A Pug's job was to be with you, and they did it very well. They followed you from room to room, sat on your feet, snored on the sofa and grunted when they wanted something, which was often. The curled tail, the wrinkled forehead and the big round eyes gave them a face that looked worried and delighted at once.
Pugs are an old breed. They came to Europe from China with Dutch traders in the 1500s and 1600s, and became a favourite of royal households. They were bred for company from the start, and it shows. Very few Pugs care much for long walks. What they care about is where you are.
Each Small Goodbyes portrait comes in oil, watercolour, charcoal, line or pastel, with a free preview before you pay, and is made to order for your Pug. If a friend has lost their Pug, see our dog memorial gifts.
| Kennel Club group | Toy |
|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth, UK | 7.7 years (Royal Veterinary College, 2022) |
| Coats you see most | fawn or apricot with a black mask, silver, and black |
| Styles that suit | pastel or watercolour for fawn; oil for black |
When a Pug goes too soon
In the Royal Veterinary College's study of UK dogs, Pugs had a life expectancy of about seven and a half years at birth, much shorter than dogs overall. Like other flat-faced breeds, many struggle with breathing, their eyes and their spines. If you spent your Pug's last years managing all that, the grief often comes with tiredness as well as love. Both are normal.
What owners remember
The snoring, first of all, and then the noises: the snorts, the sneezes, the little grunt of protest when they were moved. The head tilt. The wiggle of the whole back end when you came home. The way they lay pressed against you on the sofa with their chin on your leg. A lot of owners say their Pug was the most human dog they've known.
Choosing the photo
Pick a photo where the eyes are clear and bright, because they're the centre of a Pug's face. The black mask can go muddy under flash, so daylight works best. A photo from behind, showing the curled tail, can make a lovely second picture for a pair.
Which style suits a Pug
Pastel and watercolour are warm on a fawn coat and soften the folds into a gentle picture. Oil suits a black Pug, giving the coat a sheen. Line drawing turns the round head and curled tail into a simple, cheerful picture.
If it has only just happened, the first few days are on our dog memorial portraits page. If you're writing a few words, how to write a pet eulogy takes it one step at a time.