Are Pugs high energy? Will they run around like crazy and chew things up while you’re away? If you’re considering getting a Pug and not sure about their energy level, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take a look at the Pug’s energy level to help you know whether it’s the right breed for you or not.
Are Pugs High Energy?
Like all breeds, Pugs are most active, agile, and energetic when they are puppies. However, your Pug’s energy level will vary depending on the age, mix, or whether they have been spayed or neutered.
That said, it’s not unusual for an adult Pug to get a sudden burst of energy and run around like crazy. This sudden burst of energy is known as zoomies. And it happens to all dogs, regardless of age and breed.
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Do Pugs Have a Lot of Energy?
Pugs are generally classified as low to medium-energy dogs. I’ve written a previous article that goes into further depth on what a low-energy dog is.
This breed is not known for being very active and would be happy sitting around on the couch than always being on the go.
That said, if you train them a Pug early in life to go for walks, they will be happy to go for long-distance treks.
Even if your Pug isn’t trained to go for long walks, they will still require at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. If your pup doesn’t enjoy long walks, they may prefer to play with other dogs or their toys.
That said, don’t expect your Pug to go on long hikes like other breeds. This breed is best known for being a furry companion who loves curling up on your lap while reading a book or watching TV.
So how do you know if your Pug is happy lounging around or if they want to exert more energy? Well, it comes down to reading their energy level.
Pugs Energy Level
All dogs, regardless of breed, have characteristics that will help you determine what their energy level is. For example, a purebred Pug’s energy level will be lower than a Pug mixed with a Jack Russel Terrier.
Like humans, every dog is different. To determine your dog’s natural energy level, you need to know what to look for.
How to Tell How Much Energy Your Pug Has
Here’s how to tell what the energy level of your Pug is.
Take the breed into consideration.
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, which means they are going to be low-energy dogs. This breed has a flat face, making it difficult for them to breathe normally like other dogs.
Dogs rely on air movement over the inside of their surfaces to cool down, especially in hot temperatures. In brachycephalic breeds, the interior of their mouth is disproportioned with the rest of their body.
It is difficult for them to breathe or stay cool for long periods. Meaning a Pug would rather sit in the air-conditioned home than go to the dog park on a hot summer day.
Their shape makes it difficult and uncomfortable for them to be high-energy dogs.
How Do They Interact With Other Dogs?
Another way to determine your Pug’s energy is to watch how they engage and interact with other dogs. For example, does your Pug race and run alongside the other dogs, or does she prefer to watch from the sidelines?
Maybe she greets other dogs by sniffing them (like all dogs do) and nothing more. Then, when the dog attempts to start a game of chase, she turns and walks away.
If your Pug loves playing with other dogs and gets involved in chases, she’s likely still a young Pug who has a lot of energy.
Take Them for a Walk
Going for a stroll is the easiest way to tell what your Pug’s energy level is. A high-energy Pug will constantly pull and attempt to drag you along with them. One that is low energy may refuse to walk or even sit down because they don’t want to walk.
Taking your Pug for a walk is one of the best ways to determine a Pug’s energy level. But, of course, if your Pug is constantly pulling on the leash, it could mean they haven’t been properly leash trained.
Here’s how to leash train a Pug so you can spend more time with them on walks.
What to Do With A Pug That Has High Energy?
If you have a Pug that has too much energy and is constantly barking, chewing up things, or suffers from separation anxiety when you leave home, there are some things you can do to help them.
Your dog will need more physical activity and mental stimulation to help keep them occupied. They will also need more energy than a low-energy Pug to remove the pent-up energy. (Remember to exercise them in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.)
Don’t worry. Your hyper Pug puppy will calm down as they age.
How to Boost Your Pugs Energy?
On the other hand, if all your Pug wants to do is lie around, you can implement some activities to help boost their energy.
Here are some of the activities you can do with your Pug to get them more inclined to activity.
Go for Walks
Pugs are clingy dogs and love being around their owners. So take them for a gentle stroll in the mornings before going to work. A short walk around the block will help keep your Pug happy, healthy, and agile.
Regular daily walks will teach your Pug to become more active. Just remember not to walk too fast, or your pup will learn to hate the strolls.
Tug of War
Like all breeds, Pugs love to chew and pull on things. Invest in a durable Kong toy that is designed for chewing. Gently hold one end while letting your Pug pull on the other end.
Avoid using a towel or shoe to play with your dog. Otherwise, it could teach your Pug to become destructive and chew on things you don’t want them to.
Treasure Hunt
Pugs love to eat, and there’s no better way to keep them active than to have them hunt for their food.
Use this stuffable Kong Classic toy from Amazon with kibble, peanut butter, or their favorite treat. Then have someone hide it from them while you occupy them.
It will take some time to get your Pug to go hunting for it. But once they understand the concept, it will keep them occupied while you do other things.
The Kong Classic toy is highly durable and can be washed after each use. At the time of this writing, it has over 40,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Final Word
Pugs are low to medium-energy dogs that don’t require as much exercise as other breeds. That said, they do need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.
This breed will mimic the behavior of its owners. If you prefer lounging around the house, so will your dog.
Once an adult Pug has been spayed or neutered, it’s not unusual for them to sleep 14 hours or more per day.
A senior Pug will lounge around the house all day and will be happy doing so.
If you’re looking for a dog with high amounts of energy and will go for daily runs with you, consider a high-energy dog. However, if you want a loyal loveable dog that goes on walks, and loves to cuddle, then a Pug may be the right fit for your family!