Whether you’re looking to get your lonely Pug a companion or simply want another dog around the house, you might wonder if pugs get along with other dogs.
It’s important to consider whether your current pooch will get along with their new roommate.
Figuring out whether to get a second dog can be a difficult decision.
Sid (our Pug) has Charley our German Shepherd, they are best friends. We believe it’s a good idea to have Pugs with another dog as a companion.
Here is a guide with our experience.
Do Pugs Get Along With Other Dogs?
The short answer is yes. Although every dog is an individual with their own preferences, most Pugs do get along with other dogs just fine.
The Pug breed is well known for being amiable with humans and other dog breeds.
After all, Pugs are known for being sweet, friendly, cuddle-loving creatures.
In fact, sometimes it’s better to pair your Pug with a companion. Keeping two pets is great if you’re regularly out of the house. With a friend to play with, your Pug is far less likely to suffer from separation anxiety, stress, and loneliness.
However, whilst it is (generally) true, some Pugs will not conform to the norm. Whether your Pug will enjoy the company of another dog depends on its individual personality and level of socialization.
If your Pug has not been socialized from an early age with people and other dogs then they might struggle to accept a second dog. It’s important to use your own discretion when deciding whether to get a second dog.
What Dog Breeds Get on Well With My Pug?
If your Pug is the classic laid-back pooch then they should get along with most breeds.
However, if their companionship is going to last more than just an afternoon in the park and you’re planning to adopt a second dog, then it’s important to think in terms of compatibility.
Pugs will get on best with animals that share a similar temperament and energy level. As such the best options are other pugs and smaller dogs with lower stamina levels.
Other Pugs
Your Pug is likely to get on well with another Pug. They will share similar temperament and stamina levels. This is also convenient for you as an owner.
Both of your Pugs will require the same exercise, diet, and cleaning regimen.
Two Pugs will make the perfect playmates- equally matched in size, strength, and personality.
Smaller/ low stamina dogs
When it comes to pairing a Pug with a dog of another breed, smaller is usually better. That doesn’t mean your Pug won’t get on with a larger dog, but remember your Pug is fragile.
It’s safer for them to play with a smaller dog. This reduces any risk of injury or over-exertion.
Friendly dogs
Pugs are well known for their fiercely fun and loyal personalities. So it’s best to pair them with a breed that shares their love for life.
For example:
- Havanese
- Poodle
- Maltese
- Labrador retrievers
- Beagles
- And several others
Getting A Companion Dog for Your Pugs: Are There Any Risks?
Like with any introduction, there’s no guarantee that any two dogs will get on like a house on fire. However, Pugs are unlikely to react aggressively towards other dogs.
Aggression in Pugs is usually a symptom of jealousy. They may nip or growl at other dogs if they think that they are getting all the human attention. This can be easily overcome with some basic command training.
What Should I Consider Before Getting Another Dog?
It’s really important to choose a second dog carefully. It’s not just a matter of which breeds are compatible.
As Pug parents we need to consider everything from age to socialization levels, personality, and even gender.
Play-style
How does your Pug like to play?
Are they calm and collected or rough and tumble?
Do they love to chase and steal other people’s toys?
Whether you’re pairing your Pug with a playmate or forever friend, make sure that their play styles are in sync.
Personality compatibility
Is your Pug dominant or submissive?
The ideal match is one dominant and one submissive. Two submissives can also get along just fine, however, two dominants are asking for trouble.
Age
How old is your Pug?
Your Pug will probably get on best with a similarly aged friend. Younger Pugs are full of life, but as they age they tend to slow down and mellow.
Socialization
When finding a companion for your Pug make sure that both animals are well socialized.
Start taking your Pug to dog parks and on playdates. When it’s time to introduce them to their forever companion they’ll be more prepared to play nice.
Gender
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to gender compatibility.
Many Pug owners recommend an opposite sex paring to avoid aggression but that’s not to say that two males or two females cannot get on.
If you have two males, and aggression is a problem, there is always the option of castration.
As well as reducing aggression, neutering can reduce the risk of a variety of medical conditions.
Friends forever
Do Pugs get along with other dogs?
Most of the time, yes!
Pugs are known for their laid-back, friendly temperaments. They’re great at mixing with humans and dogs alike.
But it’s still important to take things slow and make sure that your Pug’s new friend is compatible in as many ways as possible.
Check out this video and see how Pablo the Pug fared during his first-ever meeting with another Pug.
Image from Pinterest