Do Pugs Bark a Lot? (or a Little?)

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I’ve always heard that Pugs are relatively quiet for small dogs. From my experience, most small dogs yip a lot, but I wasn’t sure if it was the same for Pugs. So I decided to dive deep and research just how much Pugs bark.

So, do Pugs bark? Yes, almost all dogs bark. But do Pugs bark a lot? No. Pugs are generally quiet dogs, only making the occasional yip here and there. Sometimes Pugs can be loud when a visitor is at the door, or when other dogs are barking.

Notice I said “generally”! Some Pugs are VERY VERBAL DOGS, while other Pugs are reserved and shy. There are many reasons why a Pug may bark more often than others. Let’s take a look…

The Environment

Like most dogs, the environment has a big impact on the behavior of a Pug.

I have a Pug mix who started off quiet and shy but slowly became a very verbal pup.

One (of many) side-effect of sharing a home with a chihuahua puppy and a rambunctious cat.

If you have other dogs who tend to bark a lot, the Pug might pick up the habits of their companions and follow suit.

Pugs can also pick up the traits of their owners.

If their owner tends to be more excitable and outgoing, the Pug might be louder and more likely to bark at the neighbors than a Pug who belongs to an owner who is laid back and calm.

Pug Personality

Like people, no two Pugs are the same!

A Pug who believes she is the queen bee of the house may bark more often than others to protect her house.

And to assert her dominance (especially if she shares a home with larger dogs, as is the case with my friend’s Pug).

Or even the hyperactive and friendly Pug like Mel from Secret Life of Pets may be a bit louder than others of the breed.

On the other hand, a lazy Pug who prefers naps (as we know all Pugs love!) would be mostly quiet and relaxed.

While particularly needy Pugs can flop between quiet and noisy.

For Attention

My Pug mix likes to bark at me when I’m not paying attention to her (and when she’s ready to go for a walk).

The Pug my friend’s mom has likes to bark out of boredom, just because she can.

Generally, if your Pug barks there’s a reason.

Sometimes they could be trying to alert their family to something they heard outside. This doesn’t have to be anything important, they just want you to know it’s there.

SQUIRREL!!!

A Pug may also bark when their owner leaves as a sign of loneliness and may bark at everything they hear in hopes that it’ll be you returning home.

Or to get outside to see if the owner they are most attached to (for multi-person homes) is home.

Food

Some Pugs tend to be noisier when food is involved.

Whether it’s to tell you that they are hungry, or to protect it from other dogs who may want to steal it (my dogs are greedy and tend to squabble over one bowl when I put out multiple).

My friend’s Pug barks just to remind you that she hasn’t eaten yet, or when you grab her bowl to be filled (cheering you along the way!).

You may find that your Pug might also be protective of your food and scold other dogs when they get too close to you. This can be the case for:

  • Spoiled Pugs who get a lot of table scraps, or
  • Who are allowed to sit at the dining table with their parent

Other Sounds to Expect With Pugs

While they do bark and yip, snores and sneezes are more common in Pugs.

Because of their short noses, they aren’t able to breathe as easily causing all sorts of snorts and snoring noises at all times of day.

Pug snores are adorably soft and comforting. It’s always so cute to see the little darling sleeping so well they’re snoring loudly.

Sneezes are also an effect of their short noses.

I like to think of Pug sneezes as their way of expressing themselves.

My Pug has the uncanny timing to sneeze every time I tell her something she does not like…or when she’s excited about something (food or attention or car ride or…)

What to do if Your Pug Barks too Much?

If you find that your Pug is barking too much, you may find luck by giving them something to chew on.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people say that their Pug prefers stuffed animal toys such as squeaky toys and other soft toys that are easier to get in their small mouths.

There are toys made to hide treats that would also keep a Pug busy for hours – just keep in mind that they are small dogs and need something they can get into.

You could also give your Pug a nice place to sleep.

A sleeping Pug is a quiet one (mostly!).

A nice cushy dog bed in a cozy corner with some blankets that smell like their owner?

How about the leftover wrapping paper from birthday presents or newspapers that crinkle under their little Pug feet that some are drawn to. Even stray clothes lying on the floor that your kids have abandoned may make a good napping space for Pugs (jackets and sweaters are a favorite to snuggle up to in my house).

Give them attention!

If you walk them or play with them a lot, they’ll calm down and find somewhere to sleep. A tired Pug is a snoring Pug, and Pugs are easy to tire out.

Not to mention, you’ll get to spend some quality time with your Pug and they’ll get to have a good time with their favorite person.

Related Questions

Are Pugs good family dogs?

Yes. Pugs are gentle and patient dogs. They’re tolerant of small children and small animals (though they may sigh, huff, or sneeze if their patience is waning). Their expressive faces and attention seeking behaviors make them the center of attention and joy in any household.

Are Pugs intelligent?

While extremely stubborn, Pugs are highly intelligent dogs. I’ve seen Pugs who have learned routines, such as times for walks and dinner, and one Pug who knew to look in her mom’s purse for treats (though not so sneakily). They quickly learn the best way to get the attention of their families and other tricks, especially when encouraged with some tasty treats.

Do Pugs sleep a lot?

On average, a Pug sleeps about fourteen hours a day. Pugs like to take regular naps throughout the day. If they’re not playing or cuddling, they’re probably sleeping. Puppies and older dogs spend the most time sleeping but I’ve noticed that my Pug mix is always excited about bedtime (though I’m a night owl so it may just be that I keep her up late).

Whatever the case for you, you’re likely to find your Pug snoring away in some quiet corner of your house until dinner time.

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