🐶 Pug
Temperament
Charming, mischievous, even-tempered, thrives on company. Pugs are quintessential lap dogs — they want to be with you constantly. Excellent with children of all ages. Stubborn but rarely aggressive.
Exercise
20–30 minutes of gentle walking daily, in cool conditions only. Pugs cannot regulate body temperature efficiently and must avoid heat and strenuous exercise.
Grooming
Short coat, but heavy seasonal moulting (twice a year). Brush twice a week with a deshedder. Clean facial wrinkles weekly with a damp cloth and dry. Watch the tail pocket if present.
Health
BOAS — many need surgery to widen nostrils. Eye injuries (eyes are prominent and exposed). Heat stroke. Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE — devastating, mostly in fawn pugs). Hip dysplasia. Skin fold dermatitis. Insurance is essential.
Full Pug profile →
🐶 Shih Tzu
Temperament
Gentle, friendly, slightly aloof, content. Shih Tzus thrive on company and dislike being left alone. They're playful but not high-energy, and generally good with children, other dogs and cats.
Exercise
30 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play is plenty. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily — avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.
Grooming
Long double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners choose a "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks for ease. Hair around eyes needs daily wiping (eye discharge collects). Top-knot to keep hair out of eyes.
Health
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild). Eye issues (proptosis — eye popping out — in trauma). Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Dental disease (small crowded mouths). Generally long-lived for a brachycephalic breed.
Full Shih Tzu profile →
