Any Dog Lover's here??

1911_guy

Member
This is Kissez, she's the devil...American Staffordshire Terrier

and....
my wife with my baby boy Dungeon...the biggest baby Rottweiler ever
 

diane4

Member
MiamiReefr, Great looking pooches you have.
I am curious about your Pug. I am considering getting one someday, but I have a couple questions to ask you, if you don't mind.
1) Are they any problem to housebreak? I have a min-pin and he never housebroke, just broke the house. And he is mouthy. They say this is common for toy and small dogs. Is this true for Pugs?
2) I have heard that you need to clean between their wrinkles often. If so, how often and how long does it take and how do you do it?
3) Are they prone to any particular health problems that you are aware of? Do they get respratory problems due to the design of their nose?
4) Any other comments you have would be appreciated. Thanks.
 

miamireefr

Member
Please...not at all!
Housebreak was a 8 out of 10 times...basically for every 8 times he did #1or2 he nailed the diaper pad the other 2 I was cleaning up...Eventually he picked up the habit of my bulldog which is my first dog of the bunch and knows that when I shout out to go piss they respond and hardly do I ever have to clean up...btw all 3 of these dogs live in the house full time.
2) There wrinkles aren't many at all and basically I wash the dogs once every 2 weeks since they are indoors they don't stink. I get a wet rag while washing him and just run it through in between them.
3) If kept indoors you don't have to worry to much ....also depends on the breed of pug...mine above is one where he seems to have a slightly more protruding snout, and I also have an aquaintance who has a champion breed thats has a really smashed nose...
4) Ifyou get one give it lots of love! I am a HUGE dog lover and always find at least 15-30 minutes out of the day to have real fun with them outside. Oh and BIG IMPORTANCE is cleann out their ears once a week...Go to your local vet and get an ear flush and I use q-tips and clean them out once a week and keep them nice and pink!
Good luck Diane and if you have any further Q's hit me up at grinchoffl@aol.com.
Nick
 

mimzy

Active Member
Diane, pugs are a seriously awesome breed - I have NEVER met a pug with a bad disposition. The only way to describe them is Happy-go-Lucky. As Miami Reefr said, the wrinkles really aren't that high maintenance. As long as you make sure your baby's skin is clean and dry, there shouldn't be any issues with their wrinkles. The idea is simply not to allow the skin within the folds to become moist. Moist dark places = bacterial infections and yeast overgrowth.
My boss (a Vet, I'm a tech) reccomends treating the wrinkles with GoldBond Medicated Powder if they have a tendency to get icky.
As for their respiratory issues; be prepared for snorts and snores. ....And that's only when they're awake
Usually this does not become a problem, as long as the doggies don't become overheated. Pugs are by no means yard-dogs. They MUST be kept as indoor pets as they can overheat very easily. This is not to say that they can never join you for a hike or camping trip, but these are not sporting dogs.
There is really only one respiratory issue that would require serious attention and surgery, but it's a pretty unique condition. Some pugs have a genetic defect which causes their soft palates (the roofs of their mouths) to extend too far into their throats, making excersise and even just BREATHING extremely difficult. Again, do not panic, as I said this is a very unique condition, but it does occur.
I suggest getting on google and chasing down some pug organizations; there are many of them and they are FULL of great info.
Also, talk to your vet - the staff may know how to put you in touch with reputable breeders or rescue organizations.
Hope this was helpful, good luck!!!!!
By the way, MiamiReefr, your pug is ADORABLE!!! :jumping:
 

diane4

Member
Thanks for the info Mimz and Reffer.
I think they are adorable and have so much facial expression to show feelings, humor - you name it. I am just not educated about them right now and need to make sure I understand all that is involved with owning one, before I ever get one.
Right now, my house is full with 3 Dobermans and a min-pin, and 8 fish tanks. But, two of my dogs are seniors and I know they won't be with us forever. I someday, I think - would love a pug.
Are they mouthy dogs, like many toy breeds are, or do they act like a more medium sized dog? Yappy?
Do you have a pug Mimz? Whats their average life expectancy?
 

mimzy

Active Member
I have not personally known pugs to be mouthy, but as with any other pets it's all about their individual personalities. Puppies, of course, will be far more mouthy than adult dogs, as I'm sure you know. Working in an animal hospital, I see animals at their most nervous; and therefore their most dangerous. There are oodles of pugs that come to see us, and NONE of them have EVER been a problem. They are just generally happy dogs. There is the occasional dog that is difficult to pill, or doesn't like his nails cut, but these are things that NO ONE likes and has little to do with the breed's disposition.
I don't own a pug personally, and I do strongly reccomend getting in contact with a pug organization. There are bajillions of breed specific organizations out there, and they are OBSESSED with their breeds - which makes them such a fabulous source of info.
As for their life expectancy, it's pretty doggie-standard. We've got patients 16 years old and up. Being smaller dogs, they do tend to lead longer lives, but again, it's all individual.
On another note; Let's see pix of your doggies!!!!! :jumping: I just love dobies, they are SO majestic.
 

miamireefr

Member
Diane..let me offfer this much advice..... Don't read to much into an animal like a dog other than general care and conditions they come with.....Dogs I treat with lots of love and feed them , bathe them as needed and give them their usual feeding of heart worm

[hr]
and vaccinations. If you want the dog GET IT.....Dogs imo aren't only just about feeding and caring for but they need attention...Loving a dog imo is a BIG FACTOR in keeping them healthy..love them and they love you back. :) They are not to mouthy and when puppies may bark like an old man howling..funny as hell..now go get one!!!
 

martinc909

Member
We live in an apartment right now and getting a house soon. I've always dreamed of a Greyhound and a Great Dane. Does anyone know where they sell them in california. I've tried online but found only italian greyhounds around here.
 

mimzy

Active Member
Originally Posted by martinc909
We live in an apartment right now and getting a house soon. I've always dreamed of a Greyhound and a Great Dane. Does anyone know where they sell them in california. I've tried online but found only italian greyhounds around here.
for a greyhound, i STRONGLY suggest rescuing a retired racing greyhound. Greyhounds are THE sweetest, most affectionate dogs. There are a few in my family and I love them like brothers. 40mile an hour couch potatos :joy:
 

mimzy

Active Member
Originally Posted by diane4
Mimz, in this same thread, scroll back to the first page, I put some of my dogs on that page.
WOW!!!!!
Your dobies are absolutely statuesque. I've never seen a red min-pin, how cute!
 

aw2x3

Active Member
Gotta throw in a few pics of my boy, Chewbacca...115lb of lean muscle. I cant ever get him to look directly at the camera tho...he's definately a little diva...this is the best pic I could get.
His dad was a 5 time World Field Trial Champion, and he's just as good. You've never seen a bird hunting dog, until you've seen him knock 'em out.
 
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