A small breed of dog from the Toy Group of dogs, the Pug was developed as a lap dog during the Shang Dynasty in Eastern China as long as 2,500 years ago. Despite its dimunitive size, the Pug is a fun-loving, tough little dog with a keen sense of humour and a loving nature. More than most dogs, the Pug is capable of adapting its mood to that of its owner, making it a companion dog in the truest sense of the term.
History:
The Pug dates back to the Shang Dynasty in Eastern China around 400 BC. From there this popular little dog spread to Tibet, Japan and finally to Europe around the 16th and 17th centuries.
The appearance of the Pug has altered considerably over time. Today the Pug is a short, muscular, cobby or square little dog with its length being more or less equal to its height. But around the 16th and 17th centuries when it was first introduced into Europe by the Dutch, the Pug was much leaner and longer and looked much more like a miniature mastiff. For that reason, when first introduced to England from The Netherlands the Pug was frequently referred to as the Dutch Pug or Dutch Mastiff as its shape and wrinkled face bore an uncanny resemblance to a small mastiff. Set side by side today the two would hardly be recognised as the same dog!
While its true origins can never be known for certain, it's easy to see why the Pug has such a regal air. In its native China it was the lap dog of choice for numerous Chinese emperors. In The Netherlands it was adopted by the House of Orange, where in 1572 one saved the life of the Prince of Orange by barking at a would-be assassin, alerting the prince to the pending danger. When William III (William of Orange), travelled to England to ascend the British throne in 1688, he introduced the Pug to England and the rest of Europe.
The Pug later became popular with Queen Victoria who became a dedicated breeder of Pugs. The Pug was introduced to the United States during the 19th Century where it was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Other Names: Chinese Pug, Mops, Puggu, Dutch Bulldog, Mini Mastiff, Carlin
Country Of Origin: China
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colours: Silver, Apricot, Black, Fawn
Coat: Short, Smooth
Breed:
Toy
Size: Small
Height: Male: 30 - 36 cm (12 - 14 ins) Female: 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 ins)
Weight: Male: 6.3-8.1 Kg (14-18 lbs) Female: 6 - 8 Kg (13 - 18 lbs)
Care:
Pugs are not difficult dogs to keep. They need little exercise, although care should be taken with feeding them as they have a tendency to put on weight if overfed. A daily walk should provide sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation.
The Pug is however sensitive to heat and should not be exercised during the hottest part of the day. Pugs are brachycephalic and their narrowed airway means they cannot regulate their body temperature through evaporation via their tongue as can most dogs. Exercising a Pug during the hottest part of the day will only increase this already inefficient breathing mechanism.
Temperament:
Pugs are true people dogs. Pugs are lively and intelligent, loveable and affectionate and crave only the companionship of their owners. They are sociable, friendly and playful and are excellent with other animals and children.
(* The fact that this breed may be susceptible to these conditions does not mean that all dogs of this breed will be affected by them. They are listed here purely as a guide.)
