Do Pugs Have a Good Sense of Smell Compared to Other Dogs
Pugs might not be built like tracking dogs, but their noses are still surprisingly effective in everyday life. They rely on scent to explore their surroundings, recognize familiar people, and track down every last crumb on the floor.
Let’s take a closer look at how well pugs can smell, and what that means for their health, safety, and daily habits.
That Squishy Face Plays a Role
Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short skulls and flat faces. While this gives them their signature look, it also affects how air moves through their noses. Compared to long-snouted breeds, pugs have narrower nasal passages and less room for scent receptors.
That doesn’t mean they can’t smell well—it just means their scent detection is a bit less refined. According to veterinarians and breed experts, pugs still rely on smell for most of their daily activities. Their noses might not be built for tracking wildlife, but they’re more than capable when it comes to finding food or sniffing out familiar places.
What Pug Behavior Tells Us
Pugs may not have the strongest noses in the dog world, but their behavior proves they know how to use what they’ve got. They often follow scent trails on walks, hover near kitchen counters, and sniff around new environments with focused curiosity.
Owners often share stories of pugs sniffing out treats hidden in pockets or noticing when their usual food is swapped for a new brand. They may even patrol the pantry before mealtime, clearly driven by scent cues.
Still, their short snouts can lead to faster fatigue during intense sniffing. On hot days, they’re more likely to overheat, so outdoor scent games should be kept brief.
Safety Stuff You Should Know
Pugs aren’t always quick to detect faint or distant scents. That can raise a few safety concerns:
- They may not notice spoiled food or dangerous items unless it’s strongly scented.
- They might be drawn to smells that are harmful, like cleaning chemicals or garbage.
- Their curiosity can override caution, especially with unfamiliar or sweet-smelling substances.
To keep them safe, store potentially harmful items well out of reach, and supervise them during outdoor sniffing sessions or trash-heavy walks.
Scent-Based Fun and Mealtime Tips
Even if they’re not expert trackers, pugs still benefit from scent-based play. Nose work activities help reduce boredom, especially for indoor dogs.
Some great ways to engage your pug’s sense of smell:
- Use snuffle mats or food puzzle toys
- Hide treats around the house for mini “treasure hunts”
- Offer a variety of scents through toys, safe herbs, or rotated food
Since smell plays a big role in how dogs approach food, warming their meals or switching to more aromatic recipes can help picky eaters stay interested.
Conclusion
Pugs do have a good sense of smell—just not as sharp as scent hounds. Their flat faces and narrow nasal passages affect airflow, but their noses still guide many of their daily decisions. Whether it’s tracking snacks or exploring new scents in the yard, their sense of smell is active, curious, and important to their well-being.
Just be mindful of their limits and watch for any signs of breathing discomfort, especially during scent-based play or hot weather.
