Are pugs right for us?

Question
We are a family of four considering getting a dog. We have two daughters, ages 6 and 3. My husband and I both work full-time. We have a medium-size house and large yard which isn't fenced in. My daughters and I love pugs. From my research, it sounds like the breed would do well in our situation. My husband has reservations because he heard the breed sheds a ton. Is this true? What else can you tell me about pugs? Are there any other breeds that do well with kids and have to be alone for a good portion of the day? We tend to like the short-hair breeds (no poodles, bichons, etc.) Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
Pugs shed every day of their life...some more then others. The heavier the coat, the more they shed. Blacks usually do not have a double coat so appear to shed a bit less.

Pugs are very social dogs and need to be with their people. Since most families have two working parents, it is almost a given that the pug will be home alone. Just make sure you give it a lot of attention when you get home. I would get an adult pug from a reputable rescue, that way house training should be easier and the rescue should know the temperament of the pug.

Since you do not have a fenced yard, you would need to walk you pug on a harness numerous times a day. YOu cannot put them on a tie out in the yard as pugs kind of are a neck with a face on the end of it and can slip out of their harness very easily. Also, if they are not in a fenced yard, another dog can attack your defenseless pug,someone
can steal your pug(which they do to use as bait for fighting dogs) or it could simply wonder away and possibly get hit by a car.

Pugs love children and the girls will have a ball dressing it up in play clothes. Pugs are so much fun if cared for properly.

I really don't know that much about other breeds...sorry.


Thanks and good luck.