Books about Pugs

📝 This post, Books about Pugs, was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with new information and resources.

If you knew me as a teacher, you knew about my Pugs. Manzie and Tofie were our babies long before we had our boys — and they were loved fiercely, traveled far and wide for vet appointments (Pugs come with a long list of ailments, as any Pug parent knows!), and even made the big move to Australia with us in 2010. Looking back, I cannot believe everything we went through to get them there! They were not just pets. They were family.

As a teacher, I talked about my Pugs constantly. I showed pictures, told stories, and somewhere along the way became known as the “Pug teacher.” My students brought me Pug everything — stuffed animals, toys, puzzles, cookie jars, t-shirts, stickers, bumper stickers, posters, key chains — you name it, I probably had it. Even after Manzie and Tofie passed, the Pug gifts kept coming right up until the day I stopped teaching three years ago. They may be gone, but they are still very much alive in our hearts. 🐾

One of my favorite Manzie memories? Coming home one evening to find her standing in the corner with an empty cereal box stuck on her head. She was mostly blind by then and had no idea what had happened. My heart broke for her — I cuddled her, took the box off her head, and got on with dinner. A few minutes later, I heard whimpering from the other room. She had done it again. This time I got it on film. That was Manzie — stubborn, silly, and absolutely wonderful.

Tofie, our other Pug, couldn’t walk on her own, so we got her a doggy wheelchair. Not being able to get around on her own didn’t slow her down one bit! She was determined to do everything we did — and then some. She was truly an amazing pup. 🐾

Even now, I can’t walk past a Pug book without picking it up.

All of this is to say — I know there are other Pug Mamas out there! Here are some of our favorites, from picture books to chapter books. Feel free to share them with any Pug-loving humans you know! 🐾

Picture Books about Pugs

Unlovable (Dan Yaccarino)

This is MY favorite Pug book. We have read it so many times it is literally falling apart. Alfred the Pug is told by the family cat and goldfish just how unlovable he is — until a new dog moves next door and changes everything. Sweet, funny, and so worth adding to your shelf.

For the Love of A Pug (Woodleigh Marx Hubbard)

Classic nursery rhymes reimagined with Pugs. “Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard to get her poor Pug a bone.” Adorable illustrations and clever rhymes make this a must for any Pug lover.

Say Hello to  Zorro! (Carter Goodrich)

Mister Bud has his routine down perfectly — until Zorro the Pug arrives and throws everything off. A funny and sweet story about learning to share your space. Also look for Zorro Gets an Outfit and Mister Bud Wears the Cone!

Naughty, Naughty Pets: Dig, Ivan Dig! (Wendy Ann Gardner)

Ivan the Pug has been cooped up in an apartment and is bored. So he starts digging. Through the door. Through the floor. A hilarious read for kids who love a naughty dog story!

Chick ‘n’ Pug (Jennifer Sattler)

Chick has read “The Adventures of Wonder Pug!” 127 times and is ready for some real adventure. When he finally meets Wonder Pug in person, he discovers that Wonder Pug mostly just wants to sleep. So funny! Also look for Chick ‘n’ Pug Meet the Dude and Chick ‘n’ Pug The Love Pug!

Pugs in a Bug (Carolyn Crimi)

Six pudgy Pugs take a road trip through the country and the city, from the desert to the beach. Along the way, they spot Sheepdogs in a jeep and Greyhounds in a bus. Perfect for the youngest Pug fans!

Pig and Pug (Aaron Blabey)

Pig is a greedy Pug with ALL the toys who refuses to share with his poor friend Trevor. A funny lesson in sharing — the hard way! Also look for Pig the Fibber, Pig the Star, Pig the Elf, Pig the Tourist, Pig the Reble, Pig the Star, Pig the Stinker, Pig the Slob, Pig the Monster, and Pig the Winner!

Chapter Books about Pugs

Captain Pug (Laura James)

 Pug’s nose leads him straight to jam tarts — his absolute favorite. But before he can finish the last one, Lady Miranda whisks him off on a sea-faring adventure. A delightful early chapter book series! Also, look for Safari Pug and Cowboy Pug.

Pugs of the Frozen North (Phillip Reeve)

A magical sled race where the winner gets one wish — and two friends with nothing but a pack of yappy Pug puppies are determined to win. So much fun!

Diary of a Pug Series (Kyla May)

Baron von Bubbles (aka Bub) is the self-proclaimed cutest Pug on the planet. He loves fashion, peanut butter, and his human Bella. He does NOT love Nutz the squirrel, baths, or rain. Part of Scholastic’s Branches series — perfect for newly independent readers!

Draw a Pug!

After reading your favorite Pug book, why not draw one? This is the directed drawing tutorial we used over and over in our classroom — and the kids absolutely loved it!

After students draw their pug, have them outline it in black marker, paint it, and cut it out!

How to Draw a Pug — YouTube Tutorial

Once your Pug is drawn, have your child write about it! Some fun writing prompts:

✔️ My Pug is named _____ and he/she loves to _____.
✔️ If I had a Pug, I would _____.
✔️ A/My Pug is special because _____.
✔️ Share some facts you know about Pugs!

FREE Pug Writing Template- Download Here

Free Pug Word Search

Free Pug Word Search — Download Here

Pug Classroom Materials on TPT

Because, of course, I had to bring my Pug obsession into the classroom! Check out these Pug-themed calendar resources in my TPT store:

Pug Themed Calendar Numbers — Color Version

Pug Themed Calendar Numbers — Black and White Version

Do you have a favorite Pug book I missed? I would love to hear about it in the comments! 🐾