (environmental allergies) to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. 

Hemi-vertebrae: Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralysed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help.

Bracycephalic Airway Syndrome: There is an anatomical narrowing at the nostrils, the back of the throat and in the windpipe itself. This explains why pugs often breathe noisily, with sounds ranging from heaving breathing to honking. Light sleepers may want to invest in a pair of ear plugs as pugs wheeze, snort and snore - loudly. 

While the Pug's first love is human attention, his second love is food. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity.

Grooming

The coat is short and smooth however be warned to pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. 

A monthly bath is sufficient and the Pug's small size is handy: you can drop him right in the kitchen sink for a bath. The Pug's bulging eyes need special attention. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. 



Regular nail trimming is essential, since these house dogs don't usually wear down their nails outdoors like active breeds do. What requires special attention is the Pug's facial wrinkles. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds.

Recommended for

Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well.

Pugs love kids. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. 

For more information on the breed, please visit:

Pug Club of VictoriaPug Club of South Australia 
The Pug Dog Club of NSW

Rescue Groups 

Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. If you'd like to re-home a Pug, please contact:

Pug Rescue and Adoption Victoria
Pugs SOS Inc.
www.pugrescue.com.au