Squishy faces, charming demeanor, a bit mischievous… there can be no better introduction for a pug! Jules Renard once rightly said, “Wrinkles are engraved smiles,” and Pugs have a lot of wrinkles; they fill our lives with all the smiles in the world. If you are looking for a great mixture of spunky, cute, and silly, a pug has it all! He wouldn’t disappoint you when it comes to making adorable and innocent faces, showing his endearing puppy eyes to have it his way. Curious to know more about this little bundle of joy? Continue reading!
Physical Attributes
Pugs are small dogs packed into a lot of muscles onto their square frame. With their large, round heads, shortened muzzles, deep brown protruding eyes, tiny velvety ears, curly tail, and extensive forehead wrinkles, they stand out from the rest. Moles on their cheeks are often described as ‘beauty spots.’ They are 10–11 inches tall and 14–18 pounds (6–8 kg.) heavy. They have a short, lustrous double coat in standard colours with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. A clearly defined ‘thumb mark’ on their forehead adds peculiarity to their physical appearance.
Personality Traits
Pugs display jovial and spirited temperament wanting to please you with their antics. They tend to get along well with other dogs and are good with children too. You can’t expect them to hunt, guard or retrieve; they thrive on companionship. Their goofy and exuberant side has earned them a reputation of a canine class clown. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups that remain very loyal to their owners. These are fairly laid-back dogs whose favourite place to hang out is beside their owners.
They love to be the centre of attraction and feel heartsick if ignored. If you wish to have pugs as their living partners, you need to bear with their wheezing, snorting, and snoring. They can be stubborn at times, which makes their training challenging.
Historical Background
The rich history of the pug spans centuries; They are one of the oldest and most recognizable dog breeds in the world. Their roots date back to 400-700 BC. Most historians agree that the breed originated in China, where they were bred as companion animals for the wealthy. Pugs have made a long journey from Chinese palaces and monasteries to European courts and modern homes.
PUG AT A GLANCE
Weight Range: 14-18 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 11 in.
Female: 12 in.
Features: Brachycephalic (squashed face), floppy ears (naturally)
Exercise Requirements: 20 minutes/day
Energy Level: Average
Longevity Range: 12-15 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: High
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: High
Coat Length: Short
Coat Colour: Apricot – fawn, black, all with black muzzle or mask, black ears
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Toy
UKC Classification: Companion Dog
5. Creating and Targeting Groups
Pet Business is a business that specializes in a particular trade or hobby, and by creating or targeting groups on WhatsApp, specifically of its customers or even other pet parents that are interested in related topics, the pet business can increase its customer base. If the pet business creates video content and provides live support, there is quite a possibility that the members will share it with contacts that are outside of the group. This in turn leads to more users consuming the content, joining the group, and eventually, even becoming customers.
6. Promotional Codes, Flash Sales
With the new Status feature, the pet business can create special promotional codes for customers to redeem. Using its WhatsApp Status, it can let everyone in the group know about the promotions it is offering. This could include a two-hour flash sale or a one-day special drive in traffic and create buzz. Based on interaction levels, this can be expanded and promoted with WhatsApp Status exclusive coupons or promotions.
7. Special Access
The instant interaction capability of Status means the pet business can provide special access to events it is holding and send a live feed. If the pet business has a special person or a celebrity who has visited and made a purchase, this can be immediately shared as news with audience. And such updates actually receive good engagement. Just imagine Alia Bhatt being on the pet business status as a customer for her cats!
8. Product Demonstration
Whether the pet business makes its products or just sells them as a retailer, it can demo them on Status and let the group know when any new item is available in its inventory. Very small videos such as making of a cat litter or new treats available for pets with some unique quality are apt examples. Even if the customer doesn’t need these particular products today – knowing they are available, what they can do, and how to use them – he will definitely keep the products and the pet business on top of his mind whenever he needs them in future.
9. Giveaways
The pet business can have weekly, monthly, or even daily giveaways to bring footfalls to its store or visitors to its website. Since WhatsApp is free, the only cost of such promotions is for promotional products or services such dog treats, small cat toys, or fish food etc., which are to be given away. This considerably lowers marketing overheads of any pet business.
10. Collaboration/Partnership with Influencers
By collaborating with nearby businesses and partnering with influencers from pet industry, the pet business increases the number of groups to which it belongs. They need not to be in the same industry. But with Status, the pet business can become part of all these conversations. Even if members of other groups aren’t interested in its products or services, there is a chance that they might mention you in conversations on WhatsApp or other social media platforms.
WhatsApp, as a communication tool, continues to evolve and add more features in future. It is a resourceful platform that enables you to send files, images, and short video clips about your products and services. But the key to using WhatsApp effectively is to avoid abusing relationship you have built with your audience. Measurement of interaction is absolutely necessary to make sure that each message you send has value. The key is to not make every message a sales message.
WhatsApp is turning to be more valuable than ever for businesses. Using it to provide valuable engagement with audience, for learning more about customers’ needs, and as a way of spreading word about your brand are actually the optimum ways to get benefit from it.
*Author is the only Marketing Consultant in India who helps Pet Businesses to reach out to more and more people for business growth. He also runs Petopedia, the World’s First WhatsApp Daily Pet Magazine for sharing pet related information to Pet Parents. He can be reached out on 9820270247 or samgudhate@gmail.com.
