Are Pugs aggressive? Well, this is an important question to ask especially if you are planning to introduce this breed as a new member of your family.

Pugs are generally not aggressive dogs. They are known for their less tempered and lovable character.  They are generally kind dogs with an affectionate and charming personality. Although they can be naughty at times if you fail to properly train them. They’ll develop naughty habits like grabbing, barking, or howling.

Pugs were originally bred as companion lapdogs in ancient China. Since then, they have changed both physically as well as in their character. Nowadays, how you train your pug will play a key role in his/her behavior when growing as far as aggressive management is concerned.

Read Also: Pug Dog Barking Issues

Are Pugs Aggressive

Every dog has him/her own special trait that influences their general maintenance needs, temperament, and health complications. One special character that stands out in pugs is the fact that they are NOT aggressive breeds especially if properly socialized at the puppy stage.

I always say pugs are the most relaxed dogs you’ll ever come across. When you are not exercising or playing with them then they’ll often spend most time laying around napping, essentially being lazy.

My pug Buddha has been an ever-calm dog since she was little. I literally started to walk her in parks with other pets and also invited friends over to my place to play catch with her.

They enjoy sleeping on a couch next to the owner.

These little furry friends are described as chilly dogs with cheerful and playful nature, the reason why most owners are acclimated towards them. They are not huge fans of barking, digging, lunging chewing among other aggressive dog behaviors.

However, there are few cases where pugs get out of hand and get aggressive especially when there is a stranger around.

Are Pugs Aggressive Towards Other Breeds?

If you are planning to introduce a pug into your pet family then I have good news for you. Pugs are loyal companions to humans just as they’ll do to other breeds. They get along well with other dogs and cats.

However, they’ll not just automatically get along well with other pets without proper socializing especially at an early age. You’ll have to introduce your pug to as many pooch breeds ranging from big to small to interact and get used to their personalities.

I love inviting my friends over to my place with their pets so that Buddha can hang out with other dogs and pets. But this wasn’t the case until she was at least 1 year old. Before used to take her for walks in parks with other pets, basically in neutral places.

After doing my due diligence, I learned that pugs dislike other dogs but are super protective and will get along well with the little Siberian Husky pooch.

Pug Temperament

To properly analyze if pugs are aggressive or not, then owners need to know their behaviors and understand their character.

Since the ancient days, pugs are known for their loyal, affectionate, and charming character. They are small lap dogs that’s why they’ll want to spend most of their time next to you sleeping. Read what are pugs bred for?

Pugs have wrinkles on their face which don’t necessarily depict their age, yet forms a squishy look that most people find comical.

These little breeds are also intelligent dogs and for this reason, you’ll catch them being naughty especially during training.

Reasons for Aggressive Pugs

Pugs are not bred to be aggressive dogs and so you’ll have to be super attentive to their nitty-gritty behaviors. Paying attention to their traits will help you know when they act aggressively and the best next remedy

The most obvious reasons why your pug will be aggressive is because of:

• Frustration
• Fear
• Illness
• Dominance
• Possessiveness

Pug’s Dominance

It’s quite rare to find a pug with a dominance issue, but when it happens then be least assured it’s the reason behind the aggressive trait portrayed by your dog. This a trait observed in humans as well though it’s less dominant.   

It’s quite common in other breeds where a dog will strive to be the head of the pack “Alpha dog” by being aggressive. Such dogs will start to bit, snapping, howling, or lunging whenever they feel challenged.

Very few pugs will want to be the alpha of the pack. However, not all pugs are relaxed and submissive dogs. Some will get out of hand and you’ll spot them pulling stuff off the coach, bite when not given attention, and stare outside the window barking.

Food Aggression

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), pugs are listed among the 10 dogs that love to eat the most when given the opportunity.

I kid you not, these little furry buddies can seriously eat if you fail to control them.

However, expect the food aggression trait to vary depending on the pug’s character.

Food aggression doesn’t necessarily portray that a dog is possessive, instead, it’s an indication that your pug is overprotective of the food since he/she thinks it’s limited or when stealing it.

Fearful & Possessive

Pugs will get aggressive when especially with humans whenever they get scared. Once in a while, I will spot Buddha standing on the couch facing the window and barking at people entering my compound particularly strangers.

Anytime you fail to socialize your dogs with other people, they will only get familiar with your family and anyone else will be an unfamiliar person. Also, pugs tend to be aggressive when they protect the owner.

I recall my son became close with Buddha to the extent she would get aggressive towards other kids whenever she felt left out when paying or not given enough attention. Pug will get possessive which is a common trait observed in other breeds too.

So, your pug might get protective of your family members until he/she proves beyond no reason that there isn’t a threat.

 

Illness & Injuries

Certain medical conditions will lead to aggression in pugs. Such condition includes brain tumors, neurological, thyroids disorders, or seizures.

When your pug is suffering from any of these conditions then they’ll show sudden change and get aggressive towards people or other pets. This is evident especially if your dog is less jumpy. You’ll notice the pug will have intensive bites or snap

Due to their jumpy nature, they are prone to get injuries in the process. In some cases, they will develop arthritis or fractures which will result in an aggressive response due to pain. Just make sure you talk to your vet when you notice such behaviors.

Tips to Prevent Aggression in Pugs

Proper Training

Proper training of your pug is one of the surest ways to get ahead with their aggression problem. They aren’t the smartest dogs around but still, they can be trained with the right guidance.

I always advise focusing on obedience training to help curb aggressive traits and put you in full control of the pug. Such commands will come in handy; stop, down, come, sit. They literally prompt the pug to focus and distract them from misbehaving.

Socializing the Pug

Ensure you socialize your pug with other dogs as well as humans to be an all-rounded dog.

Always try and start this process when the pug is still in his/her puppy stage, mostly around week 3 since they are done learning most things by around week 16 and 20.

Training them when they are still young will help them learn that humans and other dogs are friendly and safe being around.

Often, take your little furry friends to pet parks so that he/she interacts with other dogs and animals.

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Wrapping Up

The bottom line, the best way to curb pug aggressiveness is to start training him/her while at the puppy stage. If you fail to properly train and socialize your little furry buddy then expect a rather super-jumpy and overexcited pooch whose will fail to adhere to simple instruction.

I hope you find this article useful and good luck training your pug.