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Pug

 

 

Pug: BREED BOX

Country:

China

Size:

14-18lb (6-8kg), 10-11in (25-28cm)

Temperament:

Lively

Grooming:

Undermanding

Recognition:

FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC

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

 

"Pug Pictures": More >>


Pug Reviews

Grooming (83%)

 

 

Exercise (80%)

 

 

Feeding (90%)

 

 

Temperament (93%)

 

 

Watchdog (90%)

 

 

 

Low/Unsuitable

High/Excellent

Number of reviews: 6

Peggy

Pugs are the best

8/7/2006

Rating: TBA (20vote/s)

I have had my pug Spanky for almost 7 years now. She is the first dog I have every been owned by, and an ideal mathch for me and the family. She is like a living teddy bear. She does not require much exercise at all, but enjoys going out to play when we get the chance. Most of her time is spent following the sun as it moves around the house and trying to sleep in a sunny spot. She gets up to rotate windows throughout the day. When she isn't sleeping she is playing with me or loving on someone in the house. Pugs are very affectionate and terrific with children of all ages and make good therapy dogs as well. They do shed, so if dog hair bothers you, take this in to consideration. I find it a small price to pay for all the companionship and love I get from my pal. Pugs are very intelligent and can be stubborn, so I recommend obedience training to make the first couple of years happy and establish who is the boss. Once you live with a pug you know what it is to be loved unconditionally.

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carol

pugs, silver/fawn

9/21/2005

Rating: TBA (29vote/s)

So many Pug People love these little people in fur suites, I tell people these are the children I always wanted and were meant to have. Love my Pugs & they love me! I do have a problem with people thinking they are dumb, they are not. If you start at a early training and stay with it. When humans get a canine they think a 6 or 8 weeks it is to tell them when they have to go to the bathroom and it took 2 to 3 years for them to teach a human child to do this, what is wrong with this picture? If it takes you 2 to 3 years to train a human and only a year to train a canine, it is well worth it. A human child has to have their hair brushed everyday, so why do people feel it is too much to brush a Pug everyday. Feeding a child the right food is very important, so why is it any different for a Pug? Exercise, well if you don't exercise your child will not, temperament, I wish humans had a fun loving temperament as a Pug. Watch dog? They let you know when any thing is moved, funiture, most of all. They do not like changes! So if people want some thing better than humans, GET A PUG!

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Sarah

Pug

7/17/2005

Rating: TBA (13vote/s)

I have owned my pug (named Rascal) for 3 months. He is a great little dog and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's fun to work with, he's loyal, he's (almost always) obedient and a great companion. He has the greatest temperment I've ever seen in a dog, always wagging his tail politely at everyone, yet he's a great little watchdog. He's one of the smartest dogs I'll probably ever own. Though I will admit he is stubborn.

Currently I'm using him in Obedience and Agility, and I'm proud to say he excels at both. I can't say enough good things about this little dog. He's ALWAYS wanting to make me happy. And that he does. I will NEVER regret getting my pug. And I intend on getting another one (or two) in the future.

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Peg

Pugs

4/26/2005

Rating: TBA (15vote/s)

Our first beloved Pug named Pugsley was given to us and lived for over 14 years, his face turning gray with age. We missed his companionship and happy disposition so much that when it was time to get another dog we chose another Pug.

Brutus was 4 days old the first time I held him in the palm of my hand and has that same happy, loving, stubborn and mischievous disposition. We wouldn't trade him for anything!

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krystal

pugs

3/15/2005

Rating: TBA (15vote/s)

pugs are the best companions!

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Yanina

Pugs/Mops

12/22/2004

Rating: TBA (13vote/s)

The Pug is my favorite and lovely dog breed. I have pugs/mops. He's name is Toshka. Our family is very in love with him .

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