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Black Pugs are completely black coated all over. They have small droopy ears, flat faves and curly tails. Black Pug temperaments are friendly, confident and loyal. They are in terms of personality a perfect family pet for kids and new dog owners. Their only downside is health. Today we’ll look at how to adopt, buy, raise and care for a black Pug puppy to help them turn into the fittest possible adult dog with the best chance of a happy, long lifespan.

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The black Pug is not a separate breed. But it is one of the two official colors that the standard Pug breed comes in. Pugs have always been a very popular breed. But recently the black Pug specifically has seen quite a rise in popularity.

Black Pug History and Origins

The Pug is an ancient dog breed, and the black variation is no different. Originating in China at least two-thousand years ago, Pugs were well-loved by Emperors along with other flat-faced dogs such as the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu.

In the 1500s, they were introduced into Europe via Dutch traders. From here, the Pug became a hugely popular and sought-after breed. It is unclear when the black variation of the Pug first made an appearance.

Many people believe it was around the 1700s since the esteemed painter William Hogarth depicted a number of black Pugs in his paintings. But, since then, they have always been popular little dogs.

What do Black Pugs Look Like?

Aside from their glossy black coat, there are a few other distinguishing features of this little dog. All Pugs, regardless of their color, have flat faces and short corkscrew tails that curl over their back.

This breed has a short, dense coat. If you choose a black Pug, they will be black all over with no other colors or markings. Their coat does shed a moderate amount. But other than that it just needs a weekly brush to keep on top of it.

These little dogs shouldn’t need to be bathed unless they get particularly dirty and the nails should be trimmed regularly.

Adult black Pug dogs will grow be from 10 to 13 inches tall. Full grown Pugs should weigh from 14 to 18 pounds. Females are often a little smaller than males.

Black Pug Temperament

The temperament of this breed is partly why it is so loved. Pugs are incredibly friendly dogs and take well to training. However, one must be careful to not be too harsh with the dog. Positive and patient training works best for the Pug.

The full grown black Pug is very social and tends to get rather anxious if left alone for long periods of time. So, raising them in a household where there is at least one human usually around at all times would be best for them.

Black Pug Health

Since the black Pug dog is just a regular Pug with a dark coat, they still sadly face all the health issues known within the breed.

The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, meaning that they have a shortened skull in comparison to other dogs. This is due to hereditary developments within these particular breeds.

This is why Pugs have the very flat face many people adore them for, but with it comes a multitude of severe health issues.

Breathing Problems

The shortening of the skull causes compression of the nasal cavity, making it much more difficult for a brachycephalic dog to breathe.

This is why the full grown black Pug has a reputation as a noisy breather; it is, in fact, struggling to do so.

This is further exacerbated by heat and physical activity, making it a real danger to exercise a black Pug on a warm sunny day.

These breathing problems can eventually lead to laryngeal collapse, a very serious condition that can be quickly fatal in severe cases.

It’s important to keep the Pug fit by taking it out on a daily walk if the weather is not too hot. Exercise in hot weather can prove to be dangerous. So in those cases exercise the dog somewhere cool indoors if possible.

It is recommended you use a harness rather than a traditional lead when walking your dog. Having a lead around a Pug’s neck can exacerbate breathing issues already present in the dog.

Eye Problems

Brachycephalic dogs also tend to have eye problems. Due to the structural problems of the skull, their eye sockets tend to be shallow, giving adult black Pugs the bulging eyes they are known for.

This can lead to painful issues such as corneal ulcers. In extreme cases, Pug eyes have been known to pop out of their sockets.

Skin Conditions

The Pug dog also tends to suffer from skin problems due to the significant amounts of wrinkling and skin folds present in the breed. This can lead to infections and irritation that may be hidden from view within a fold.

Birthing Problems

As the Pug is an extreme example of a brachycephalic breed due to how incredibly flat their faces are, they can also run into birthing problems.

The large head of a Pug puppy may be unable to pass through the pelvis of the mother. Without surgical intervention, this can lead to the death of both the litter and the mother.

Tails and Spines

This is a breed with a very curly tail, known as a screw tail. However, this twisting of the vertebrae in the tail can present itself further up the spine, which can cause severe issues—known as Hemivertebrae.

If the black Pug has severe twisting of the spine due to this condition, it can cause paralysis and ataxia of the pelvic limbs, incontinence, kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis. These conditions can be very painful and debilitating for the dog and may require surgical correction if possible.

Black Pug Breeders

Black Pug dogs are popular, so it won’t be too hard to find one at a breeder. But, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a reputable breeder.

The best breeders will be able to provide all possible health certificates. They may also make efforts to breed for longer snouts in Pugs, like Retro Pug breeders. Because of the enormous number of health problems in this breed, you should consider rescue dogs.

If your heart is set on a Pug, rescue can be a great way to offer one a second chance at a loving home.

   

And lots of Pugs are given up when owners realise how much care they really need.

Rescue center staff will ask you lots of questions to make sure the dog is going to the right home.

Is a Black Pug Right for Me?

This is something only you can decide. But before making any decisions it’s important to consider the severe health issues present in the breed due to its structure.

The features that make this dog cute and desirable can potentially cause them severe pain and discomfort, which in some cases can lead to life-threatening conditions.

So, we recommend you look at other small dogs who don’t suffer from so many health issues, such as Whippets or Border Terriers.

If you have your heart set on a black Pug, ensure you can put in a large amount of time to care for them. Educate yourself on the best care for this breed.

As with purchasing any new dog, be sure to find a reputable breeder who can inform you about any health issues present in the parents and allow you to meet them. That way you can be sure to avoid any potential genetic issues.