When there are so many different styles and types of dog collar on the market, it can be difficult to know what is best and how to fit it appropriately, but the first consideration should always be for the size and disposition of the dog.

[ad]
For most, the traditional leather or nylon collar is more than sufficient. It should not ride up too high on the dog’s neck, nor should it be so loose it sits down over the dog’s shoulders. For the health and safety of the dog, a collar should never be tight enough to restrict breathing or cause pain, and it should certainly not be loose enough for the dog to slip out of it at any time. A good snug fit is best, and this is achieved if the owner can easily slide two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. Always fit this collar type by fastening around the neck rather than slipping over the head as this can potentially cause harm to the dog’s mouth, eyes or ears along the way.
If the animal is young and still growing it’s collar requirements will change with time and it is always worth measuring the dog’s neck with a tape measure, then adding on at least two or three inches to the collar size.

Small, lightweight collars are generally used best with puppies and smaller breeds of dog, while heavy styles with greater width and durability are better for bigger animals.

A harness, which is fitted around the dog’s neck and shoulders behind the front legs, is recommended for any dog with upper respiratory disease or any problems with the throat or trachea, this is because a dog with a traditional collar will naturally pull somewhat on the leash, and this can place undue pressure on sensitive areas, causing coughing and breathing difficulties.
A halter collar allows for the best control, although owners can be reluctant to use this type as it tends to look more like a muzzle with a band fitting around the back of the head and one fitting around the dog’s nose. However, this collar permits the owner to have control of the dog’s head, which in turns means having better control of the dog. The leash attaches to the collar under the chin, and so the dog’s head will either be pulled down or to the side with a gentle tug, making it just about impossible for the dog to move ahead of the owner or pull forward violently.

When used correctly, a chain-slip collar, which may also be referred to as a check chain or choke collar, can be highly effective for training and retraining purposes, but only on the correct animals. This collar type is used most often for dogs that are particularly strong-willed or have a tendency to pull violently on the leash when wearing a traditional collar, both situations needing for the dog to understand that a different behavior is required but it is essential to have a qualified dog trainer demonstrate how to use this collar type safely, and such collars should only be worn during training.

To obtain the right size for a chain-slip collar, measure the dog’s neck with a measuring tape and then add 2.5 to 3 inches. To correctly place the collar on a dog, the top ring on a looped collar should form the letter P when standing in front of the dog and pulling it snug. If it forms a shape like a number 9 then it is on backward and may not release immediately as designed.

Juicy Couture Pet Carriers
From the creators of the “My dogs better than your dog” T-Shirt, comes a line of pet carriers for the pampered portable pooch in your life. Juicy Couture designs the cutest and most desirable of doggie bags, featuring their signature “J” pull tabs and “P&G” charms, with a crest featuring two darling Scotch Terriers standing on a banner proudly proclaiming the Juicy Couture name, plus tiny heart-shaped windows for ventilation and so Fidolito can see where he is going, if traveling with the top down. Described as a “traveling pet hotels” they are most certainly 5 star accommodations.

[ad]
Miley Cyrus and Sophie Stepping Out
Miley Cyrus was spotted earlier this week, out shopping with her dog Sophie, snuggled away in a pink and green Juicy Couture velour pet carrier. Sophie was a 16th birthday gift to the star who takes her everywhere she goes, in style and comfort.
Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton, the Pioneers of Pooch Packing
Paris Hilton has also been snapped toting her Chihuahuas around in a luxury hotel for pets, but it was Jessica Simpson who really started the trend, way back in 2005, when her dog Daisy, named for the character Jessica played in the movie, The Dukes of Hazzard was seen peeking from the actress’s purse. Since then, designers have upped their game with new models appearing each season for the pooch who would be top dog of the fashion world.

Some of our favorite Juicy Couture Pet Carriers
Juicy Couture Velour Small Pet Carrier
Miley Cyrus totally rocks this one and we will beg for more pics of her with Sophie peeking out! The carrier sits on her hip, for easy petting sessions, and includes both shoulder strap and hand held options. Heart-shaped windows at both ends have a roll down privacy flap and mesh for ventilation. Exterior pockets hold treats and grooming tools, to ensure a perfect profile for the paparazzi. Dimensions are 15"L x 11.5"H x 8"W, and pooches weighing around 16lbs are comfortably housed in the cotton-lined velour bag.

Juicy Couture Hot Pink Terry "Will Beg for Juicy" Pet Carrier
We love the slogan from Juicy! Made from hot pink terry fabric trimmed with burgundy leather this carrier suits the extroverted pooch who wants to be seen, rather than recline against his softly padded lair complete with a miniature terry pillow. How cute is that?
Dimensions are 17”L x 12”H x 8”W. Pockets contain a security leash featuring a lobster clasp, for some leg stretching on a long trip. The signature charms and heart shaped windows are as described above.

Juicy "Queen Bee" Bowler Carrier

For princess or queen of the pooch world, this pet carrier from Juicy features a rhinestone encrusted “Queen Bee” logo. Approved by airlines for safe pet travel, this luxury pet home-away-from-home is made from pink cotton terry velour with a soft cotton lining. Dimensions are 15"L x 11.5"H x 8"W. The signature charms and heart shaped windows are as described above.

Top Christmas Gifts For Pugs

One gift that is excellent for a pug that likes to play with stuffed toys is a stuffed toy pug. The live pug will delight in the similar looking stuffed creature that has joined them to play. Not only will the dog enjoy the stuffed animal but it will be highly entertaining to watch a little pug scurrying after a stuffed pug which is tossed across the carpet. A stuffed pug called Melissa & Doug Life-Like and Lovable Plush Dog is a plush and stuffed version of a live pug who sits down on his hind legs and has his head cocked in slight confusion. The stuffed pug can be the live pugs little companion. The stuffed pug is slightly larger than the size of a living pug dog and that makes it hard for the real pug to tear out the fluff inside.

[phpzon]pug gifts, 4[/phpzon]

If a little pug is used to cuddling up on the soft furniture, give the pug a blanket throw that they can lay on top of when they get up on the couch cushions. Let everybody know the throw belongs to them with a throw that has a big graphic image of a pug on it. There is a 46×60 inch soft cotton pug dog throw sold by Cjicollectibles LCC that features a pug standing on a wooden floor with a blue wall background behind the pug. The throw has fringe all the way around the perimeter of the blanket.

A great gift for a pug is a little dog sweater that they can wear to keep them warm when they take walks during the colder months. Bundling up a pug in a sweater as tiny as they are looks adorable and charming and protects them from the chilly weather with an extra layer of warmth. The Fashion Pet Bone Patch Cable Dog Sweater is a cable knit acrylic sweater and comes in the colors of blue, camel, and pink. The sweater has a color with a leash hole, and sleeves to protect the pug’s arms. The sweater is easy to put on the pug with a velcro closure and a little button for some extra security. There is even a little embellishment of a black dog bone on the tail end of the sweater.

There are various types of pugs or puglets roaming around all over the world. The most preferred pug however, would be the button pug. These type of pugs have very strong legs and are not too long. The typical coloring of this type of pug would be fawn, apricot, silver, or black. Pugs are usually sociable and are somewhat stubborn on certain things. Do not let that deter you with the button pug, as they can be quite clever and charming.

Another type of the breed is a puggle. This is only half a pug, with the other half being a beagle. There is one drawback to this type of breed though. With a beagle it needs its nose to track, and a pug does not have much of a nose at all. However, just looking at the different pictures of a puggle, they are quite adorable and would make a persons heart just melt. Both dogs are stubborn to train, so you may have a few hard days of training before anything sticks with this type. Make sure you have a lot of patience and are willing to put the time in to make your puggle obedient.

The Chinese pug, is typically thirteen inches in length and usually weighs around fifteen to seventeen pounds. Again the coloring for a purebred pug is black, fawn, or apricot. Their coats are fine with a short and smooth undercoat. There are a few registries that are associated with the Chinese pug, with a few being FCI, ANKC, and AKC. Their tail is typically curled over its back, and has small button ears that any dog lover will fall head over heels in love with. This dog would be a great playmate for any child of any age. However, during the summer months you will want to keep your pug indoors as it cannot cool off as well as other dogs.

An unusual type of pug will be the next and it is the teacup pug. This type of pug is not a purebred instead it’s a half breed as well. The teacup pug has a slightly longer snout than a regular pug, so it can be cooled off a bit better. The breeding of this type is usually a purebred pug with a chihuahua or take two runts from two separate pug litters and breed them. This is only done to create a new designer dog and should only be done under rare circumstances as the true nature of these dogs still remains to be seen among most.
Be careful in any instance when you are shopping for a pug, make sure that you get the breeder information in case you have any questions later. Always keep a close look out for any breathing complications as they are not as rare with pugs. Also, if you run into a smaller than average pug make sure you ask what it was crossbred with as teacup pugs are not registered animals.

Before you get a Pug, ask yourself the following 10 questions

1. Are you the kind of person that can you tolerate a dog who won’t stay off the furniture? Pugs believe in sharing all furniture!
2. Will you be happy living with a dog that sheds fur all year long ? Shedding is even heavier in early spring and fall.

3. Do you mind a dog who constantly invades your personal space – Pugs normally always want to be on your lap!
4. Pugs have an  "I go where you go"  policy; they follow you  from room – to – room – to – room – to – room – to – room – to -room . No Privacy with a Pug in the house! Pugs simply don’t believe in privacy. You’ll need a good solid bathroom door to "go " alone.

5.  Snoring!  Pugs snore when they’re asleep . . . and often when awake as well.

6. Exercise – Pugs are not built for endurance or stamina. If you are an active person, then a Pug may not suit you. Pugs are not a good choice for a running partner and Pugs are not built for running beside a bicycle either.

7.  Pugs clear their nasal passages by expelling air forcefully through their nose;  this usually happens when you have your face near their face. Will you mind having "Pug Snot " blown into your face multiple times each day ?

8. Pugs are a breed created to be a companion dog. Pugs crave the company of people;Pugs don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.  If your lifestyle necessitates leaving your Pug alone for more than 6 hours, do you plan to make arrangements to break up the monotony of a long, lonely day for your Pug ? Loneliness and boredom can cause Pugs to bark excessively, become destructive chewers or even house-soil.  Many working Pug owners enroll their Pugs in doggy day-care or leave them with a dog-sitter, friend or family member while away from home.    

9.  Pugs can gain weight easily; they need a premium diet and healthy treats. 

10. Pugs nails grow very fast and need to be trimmed often. Pugs have a facial folds in which dirt & loose fur often collect.  If not kept clean,  the skin in a Pugs facial folds can quickly become sore, irritated and infected. With their flat face, a Pug’s eyes are more vulnerable to injury as they have no muzzle to part long grass or deflect the claws of an annoyed or angry cat.

Chinese history tells us that may Emperors refused to be without a pug, some of them even promoting them and giving them rank in the dynasties, such as one who gave the pugs equal status with his wives and in fact fed them as well as his wives were fed.

Coming to the other areas of Europe and America took a bit longer. Apparently the traders from the East India company found them interesting and intriguing and brought them back for European leaders. The pugs were really admired and longed for and it wasn’t long before they were women and childrens pet of choice.

They became known as nursery dogs in the Netherlands because they were so even tempered and good with children. Noted members of the European Royal families bred and kept pugs through the years.

This was no different in England.

William of Orange coming to the throne of Britain brought pugs with him from Holland and some say they were used to breed the King Charles Spaniel.

Royalty have long adored Pugs, and Queen Charlotte kept them, Queen Victoria was given one named Bully, by Prince Albert. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, famed for their exile owned more than ten while they were in France.

Coming to America took a bit longer. Pugs were not popular here until the first part of the 1800′s and became wildly popular during the Civil war period.They became incredibly popular here and are now loved and raised and spoiled by many of the rich and famous. Curious who else likes pugs?

Noted celebrities who keep pugs now are:

* Balthazar Getty– Ajax and Daisy.
* Billy Joel– Sabrina
* Brigid Berlin– India and Africa.
* Chris Kirkpatrick (‘N Sync) — Busta (fawn) and Korea
* Christine Elise (actress) — Dempsey
* Denise Richards (actress)black pug named Betty
* Ted Danson (actor)
* Mary Steenburgen (actress)
* Gerard Butler (actor) – Lolita
* Jessica Alba– Sid  and Nancy
* Tori Spelling
* Paula Abdul– Puggy Sue
*Rob Zombie–Dracula
* Mickey Rourke– Raphael

While you’re not going to need those things if you’re not showing, frankly getting the best and healthiest dog that you can is good sense. Perfection isn’t possible in anything but for those who are interested, here’s what you’re seeking in a Pug.

We’ve not given all the characteristics, just highlighted those which touch on temperament, good looks and certain features that will assure you that your puppy is normal for his breed.

PUG Breed Standards and Ideal characteristics are © The Kennel Club

Characteristics
Great charm, dignity and intelligence.

Temperament
Even-tempered, happy and lively disposition.

Mouth
Slightly undershot. Wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable. Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line.

Forequarters
Legs very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under body. Shoulders well sloped.

Body
Short and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Topline level neither roached nor dipping.

Hindquarters
Legs very strong, of moderate length, with good turn of stifle, well under body, straight and parallel when viewed from rear.

Tail
High-set, curled tightly over hip. Double curl highly desirable.

Coat
Fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither harsh, off-standing nor woolly.

Size
Ideal weight 6.3-8.1 kgs (14-18 lbs).

Pug Rescue Groups

Pugs, as with any other kind of dog, have those who don’t or can’t keep them once they’ve given them a home, or who believe that animals are disposable items. Thankfully for as many of those as theire are around, there are people who care what happens to the pug and are willing to make an effort to find them great homes and get them out of the house they are in and find them a permanent loving home and family.

Pug rescue groups are out there in nearly all fifty states, as well as several very good ones in the UK. If you’re interested in giving a home to a pug who doesn’t have one, it may be a bit of a stretch and you may need to work through some issues from the past with your new friend, but it will build trust and love and the pug will be your best friend for the rest of his life once you do that.

Make sure that you’re prepared for the kinds of problems that you may address when you take in a rescue pug. Some will have health problems while others may have behavioral problems, but you can work through them with the right amounts of love and tenacity. Giving a Pug a second chance at a great home may be something you’re very good at and willing to attempt. If so, there are lists of pug rescue organizations all over the internet. A short list has been provided here for your use.

You can find an intensive and wonderful list of Pug Rescue organizations listed for your convenience at PUG RESCUE HOT LINKS

UNITED KINGDOM
Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (Registered Charity No. 276067)
http://www.pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk

UNITED STATES

Alabama Pug Rescue & Adoption
Kentuckiana Pug Rescue

Ohio Pug Rescue, Inc

Polar Pug Rescue

Pug Rescue of New England

Pacific Pug Rescue

AZ Pug Adoption Rescue Network

Delaware Valley Pug Club

Guardian Angels Pug Rescue

Pugs ‘N Pals of So. California
Pug Rescue of Sacramento

PugSavers ( Northern CA & NV )
Pug Rescue of Santa Barbara
Midwest Pug Rescue

IL-MO Rescue, NFP

Midwest Pug Rescue

AUSTRALIA
PUGADISE-Pug Rescue NSW

Perth Pug Rescue

Pugadise

Reportedly these little animals were considered to be very important Imperial property and if they were stolen or harmed the result was death to the person responsible. The Imperial Emperor Ling To loved them so much that he actually gave rank to them, the same one as his wives.(had to infuriate the women I’d think)

His dogs were fed the finest rice and meats and kept comfortable on cushions, as well as riding in the chariot with him.Their name at that time was Lo chiang-sze and was later abbreviated to just lo-sze.

The Yuan Dynasty had a custom where the animals were brought out on parade. The Pugs were paraded just after the lions.

William the Silent, King of Holland in the latter part of the 1500′s loved pugs and took them whereever he went. During a war with Spain he was brought to full awareness from his sleep one night by his pug, just in time to prevent his own assassination.His pugs were with him at his swearing in ceremony, each decorated
with ribbons.

In the 1700′s there was a secret symbol that was used in the Freemasons, the Order of the Pug, which was led by the Grand Master.

History also goes on to tell us about Napoleon and Josephine. Josephine had a pug and rumor has it that it wasn’t permitted in the bed, but Josephine put her foot down. If the pug didn’t come to bed, she didn’t either. Needless to say, Napoleon relented and shared his bed with not just Josephine, but her furry friend as well.

As you can see, Pugs have had a special place in history for literally thousands of years. What effect has your pug had on your life?

Needless to say also, that means you’re not going to want to buy from a pet store. Sadly enough, pet stores are notorious for purchasing from puppy mills. This keeps their costs low, but also nearly always gives you a dog with some inherent problems. Pugs bred in puppy mills aren’t well socialized, don’t always have a great temperament and may have some health issues due to their beginnings and their poor care or treatment.

Getting a pug that has had good health care and all the advantages that you’d like for your dog to have in the beginning is important. Find a reputable breeder or to be honest, a backyard breeder who is of the hobby variety.

These little guys are going to be far better socialized, have been played with by the children and are family members, meaning that they’ve been out and about, are accustomed to being handled and played with and will be far more easily assimilated into your own household because they’ve seen other dogs, other cats and know the score.

They will be less fearful and les guarding with their food as well as more tolerant to changes.

Make sure that you visit the parents on site and see how they interact with you and with your children so that you can see some of the temperament. Visit with the owners or breeders about where they got their pugs and what issues they may have had with them.

A responsible pug owner is going to want to assure that you give their puppy a great home, so they will quite likely have some questions to you as well. If they don’t, let it be a red flag to you, because most owners want to be sure that they are getting a great home for their puppy.