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Pug
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Introduction
The Pug is one of the true clowns of the dog world. Playful, loving and outgoing, these little dogs are said to be a “big dog in a small package” because of their huge personality in such a small body. They don’t know they’re small dogs. The Pug has been around for over 2000 years and in that time they have frequently been the favorites of royalty. They make outstanding home companions.
Breed History
The Pug is believed to have originated in Asia, particularly China. They share some similarities with the Pekingese, also from China. The Pug is first described as we would recognize the breed around 400 B.C. in Tibet where they were being kept as pets in Buddhist monasteries. Later they were popular in Japan and then Europe as explorers visited China and took the little dogs back with them.
The Pug quickly became prized by royalty in Europe and they were the official dog of the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The story goes that a Pug saved the life of Prince William of Orange in 1572 by barking and warning him of approaching enemies. When William II (a descendant) landed in England in 1688 to become King of England, he brought Pugs with him to his new country. The little dogs became very popular in Britain.
By the 18th century Pugs were very popular in France. Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, sent secret messages to her husband when he was imprisoned via her Pug, named Fortune” by hiding them in his collar.
British soldiers brought Pugs back from China following the sacking of the Imperial Palace in 1860. This was the first large importation of Pugs from China since the 16th century and there was a resurgence of interest in the breed.
Pugs were exhibited for the first time in England in 1866. They were accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Appearance
The Pug is a smallish/medium-sized dog, square and cobby in appearance. He has a round, furrowed head with wrinkles which can give him a comical expression. His eyes are large, dark brown and serious. He has small, soft ears either shaped like a rose or a button. He is slightly undershot.
Pugs are fawn or black. Apricot and silver colors are also seen. Fawn dogs may be single or double-coated. Black dogs are single-coated. The Pug has a black mask and “trace” lines — black lines which extend from the neck to the tail.
The tail is curly and rises up over the dog’s back. Overall, the Pug should appear square. Pugs typically weigh 14 to 18 pounds.
These are happy, playful dogs with a loving disposition.
In The Home
The Pug makes a wonderful pet whether you live in an apartment or you have a yard. They are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed so they should not be left outside in the heat but they can run and play. They do need some exercise but they should always be supervised when outdoors.
The Pug is a sturdy little dog and they are an excellent small dog to live with children. They have a wonderful temperament and they are very playful and even-tempered. They are devoted to their owners and want to please. They are also very adaptable.
Care
With a short coat, the Pug requires minimal grooming. However, the double-coated dogs do shed a great deal. Pugs do need to be brushed regularly in order to prevent excessive shedding. You’ll also need to clean your Pug’s ears regularly to prevent ear infections and trim your dog’s nails regularly.
Pugs can suffer from eye injuries because they lack a prominent brow. Since they are a short-nosed breed care must be taken with them in hot weather. They should not be allowed to over-exert themselves in heat or when outdoors. Due to indoor living and a love of food, many Pugs can become overweight so you should watch your Pug’s diet.
A Pug’s wrinkles must also be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from forming and irritating the skin.
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is a problem with the breed. This is an inflammation of the brain and meninges. There is no known cause or cure at this time and it usually affects young dogs. Hemivertebrae is also a possible problem. When something goes wrong and the curl of the tail occurs elsewhere along the spine it can cause severe paralysis. Hip dysplasia can also be a serious problem for the breed.
If you are considering getting a Pug you should talk to a breeder about these issues and find out what health testing they have done on the dog’s parents. Health testing can often help eliminate some genetic problems, though not all.
Where To Find A Pug
Pugs are very popular little dogs and it’s not usually too hard to find them. In the United States Pugs are registered with the American Kennel Club. The parent club for Pugs is the Pug Dog Club of America. You can contact them for information about breeders across the country.
The Pug Dog Club of America also has a rescue organization with local groups who rescue Pugs. If you are interested in obtaining a rescue Pug you can start by contacting them. There are also a number of independent local rescues which help Pugs.
Pugs may appear occasionally in shelters but rescue groups try to remove them very quickly so they won’t be put to sleep. You can try to find a Pug in a shelter but you’ll probably have more luck by contacting a rescue group.
- Ideal Owners: The Pugs are excellent companion dogs and are good with children. Great for children to the elderly
- Other Names: Carlen, Mops, Mopshond
- Life Expectancy: 12years
- Color: Black, Fawn, Silver
Pug Pictures
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Pug Reviews
Grooming (83%) |
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Exercise (80%) |
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Feeding (90%) |
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Temperament (93%) |
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Watchdog (90%) |
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Number of reviews: 6
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