Are Pugs Happier in Pairs? [ANSWERED]

If you own a Pug you might be wondering; is having two pugs better than having one? Pugs are social, loving, and friendly dogs. They are even-tempered and outgoing. Pugs do better in pairs than being a single dog in the household

Keeping two Pugs will reduce your dog’s health issues, loneliness, stress, and overall anxiety. They can entertain each other and keep one another company when you are not around.

Pugs of the opposite sex tend to do better together. Similarly, Pug puppies that grow up together have a better chance of getting along, as opposed to trying to introduce them when they become older.

are two pugs better than one
Are Two Pugs Better Than One?

Do Pugs Need Another Dog as a Companion? 

One of the biggest needs of a Pug is companionship. Pugs hate to be left alone and love to be with people, other Pugs, or other dogs. They are low-tempered and are generally easy to get along with. 

Having a pair of Pugs can boost their mental and physical health. Pugs in pairs give each other attention and emotional support, which helps them to stay calm.

By having two pugs, your dogs will enjoy being your companion without becoming bored or anxious. Pug pairs may require a little more work and care at the beginning. However, once you have them trained properly, you’ll get twice the love for years to come!

Should I Get a Second Male or Female Pug?

If you’re going to have two Pugs, many experts recommend having a mixed-gender pair. There’s a lesser chance of aggression between opposite sex pugs. Getting a pair of Pug puppies from the same litter will likely mean you won’t have much of an issue in having your Pugs get along.

However, it just comes down to a personal choice of whether you want your second Pug to be male or female.

When it comes to Pugs, there is no superior sex. However, many Pug owners say that it’s easier to have dogs get along when they are of the opposite sex.

Will Two Male Pugs Get Along?

A Pug is not like some other breeds where it is very difficult to house two males together. A Pug will get along with most other dogs and two males together are fine. Generally, neutered Pugs will get along with each other better than non-neutered Pugs (this is true for almost all dogs).

If you intend to get another dog as a companion for your current Pug, consider getting them as puppies from the same litter. Pugs that grow up together tend to get along better than when introduced after maturity. The drawback is that training the two puppies can be difficult.

Will Two Female Pugs Get Along? 

Some people prefer female Pugs because they are less likely to stay in the house if they are spayed. Some say that female Pugs are easier to train than males. However, it seems that female-female Pug pairs are most likely to get into frequent arguments. 

Do Pugs Get Attached to One Person? 

Pugs tend to love everyone in the family and all the people they meet. Sometimes Pugs develop a close relationship with their favourite human.

Pugs are not a hard breed to build a bond with. They tend to pick their favorite person based on familiarity rather than a matter of preference. If you want your Pug to bond with you, start giving it a lot of attention, treats, and joyful experiences.

If you become their favorite person, you’ll have a best friend for life. They will become your shadow and follow you everywhere you go. Bonded Pugs become happy to see you, continually seek out your affection, and snuggle with both you and your belongings.

Related Reading: Why Does My Dog Only Follow Me?

two pug dogs sitting on ground next to each other looking up

Which Dogs Get Along With Pugs? 

Pugs are a breed that gets along well with most animals. Two happy dogs are likely to get along well with each other. 

Before bringing home a companion dog for your Pug, you will want to consider the following things.

  • Pugs with other loving and outgoing dogs: They can be best paired with other friendly and loving breeds like Poodles, Havanese, Maltese, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and many others. 
  • Pugs with egotistical and protective dogs: There might be some personality conflicts between Pugs and Chihuahuas or Pekingese.
  • Pugs with smaller dogs: Pugs are somewhat fragile due to their unique physical characteristics. A larger dog has more chance of accidentally harming its Pug companion during playtime. A smaller dog has fewer chances to inflict unintended injuries on Pugs.
  • Pugs with lower stamina dogs: Pugs are excitable, energetic dogs but have low stamina due to their short nose and compact faces. They will do better with a second dog that matches their energy level. A dog with a similar exercise tolerance level to Pug makes a better companion, like a Basset hound.
  • Gender: Gender shouldn’t matter too much if you get a second dog with the same demeanor as your Pug. This is especially true if the dogs grow up together from puppyhood.

When Should You NOT Get a Second Pug?

Adding a second Pug to your family needs sheer commitment and support. Every member of the family should be on the same page.

Well, there are some scenarios in which it may not be a good idea to get two Pugs, here are a few:

  • It is not a good idea to bring another Pug into your home if your first one has serious health issues.
  • Having a second Pug increases the expenses on food, vet visits, dog supplies, and other miscellaneous costs. If you are not financially ready and have a tight budget, getting a new Pug can put a serious dent in your finances. 
  • If your first pup is misbehaving, then getting a second Pug can be a little problematic. You might end up with two mischievous Pugs.

What Can You Do to Help the Old and the New Pug Get Along?

The goal in adding a new pet is to have one, big happy family. Most Pugs welcome a new sibling, but occasionally it’s not smooth sailing. Sometimes, the transition from a single to a multi-pug household takes a little effort. 

Here are a few tips to develop a good relationship between the old and the new Pugs.

  • Think about the current Pug’s age, physical status, and personality when deciding on a new furry member.
  • To avoid territorial aggression, introduce the Pugs in a place that is new to both.
  • Place each Pug on a loose leash and keep the dogs under control.
  • Allow the Pugs to investigate each other.
  • Once the Pugs tolerate each other and interact positively, you may take them home.
  • Provide each Pug with its food bowl, water bowl, and bed.
  • Closely supervise them when they play together and praise them when they interact nicely.
  • Don’t hesitate to use a crate to separate them where necessary. This is especially true if you will be leaving them unattended (i.e. while you work or sleep). 
are two pugs better than one
Are Pugs Happier in Pairs?

Final Thoughts

Pugs are very sociable and most of them get along pretty well. By having a companion, your pup will run around and play more than when left alone. They can keep each other company and significantly reduce each other’s loneliness and stress levels.

If you are a Pug family and have the resources, time, and energy to give two dogs a healthy, quality lifestyle, then a Pug pair is often a great idea. Coming home to two cute Pugs is the best thing after a long tiring day.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this blog. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments. We would be happy to hear from you!

Related Reading: What Do Pugs Love?

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.