Temperament & behavior
Playful, adaptable, deeply attached to people. Alert but not yappy. Bred as companion dogs — they need company, not jobs. Prone to resource-guarding if teased over food or toys.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Lap time and couch privileges
- Short bursts of play
- Humans, all humans
- Being the center of attention
🚫 What they hate
- Heat and humidity (dangerous for them)
- Swimming — most cannot; they sink
- Intense exercise
- Being left alone too long
Short, low-impact games: gentle tug, indoor fetch, puzzle feeders. Overheating is the constant risk — keep sessions brief in warm weather.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Moderate. Short fine coat sheds more than people expect, especially seasonally. Weekly rubber-brush.
Facial folds cleaned daily (infection hotspot), bath monthly, nails short.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Low |
| Other dogs | Variable — some same-sex friction |
Companion-bred and generally easygoing. Resource guarding and frustration-based snapping can appear if mishandled; flat-face means rough dog-park play is unsafe regardless of intent.
Exercise needs
30–40 per day per day. Two easy walks plus indoor play. In summer, walk at dawn/dusk only — heatstroke risk is serious.
Good with…?
- Kids: Good (calm play only)
- Other pets: Good
- First-time owners: Yes, if you accept the health realities
Health risks to know upfront
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
- Heatstroke
- Spinal issues (IVDD)
- Skin-fold infections
- Often requires C-section to breed
Is this breed right for you?
Apartment dwellers home most of the day, in a climate that stays cool-ish.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
