Here's the vital 411 you need to know on Pugs, from their history to upkeep and health issues, before you bring one home.

Pugs are small in size and are members of the toy dog group. But don't be fooled...though small in stature, these are quite powerful and often heavy dogs! Adult pugs vary in weight from approximately 15 to 25 lbs, with females weighing on the low end and males on the high end. Pugs are ?a lot in a little package? and you shouldn't be afraid to horse around with them ? they're not delicate creatures, so feel free to play tug and roughhouse around a bit!

Don't get a Pug if you want a silent dog...Pugs make a lot of funny sounds, many of them quite loud! They will snort and snore and make other wheezing noises due to their squished-in noses?but they tend to not be barkers, so you'll be spared the yipping characteristic of most other small breeds.

In terms of personality, Pugs are affectionate, loyal, playful dogs with wonderful personalities. They love to keep your attention and will do almost anything to keep you entertained. Many people think of them as little clowns.

Do you have children at home? If so, good news...Pugs get along very well with children and are ideally suited for a family's home. Our two Pugs are terrific around our 6-month-old baby, and they've also played well with our friends? toddlers. They are not aggressive with other people ? far from it! As far as other dogs, Pugs usually get along well but just be careful as you would with any breed until you and your Pug get to know the other dog.

When it comes to training a Pug, be warned, this is a stubborn breed! They're intelligent dogs and they aim to please, but once a Pug has something in their minds, it can be tough to change. The best bet is to use treats as an ?ethical food bride? in your training efforts and to try a positive training method such as clicker training, which is ideally suited for this sensitive, affectionate breed.

Don't neglect exercise for these dogs. Pugs need to have plenty of exercise on a daily basis despite their small size. Daily exercise will often do a terrific job of helping your Pug stay healthy. And just a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes would be ideal, so don't worry about running marathons with ?em. Just build some time into your schedule to let these dynamos stretch their legs every day.

Here's some more good news...Pugs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years when healthy, and many live longer! So this means you can look forward to a long time together with your Pug. There are two major health issues that you need to keep an eye on, however -- CHD and Pug dog encephalitis. Check with your vet for more info on both issues.

This is all the Pug information you need to decide whether this is the right dog for you...good luck to you!