Can you keep a Pug outside? I’ve seen this question asked so many times online, by people who are considering getting a Pug. I’ll share my opinion about it as well as why this breed makes a better indoor pet. You’ll also find out which dogs are best as outside dogs.
Can You Keep A Pug Outside?
The short answer is this breed will do a lot better indoors due to them being a brachycephalic breed. This breed loves being a part of the family and may not do well if left outside.
However, I’ve seen some people keep their Pug outside when the temperatures are NOT extremely hot or cold. It really depends on the region or country you live in. Read this article to learn how to protect your Pug in the Summer heat.
Personally, we NEVER kept Mindy our black Pug outside. The only time she was outside is if we were outside with her or she went out through the pet door to do her business.
I realize there are people who want a dog but don’t believe they should live indoors. When I was younger, my mom NEVER allowed dog or cats indoors, she believed that animals should live outside.
My neighbor has a large dog and she leaves them outside in the backyard. It can get annoying listening to the continuous barking of her dog being ignored.
Maybe you’re looking for a family pet and don’t want them in your house, because you don’t want to deal with pet hair, dirt, or dealing with dogs on the furniture.
If this is how you feel, you should understand that Pugs can be trained. You can train them to stay off the furniture, sleep on their own dog bed, use the potty outdoors, and etc. I’ve put together a list of some dog beds your Pug will absolutely love sleeping on.
Some pet owners also believe that outside dogs get more exercise, are happier, and make better guard dogs.
Is It Ok To Keep A Pug Outside?
Regardless of why you’re thinking about keeping your Pug outside, let’s look at why this breed makes a better inside pet.
Pet Health
Pugs are highly sensitive to humidity, and both the heat and cold temperatures.
This brachycephalic breed is prone to respiratory problems due to their cute “squished face.” They literally have a hard time breathing in heat and can die from heat exhaustion.
All dogs sweat, but Pugs struggle to regulate their body temperature. They can’t cool down as fast as other dogs.
This is why it makes it dangerous to keep your Pug outdoors.
Behavior
Pugs were bred to be companion dogs and will do best in a loving family that involves them as a part of the family.
If left outside, your Pug may become stressed and develop behavior problems such as digging, barking, crying, and possibly even aggression.
Theft
Believe it or not, there are people who steal dogs. It happens all over the world and can happen in your neighborhood. The theft occurs because people will either resell the dog or use them for breeding and sell the puppies.
A Pug puppy is more likely to be stolen than an older Pug. Pugs are expensive dogs and have a high value if sold to a new owner.
This breed also makes an easy target because they don’t bark at strangers as much as other breeds, due to their human loving nature.
Due to their love of food, people can easily lure them with food.
Escaping
Puppies and dogs can be mischievous when not being watched properly. If your Pug is left outside they may find a hole in your fenced in yard and escape.
This puts them at risk of running away or getting hit by traffic. Someone may call animal control on your loose dog and he/she can end up in the animal shelter.
There are a lot of dangers for a dog that escapes from the backyard and runs away.
Poisoning
Malicious poisoning is rare, but it can happen. If you and your neighbor have bad blood, you put your pet at risk without even knowing it.
There are stories on the Internet and social media where people say their neighbor poisoned their dog. Of course, it will be hard to prove that your neighbor poisoned your dog.
You probably won’t even notice it until your Pug starts becoming sick or dies one-day suddenly. (I hope that never happens to anyone)
Neighbor Complaints
If your dog starts barking in