top of page

PUG

Pugs often are described as a lot of dog in a small space. These sturdy, compact dogs are a part of the American Kennel Club's Toy group, and are known as the clowns of the canine world because they have a great sense of humor and like to show off. Originally bred to be a lap dog, the Pug thrives on human companionship. The Pug's comical face, with deep wrinkles around big, dark eyes and a flat round face, can't help but make you smile. It is believed that the Pug's name comes from the Latin word for "fist" because his face resembles a human fist. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games, but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored.

 

For whom Pug?

It is a breed for everyone. It is perfect for families with young children, young people and the elderly. This dog will adapt to all conditions, does not take much space. Pugs may live in the home with a garden, as well as in a small apartment.

 

History

Pugs originated in China, dating back to the Han dynasty (B.C. 206 to A.D. 200). Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accomodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese, and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Some think that the famous "Foo Dogs" of China are representations of the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter 1500s and early 1600s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in 1572. When William of Orange (later called William III) went to England in 1688 with his wife, Mary II, to take the throne from James II, they brought their Pugs with them. It is known that black pugs existed in the 1700s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In 1785, Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. As the Pug's popularity spread throughout Europe, it was often known by different names in different countries. In France, it was called Carlin; in Spain Dogullo; in Germany Mops; and in Italy, Caganlino. Marie Antoinette had a Pug named Mops before she married Louis XVI at the age of 15. Another famous Frenchwoman, Josephine Bonaparte, had a Pug named Fortune. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. Since her beloved Pug was the only "visitor" she was allowed, she would conceal messages in his collar to take to her family. In the early 1800s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. One line was called the Morrison line and, reportedly, was founded upon the royal dogs of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The other line was developed by Lord and Lady Willoughby d'Eresby, and was founded on dogs imported from Russia or Hungary. Pugs were first exhibited in England in 1861. The studbook began in 1871 with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. These two "pure" Chinese lines were bred and produced Click. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in 1886. Pugs were introduced to the United States after the Civil War, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Founded in 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was also recognized by the AKC that year.

 

Personality

Don't expect a Pug to hunt, guard or retrieve. Pugs were bred to be companions, and that's exactly what they do best. The Pug craves affection--and your lap--and is very unhappy if his devotion isn't reciprocated. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. This doesn't mean the Pug is a stick-in-the-mud. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents--usually the mother is the one who's available--to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, the Pug needs early socialization--exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences--when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

 

Care

Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Their compact package belies a great deal of energy, so expect to be entertained with some goofy antics if your Pug doesn't get a walk or some playtime. They are sensitive to heat and humidity, however, so if you live in a hot or humid environment, be sure your Pug doesn't spend too much time outside. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs--Pugs are prone to snore.

 

Coat, Color and Grooming

Even though the coats are short, Pugs are a double-coated breed. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. The coat is short and smooth, but don't be deceived. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. The Pug's small size is handy: you can drop him right in the kitchen or utility sink for a bath. Regular nail trimming is essential, since these housedogs don't usually wear down their nails outdoors like active breeds do. It's a good idea to clean the Pug's ears every few weeks, as well. What requires special attention is the Pug's facial wrinkles. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Additionally, the Pug's bulging eyes need special attention. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Begin accustoming your Pug to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently--dogs are touchy about their feet--and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

 

Breed standard

ORIGIN: China

PATRONAGE: Great Britain.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICIAL VALID STANDARD: 13.10.2010.

UTILIZATION: Companion Dog.

FCI-CLASSIFICATION: Group  9    

Companion and Toy Dog

section 11 Small Molossian type dogs.

 Without working trial.

                                                                 

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:

A certain amount of speculation has taken place regarding the origin of this breed, which would seem to have come from the Orient. His home country is listed as China, where snub-nosed dogs have always been in favour. He found his way to Europe with traders of the Dutch East India Company and as far back as the 1500s was being admired in the Netherlands. In fact, the Pug became the symbol for the royal patriots.

The Pug arrived in England when William III came to the throne. Until 1877 the breed was seen here only in fawn but in that year a black pair was introduced from the Orient.

 

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Decidedly square and cobby, it is “multum in parvo” shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle, but never to appear low on legs, nor lean and leggy.

 

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: 

Decidedly square and cobby.

 

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT:

Great charm, dignity and intelligence. Even-tempered, happy and lively disposition.

 

HEAD 

Relatively large and in proportion to body, round, not apple-headed.

 

CRANIAL REGION:

Skull: With no indentation. Wrinkles on forehead clearly defined without exaggeration.

 

FACIAL REGION:

Nose: Black with fairly large well opened nostrils. Pinched nostrils and heavy over nose wrinkle is unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.

Muzzle: Relatively short, blunt, square, not upfaced. Eyes or nose never adversely affected or obscured by over nose wrinkle.

Jaws / Teeth: Slightly undershot. Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line. Wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable and should be heavily penalised. 

Eyes: Dark, relatively large, round in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire. Never protruding, exaggerated or showing white when looking straight ahead. Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears: Thin, small, soft like black velvet.  Two kinds – “Rose ear” - small drop-ear which folds over and back to reveal the burr.  “Button ear” - ear flap folding forward, tip lying close to skull to cover opening.  Preference given to latter.

 

NECK: 

Slightly arched to resemble a crest, strong, thick with enough length to carry head proudly.

 

BODY:

Short and cobby.

Topline: Level, neither roached nor dipping.

Chest: Broad in chest. Ribs well sprung and carried well back.

 

 

 

TAIL: High-set, tightly curled over hip. Double curl highly desirable.

 

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS:

Shoulder: Well sloped.

Forearm: Legs very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under body.

Forefeet: Neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split up toes; the nails black.

 

HINDQUARTERS:

General appearance: Legs very strong, of moderate length, well under body, straight and parallel when viewed from rear.

Stifle (Knee): With good turn of stifle.

Hind feet: Neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split up toes; the nails black.

 

GAIT / MOVEMENT:

Viewed from in front should rise and fall with legs well under shoulder, feet keeping directly to front, not turning in or out. From behind action just as true. Using forelegs strongly putting them well forward with hindlegs moving freely and using stifles well. A slight roll of hindquarters typifies gait. Capable of purposeful and steady movement.

 

COAT:

Hair: Fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither harsh nor woolly.

 

Colour: Silver, apricot, fawn or black.  Each clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, trace (black line extending from occiput to tail) and mask. Markings clearly defined.  Muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead and trace as black as possible.

 

WEIGHT:

Weight: Ideal weight 6.3 - 8.1 kgs. Should be hard of muscle but substance must not be confused with overweight.

 

FAULTS:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

 

  DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

  • Aggressive or overly shy.

  • Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

 

N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

 

bottom of page