Pug

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Toy Group
Country of Origin: China
Date of Origin: Ancient
Weight M: 14-18 pounds
Height M: 10-11 inches
Weight F: 14-18 pounds
Height F: 10-11 inches
Alternate Names Mops, Carlin
Life Expectancy 12 to 15 years

History

The name of the breed, Pug, may have origins from Old English words, ‘pugg’ or ‘puge’, which were lovesome terms for a playful devil or monkey. The Pug was bred to decorate the laps of the Chinese royalty during the reign of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.E.). Later, Pugs became popular in Tibet, where they were kept by monks. Eventually they reached Japan and Europe. The Chinese had another name for the breed, ‘Lion Dog.’ This was in reference to its resemblance to Chinese guardian lions, which were considered to be a guardian spirit. The breed came to Europe in the 16th century, when it was imported by the merchants and crews of the Dutch East Indies Trading Company. In 1572, a Pug saved the life of a Prince of the House of Orange by barking at an assassin; it was made the official dog of that House. When William III and Mary II left the Netherlands to ascend the throne of England in 1688, they were accompanied by a Pug. The popularity of the breed increased in Europe in the 17th century, and Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain. The Pug arrived in U.S. during the 19th century.

General Description

The Pug has a square, stout and stocky appearance and symmetry. A lean and leggy Pug is a disqualification. The same applies to a Pug with short legs and long body. The Pug is characterized by compactness in form and hardness of developed muscles. He is also well proportioned. His head is large, bulky, and round with no indents in the skull. His eyes are typically dark and ball-shaped. His large, bold, and prominent eyes exhibit a solicitous expression. The same eyes are lustrous and full of fire when he is excited. The Pug's ears are thin and small and soft as black velvet. The Pug has a moderate coat, which is neither hard nor woolly. It is glossy, fine, smooth, short and soft. He comes in fawn or black color. The fawn color is marked and in complete contrast with trace and mask. Any other color than fawn or black is a disqualification of the breed.

Temperament

The strict demeanor of Pug does not reflect his playful nature. In reality he is a social dog although stubborn about certain things. The Pug is not easily agitated and has a stable temperament. Charming and playful, they carry themselves with dignity. They are outgoing and have a loving disposition. The Pug responds well to training and has a fair working intelligence. Sensitive to the tone of human voice, Pugs prefer the company of humans to that of other dogs and pets. Improper care of a Pug’s wrinkles may have a detrimental effect on his health. They are vulnerable to eye injuries that include puncture wounds and scratched corneas due to the lack of a pointed snout or skeletal ridges. The brachycephalic structure of the head causes difficulty in breathing. This makes it difficult for Pugs to regulate their body temperature properly. Never leave a Pug to overheat in a locked car or room as the consequences can be fatal. Pugs strive to please their people and be near them. His sturdiness makes him a favorite family dog.