PetGuide’s Exclusive Interview With Igor PugDog

Morgan Sterling
by Morgan Sterling
Model, actor, philanthropist, heartthrob, and Pug! Igor PugDog does it all, and we got the chance to ask him some probing questions about his A-List life.


Igor Pugdog is a celeb-pooch with a heart of gold. Starring in film, TV, volunteering, and modelling for various designers, Igor is stealing hearts everywhere. We had the privilege of asking him a few questions about love, life, fame, and family.


Igor, we hear you’re a therapy dog with well over 1500 hours of experience, what other charitable and philanthropic interests do you have? Do you have any causes or organisations near and dear to your heart?

My family has always donated to Pugalug Pug rescue. In 2011 we answered a casting call through Pugalug for director Stephen Dunn and Igor Pugdog was born!


My mom is a retired graphic artist who started my own calendar to give back to Pugalug for being the start of this amazing journey. We are getting ready to send the 2017 edition of my calendar to the printer!

We are onto the 5th edition this year and we have expanded into “Pee Party” events with pugs coming from as far as NYC. In the past four years I have managed to raise over $14,000 for Pugalug Pug rescue with the help of friends, family, and fans!

How did you get your start in the industry?


My parents lost their first pug Fester at the young age of two, after much searching I came along! Right away they knew I was special. With “star attitude” from the get go, they soon realized my potential. I always had a camera in my face. In 2010 I became the #1 obedience pug in Canada.

Can you tell us about your life so far?

I am a child/read tested St. John Ambulance therapy dog with well over 600 visits to my credit. I have visited Parkwood hospital for the last 8 yrs and have recently become the first official therapy dog at both University Hospital and Victoria hospital. I also do regular visits at Vanier Children’s Services and hospice.


As an actor and model, what have we seen you in?


I beat out 17 other pugs to win the role of playing Gordon Pinsent’s pug ” King Henry” in the soon-to-be award-winning short film Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.

This led to appearances at TIFF, Tribecca, the Stephen & Chris show and more. The short went on to win the CBC Short Film Faceoff which allowed Stephen Dunn to complete his feature film “Closet Monster.” This film is now rated one of the top ten films in Canada. I play Mary Walsh’s pug! Also the short film “Static,” which is screening right now at film festivals. In this film I play Eric Peterson’s dog. Static also stars Yannick Bisson which in turn led to my appearance on Murdoch Mysteries.

What has been your favorite role to date? Any funny stories from on set?


I was thrilled that in “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” Gordon Pinsent got to feed me nearly a whole jar of applesauce. I love food!

Do you have any upcoming projects you’re allowed to share with us, like your CBC short airing this fall?


I’ve done live theatre , fashion shows, Dragon’s Den auditions, radio interviews, and the Guinness Book of World records challenge with the Mind Reels. I’m a pretty laid back pug who just takes things day by day. I would love to work with more of Canada’s greats such as Krystin Pellerin, but nothing in the immediate future. I will continue to do my therapy visits at the hospitals and would love to one day be able to visit at LHSC Children’s Hospital.

What kind of pampering do you enjoy to prepare for a day of modelling?


As a model for Dressed by Finn, I always try to look my best. I’m a slim pug at 17 pounds, but sometimes I get treated to Tim Hortons! My favourite food is Timbits, my fans know this and continually mail me my own Tim Hortons cards.

How Canadian of you! Do you enjoy your modelling gigs?


I love dressing up, I have 67 dog collars and 20 bow ties (but that is Mom’s “problem”).

Are you a family pug?

I love my humans and tolerate my half sister Stella…she’s alright I guess. We are a family.

What kind of company do you keep?


I always have BIG dogs as best friends!

What is your favorite part about being a celebrity pug?


I will be 9 in September and my number one role is being a pet to my loving humans!

Even though I’m a “star”… I am also a pug who loves everyday life as long as it includes Timbits and riding on the Harley, it has been an incredible journey of fame, love and laughter.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us Igor, we can’t wait to keep updated on your wonderful career and life adventures!


Igor Pugdog can be found on IMDb , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine , Snapchat and Linkedin.


You can watch Igor’s latest release, “Closet Monster”, which is in theaters now!

Morgan Sterling
Morgan Sterling

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