Pug Breed Profile

Also known as a mops hund or Chinese pug dog, the Pug strongly resembles a miniature mastiff with the black mask on its wrinkled face with a stocky, thickset body. A loyal and affectionate little dog who is energetic and good natured, you will have a friend for life. The Pug has uncertain origins with many believing that he dates back to 400 BC in Asia, whilst others believe that the Pug was brought back from the East by Dutch traders; which could also explain why he was once known as a Dutch mastiff. Pugs are excellent watch dogs although they don’t tend to yap excessively, which means that they will adapt well to life in an apartment or a huge mansion, they don’t mind.
Typical Pug facts
Height: Male 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) female 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm)
Weight: Male 13 to 20 lbs (6 to 9 kg) female 13 to 18 lbs (6 to 8 kg)
Average litter size: 2 to 6 pups
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Good with children: Yes
Kennel Club classification: Toy group
Colour of a Pug
The four colours of a Pug are black, fawn, silver and apricot. The early Pugs were usually golden or apricot until the mid nineteenth century when two strains of Pugs were introduced by breeders named Willoughby and Morrison, who were distinct rivals. The black Pug originated in 1886 and is considered by some to be hardier than the fawn coloured Pug.
Grooming a Pug
Pugs shed hair all year round and so will benefit from a daily brush to keep the hair loss to a minimum. Fawn coloured Pugs have an undercoat as well as an overcoat which means that they shed a little more than the other colours, but again, daily brushing will minimise the hair loss. A double coat is unusual in a Pug as they were intended to be a lap dog, living exclusively indoors. It is necessary to clean inside the wrinkles on the dog with care as poor care in this area can cause infection and irritation. The nails and the teeth will require attention, as with any breed, to avoid problems.

Pug common ailments/health issues
Pugs are generally healthy dogs who need little more than a daily brush and the creases in their face cleaned. Pugs can be prone to many of the common problems that affect all dogs and should be avoided by the necessary screening of both parents to avoid the issue of hereditary disease. There are three areas where you should pay attention to avoid problems with your Pug. These are: body temperature, eyes and weight. The Pug has a relatively short head and flattened nasal passages, which puts them at greater risk of heatstroke or breathing difficulties. As the eyes of a Pug are prominent you have to watch that they don’t get injuries to the eye. The weight of a Pug has to be watched as they love their food and, without adequate exercise, will soon gain weight. Good quality food is essential to promote the health of their skin and coat. As with any dog, health screening, good food and care will ensure your Pug stays healthy and alert.
Temperament of the Pug
Pugs are versatile and are just as happy with one owner as with a family but are most suited to a family as they are quite tolerant of children. Their soft, velvety coat and playfulness make them ideal companions who will easily reflect the mood and temperament of their owner, being docile and quiet just as easily as being excitable and playful. Many owners of Pugs say that they love the playful antics of their pet as well as the sounds that they make, such as soft snoring and grunting sounds. A Pug will happily follow you around the house as they have a curious nature as well as some unusual traits – such as lying with their back legs stretched out behind them in a ‘frog’ position. They also tend to sit in a Buddha position with their legs open in front of them rather than tucking them underneath like most other dogs.

Training a Pug
Pugs are extremely intelligent dogs, although a little stubborn when it comes to training. It is important for you to be in control as your Pug will try to be in charge, although very rarely aggressive. As a Pug is a food lover he will respond very readily to treats to assist his training. Short 10 to 15 minute sessions are enough if practiced daily as the Pug soon learns.
Exercise for a Pug
Pugs require a daily walk and exercise to maintain their health and fitness, as well as preventing boredom and associated problems. However, it is important to keep an eye on their temperature as they can’t control their body temperature as easily as other dogs. If they start to pant it is better to let them stay in the shade until they cool down. Pugs are ideal for someone who doesn’t go for long walks each day as they require only short walks.
History of the Pug
The origins of a Pug are uncertain, with many believing that they originate from the East, probably China. The first Pugs to arrive in England were Dutch and this led to them being known as Dutch Mastiffs originally. Known to be a brave little dog, his courage was first recorded in 1572 when the King of Holland was awakened by one of his Pugs just in time to avoid being assassinated. The wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Josephine, had a Pug who reportedly shared the marital bed upon the insistence of Josephine. Pugs retained their popularity until the early 19th century when demand for Pugs declined. Around 1860, Pugs were imported from China with shorter legs and the now popular ‘pug nose’. The most famous Pug lovers in the 20th century were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who took their Pugs everywhere with them. America fell in love with the Pug in the 20th century as show dogs and as pets.
Famous Pug dogs
One of the most recent famous Pugs, a fawn Pug, played the part of an alien in Men in Black in 1997 – called Frank.
Willy is another famous Pug, from the BBC soap Eastenders. Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is also a well known dog lover and Pug owner.
Chatshow host Jonathan Ross owns a Pug (as well as other dogs) named Mr Pickle.

The Pug: Dignified Clown with a Lot of Attitude

Pugs are clowns at heart, known for their silly antics, but they still manage to maintain a sense of dignity. They are known as a lap dog and enjoy lounging around in the company of their human companion, and enjoy daily exercise in the form of a walk. An inside dog, they should never be left out-of-doors for any extended period of time.

The Pug is of Chinese origin. They were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a most luxurious atmosphere and at times were even guarded by soldiers. The Dutch traders brought the Pugs from the east to Holland and to England where the pug was enjoyed by many Monarchs of Europe.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1885. The Pug Dog Club of America was founded in 1931 and recognized by the AKC that same year.

Being a purebred dog, the pug does come with some high maintenance medical issues. Typical medical problems include ear infections, eye problems, mast cell tumors, and skin infections.

Some pugs can suffer from a collapsing trachea or elongated palate making it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot weather. During the hotter months of the year, it is best to keep your pug in a cool room and avoid walks during the hottest part of the day as they can easily become overheated.

Pug owners in hot climates, besides running the air conditioner, can purchase items such as a cooling body wrap and cooling mat to keep their pug from overheating.

Although the pug comes in a small package, their shedding can be extreme. Be prepared to vacuum or sweep your floors almost daily during the summer when shedding is at its worst and several times a week during the cooler months. Invest in a good lint brush as your clothing will be covered in pug hair also (a minor inconvenience for those of us who love our pugs).

The pug loves food and can easily become overweight if over-indulged with snacks or larger than necessary meal portions. Talk to your vet about your pug's appropriate weight.

Since the pug is susceptible to skin infections, a healthy diet is a must. Choosing a high quality food for your pug will pay off in a healthier dog with fewer visits to the vet (that means no grocery store dog food!). Read your food labels carefully and choose a dog food with more natural ingredients.

Your pug should visit the vet at least once a year for a physical. A blood test at age six is a good idea and can catch many potential health problems allowing early treatment with the appropriate diet or medication.

Pugs make excellent traveling companions and many pug owners take their pugs with them on vacation. Sharing their human's bed is the preferred sleeping arrangement for the pug, although for those who would find this a difficult arrangement, a dog bed next to the bed will be tolerated.

If considering a pug breed, try adopting from a local pug rescue. You can find a pug rescue near you at www.rescuers.com.

Some Reasons To Get Yourself A Pug Mix Breed

Pug mix is a cross between a Pug and another breed. Nowadays a term designer dog is wildly used to name hybrid dogs that have been selectively bred. Most known Pug mixes can be called designer dogs, for they represent a combination of their parents' particular features and thus often look even more attractive than purebred dogs.

Types of Pug Mixes

All mixed-breed dogs differ from their parents by size, color and shape. Pugs usually transmit flat muzzle and curled tail to the Pug mixes. There are three of them, which are considered to be the most popular and attractive.

Chug is a hybrid of a Chihuahua and a Pug. This Pug mix is very charming. It is small and more refined than a Pug. Ears and curly tail are covered with gentle fuzz, or the whole body may have long hair. The muzzle is very nice, it has become round and elongated, with big convex eyes and sympathetic look. In general, the appearance has become more interesting. Besides that, Chugs are amazingly friendly, for both parents are known as good companions for their owners.

Pugle, a mix of a Pug and a Beagle, turns to be also very alluring. They are approximately of the same size as Beagles, with short sleek coat and funny curled tail. Again, it is wonderful clever eyes and numerous wrinkles that prettify these Pug mixes and make them look pathetic. As Beagles are hound dogs, Pugles are very brave, curious and devoted to their owners.

The third type is a Bugg a hybrid of a Pug and Boston Terrier. These Pug mixes seem to have a head of a Pug and a body of a Terrier. Their legs are rather long, the body is strong and sound. The muzzle is very charming: it is rather flattened, which makes the dog breathe with its mouth and thus look as if it is smiling at you. Buggs are very lively and good-natured Pug mixes.

Advantages of a Pug mix

As you have noticed, a diversity of appearance may be a real advantage. Pug mixes attract attention, for they are unusual, funny and very handsome. The variety of colors has also increased, as Pugs are usually silver, black or apricot and the new dog breeds make Pug mixes also red, tan, tricolor and even calico.

Another benefit of Pug mixes is that they are considered to have better health than purebred dogs. It is proved that all mix-bred dogs are prone to many genetic diseases typical to this or that particular dog breed. Therefore hybrids are stronger, sturdier and healthier.

The result of such stamina is superiority of Pug mixes in such dog sports as dog agility, frisbee, obedience, flyball and other. They show great dexterity, quickness and cleverness, which help them to excel. So if you want to have a dog, that will be healthy, uncommonly pretty and devoted to you, a Pug mix is a suitable variant.


About the Author
If you want to know more about Pugs including free information, reviews and much more, or you want to join our FREE Online Pug Training Mini Series then please visit Pugs (Recommended) or for more free articles all about pugs visit Pug Training

Getting To Know Your Pug

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to know about the Pugs:

The wrinkly face of the Pug is simply undeniable. This smaller dog was at one time the companion of Chinese Emperors during the Shang Dynasty. However, at that time, the Pug was called "Foo" or "Lo-Chiang-Sze." Today, you can find Foo figurines, which have the same bulging eyes as that of the Pug. Soon, this breed became highly popular in Tibet, being a prized pet of monks. From there, the breed wove its way into Japan, followed by Europe.

Then by the late 16th century and early 17th century, the Pug was imported from the Dutch East Indies Trading Company. In fact, when William III and Mary II ascended the throne in 1688 after leaving the Netherlands, the Pug actually was chosen as the House of Orange's official breed. Eventually, various European countries were flooded with the Pug and by the time they reached Spain, Goya began painting them.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, popularity levels continued to rise. Interestingly, Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte future wife, used her pet Pug as a means of sending covert messages to her family while she was being held in the Les Carmes Prison. Over the years, the Pug's popularity kept growing throughout Europe, eventually making its way to the United States. Currently, the Pug is still just as popular as it was, even more so. This dog is cuddly with a massive personality. Because of its size and positive traits, the Pug makes an excellent family pet.

Physical Appearance

Early Pugs in the 18th century were a longer and leaner version of today's breed. What we see now is a more compact body with a deep chest and defined muscles. The Pug's head is round and the eyes large and dark. However, the Pug's face wrinkles are what make it so distinct and adorable. The tail of the Pug is also cut, being tightly curled that falls back over the hip. In fact, for show purposes, a double curl of the tail is deemed perfection. The coat is short and glossy with a number of color options to include:

Silver Black Fawn Apricot

Temperament and Personality

If you are looking for a sociable dog, the Pug is ideal. However, you need to keep in mind that this breed can also be stubborn. The breed is great with children and other animals. Playful, clever, and overall charming are just a few descriptive words to describe the Pug. The only slight personality flaw is that this breed can be jealous when ignored.

Health

Pugs are generally healthy dogs but with a short muzzle and not having any skeletal brow ridges, some issues can arise specific to breathing. The short muzzle can also make extreme hot or cold temperatures difficult to handle. Therefore, the Pug needs to be kept indoors with moderate temperature settings. In addition, because of the protruding eyes of the Pug, scratching of the cornea is another possible problem. It is also important to keep this dog breed on a healthy and monitored diet, as well as a good exercise plan in that obesity can occur.

Other potential health risks associated with the Pug includes inflammation of the brain, which is known as Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis. Experts now believe this disease to be inherited although it is not 100 percent certain. Unfortunately, if a Pug were determined to have this problem, it would die naturally or need to be humanely euthanized. Keep in mind that with good care, this adorable breed can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.


About the Author
Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having sold over 21,000 copies. See http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/pug.php for more on dog breeds.

The Pug is a Lot of Dog in a Small Space by Darin Hosking

Jessica Alba has two pug dogs named Nancy (after her character in Sin City 2005) and Sid. Jessica posed with both dogs for the cover of Animal Fair magazine.

Pugs are perky companions who are very loyal and affectionate. They are playful and charming who delight their owners with their mischievousness.

Other Facts About the Pug

The AKC recognized the Pug in 1885 and the breed has since become a popular companion dog. AKC designation is Mastiff, AKC Toy

History:



The Pug is believed to have originated before 400 BC in Asia. The Pug is thought to be a descendant of the short-haired Pekingese. Pugs were a favorite adornment of the European Ladies of Courts. The Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland.

Physical Characteristics:

The Pug has a stocky compact, body. The coat is soft but not wooly. The colors of the Pug vary from apricot, fawn, black and silver. The Pug has a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. The preferred shape of the ears is rose-shaped.

The dark expressive eyes are prominent and lustrous. The back is short, with a level top line. Their tail lay in a tight curl, or double curl on the back. Their limbs are straight and strong. They exhibit a jaunty, rolling gait.

Size & Height:



Height: Dogs 12-14 inches. Bitches 10-12 inches.


Weight: Dogs 13-20 pounds. (6-9kg.) Bitches 13-18 pounds.


Personality:



Pugs are very sensitive dogs. They get along well with other dogs and pets. They behave impeccably well with both children and visitors. Pugs require lots of attention and become very jealous if their owner ignores them.

Considerations in What You Feed Your Pug

When you own a Pug one of your biggest concerns will be how to feed your Pug. Ensuring a healthy diet for your Pug can be a challenge. Each breed has its own special dietary requirements. Because he Pug has a tendency to overeat ? its essential to monitor his/her diet closely.

Many Pug owners complain that their Pugs often gobble their food too quickly. There are some ways that you can encourage your Pug to eat a little slower. ?.

Consider feeding your Pug a homemade diet of freshly prepared foods. There are some problems with the many commercial foods because every dog's nutritional requirements are different; many of these foods don't take into account your pugs unique nutritional requirements.

The Pug originated in Tibet; their diet only consisted of that which they could easily find or hunt. Mainly rodents, goat, boar, deer or even Yak's. They probably also ate the barley, rye or mountain corn growing freely. Their diet originally had a high fat content and even today their diet needs quite a large portion of fat.

Proper feeding can save you a fortune in Vet bills. Many of the most common illnesses can be avoided with a good diet. Try choosing a dog food company that is large and reputable. Never skimp on the dog food!

With so many varieties of dog foods to choose from the Pug owner can become quite bewildered! Choosing a recognized dog food brand will minimize the risk of leaving some of the most essential nutrients out of your dog's diet.

Experts disagree on what kinds of benefits Pugs experience from nutritional supplements. It is possible that vitamin supplements can cause kidney or liver damage so try to limit the supplement intake. If you have a high quality dog food then it should sufficiently cover the most important nutrients. You can give your Pug vitamin C supplements.

Pugs often suffer from infestations in the face and ear area; adding a tablespoon of yogurt to counter-act yeast buildup.
The Pugs fast eating can cause many problems for Pugs and their owners. The Pug is notorious for farting as a result of the swallowing of air. Feed your Pug twice a day to minimize this smelly problem!

Don't give your Pug raw hide treats. Because they eat so quickly, they are more prone to choking on large pieces. There are many Pug owners who have learnt the hard way that pugs and raw hide treats don't go together. Rather buy your Pug a treat that is softer and smaller. These bite sized treats are much safer for your Pug.

Feeding your Pug the proper foods can ensure a longer life and lifelong happiness for him and your family

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu's and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

How To Find A Puggle Dog

For those of you who don't know what a " Puggle " is, a puggle is a mix-breed dog in which a pug dog is bred with a beagle.

Puggles have been the biggest rage in Hollywood as well as dog breed lovers alike.

Many ask where to find a good puggle dog and we have some good puggle answers. Puggles belong to the family of mixed breed dogs known as Designer Dogs and are often very expensive if bought at a pet shop. The problem with just buying these dogs from a pet shop is that there are many great mixed breed dogs that can easily be found at your local animal shelter or humane society.

I recently inquired about finding such dogs at a local shelter and they will even take down a wish-list of the type of dog you would like, so when your puggle shows up (or any other dog for that matter), you will be promptly notified. This is definitely a very humane method that gets overlooked often. Many upon many dog lovers have found their best companion from a animal shelter in which they would have been doomed for sure.

If you need a puggle puppy for sale quicker, check the paper, check the pet stores, check specific breeders of puggles but always remember to learn about their genetic history first.

A common problem that often exist is that people who are not commonly breeders will try to mate a pug and beagle without knowing anything about dog breeding and with little dog breed information. What often ends up happening as a result, the puggle will often have genetic disorders and problems as they get older. Another thing that many unskilled dog breeders overlook is temperment testing and finding the right mix to come out right. Puggle dogs are great animals and like any great animal they should be bred with respect and dignity.

It may seem like a contridiction in terms jumping from a animal shelter view to a qualified breeder view, but it all depends on the needs of the buyer. I personally would never want to see a love capable dog be put to sleep, however you do want a healthy dog that will be with you quite a long time. It is a catch 22 I guess.

Puggle breeders are often very trained breeders who take pride in breeding a very nice puppy. Much controversy has been brought up from purebred owners in claims that puggles are simply a mutt. This is somewhat true however Puggle dogs can be well bred like any other dog plus have less of a tendency to be inbred due to overbreeding. This makes a smarter dog with less emotional problems often times.

One thing is for certain though, puggle puppies are cute! Puggle puppies are sooo incredibley cute that they touch the hearts of all they come in counter with.

The Royal Pug

People love Pugs! There is something about that rogue-like face that tugs at your heart strings. This dignified toy breed is loved by royalty and commoners alike. These loving, intelligent, little clowns are extremely popular and ranked 12th out of 154 dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 2005. The Pug is the largest of the Toy Dog Group weighing in a whopping 14 to 18 pounds. You can get free pictures and additional information on the Pug at Pug Pictures.

The Pug has a fascinating history and one that is somewhat controversial. No one disputes that the English painter William Hogarth owned Pugs and portrayed them many times in his paintings. For example, Hogarth's 1730 painting shows a black pug in “House of Cards”. Similarly everyone agrees that the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after saving the life of the Prince of Orange, by giving alarm at the approach of the Spaniards in 1572. Later when William of Orange went to England in 1688 to be crowned King William III, he took along several Pugs. So we know how the Pugs got from Holland to England but the controversy arises over how the breed got to Holland in the 16th century. One group of historians thinks the Pug was developed as a result of crossing several small Bulldogs. Another group thinks it is a miniature form of the rare French mastiff called the Dogue de Bordeaux. However the majority of historians think that the Pug originated in China and was brought back to 16th century Holland by the Dutch East India Company traders. This is the history that we will assume is true.

The Pug is of Chinese origin and its development seems to pre-date the Christian era. Early records indicate that there were three types of short-nosed dogs bred by the Chinese. They were the Lion Dog (probably the Shih Tzu), The Pekingese and the Foo Dog or Pug. These dogs became very popular with Chinese royalty and the Pug breed was highly prized by the Emperors of China and lived a pampered existence. In fact, ordinary citizens were not allowed to own them. However, European traders managed to obtain some Pugs and introduce them to Europe - particularly Portugal, Spain, Holland and England which were the home countries of the traders. There, these adorable little animals became the pampered favourites of many royal families. We mentioned earlier that William III and Mary introduced Pugs to Britain from Holland when they became King and Queen in 1688 and the little dogs became a favourite at the royal court. This small dog breed was also extremely popular in the European courts and was a favourite of Napoleon's wife, Queen Josephine of France. Later Queen Victoria of England succumbed to the Pugs charm and introduced several Pugs into her household. This British royalty love of Pugs continued down the line into the 20th century with the Duke of Windsor becoming a Pug owner. However by the time of Queen Victoria and her descendants, Pugs were no longer restricted to royalty. Members of the aristocracy became enamoured with Pugs as well.

Because the Pug was becoming very popular, English breeders were importing Pugs from other countries such as Russia, Austria and Holland. In 1860 British soldiers overran the Imperial palace in Peking and brought back a number of Pugs to England. The black Pug probably was imported at this time. Subsequent to this period, breeders established standards for the breed. In 1881, the Pug Dog Club of England was established and in 1883 the British Kennel Club formally recognized this breed club. By 1885, the Pug had been accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club but no national American breed club was created until 1931. By the beginning of the 20th century, large numbers of Pugs were exported to the United States from the United Kingdom. These Pugs were expensive - as they were still very much upper-class dogs.

Now we no longer have to be members of the royalty or the upper classes to own a Pug. Pugs are low maintenance dog breeds that require little grooming and get enough exercise playing indoors. They are well suited for apartment living. Pugs have a tendency to put on weight and should be taken for walks when the weather isn't too hot.

Many royal and well known people have been owned by a Pug. This started with the Chinese Emperors many centuries ago and continued right up to the Dowager Empress of China who died in 1908. Many European royal families including Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine fell under the spell of the Pug. More contemporary (and quite diverse) Pug owners included Sir Winston Churchill, Valentino, Andy Warhol and Sammy Davis Jr.

Perhaps it is time for you to consider being royally entertained by the uncommon Pug!

What are Pug Puppies?

Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and loyal, and are happy to curl up at your feet. If you’re looking for pug puppies for sale, you can be sure of a loving companion. Pug puppies are playful with children, they get along well with other household pets an they train quite well. Pug puppies are intelligent, but are also sensitive, so that training needs to be done with gentleness.

Pug puppies are believed to be from China, perhaps a relation to Tibetan Mastiffs, brought to Holland first and then to Britain in the 1500’s- 1700’s. In fact, legend has it that the pug was a prized possession of the Emperors of China. They are generally silver and black in color, with a black mask. Pictures of pug puppies show the beautiful blend of black through the silver, especially down their back, which is most characteristic of pug puppies. Black pug puppies and fawn colored ones can be found as well. Pug puppies belong in the ‘toy dog’ category because of their size, growing to be about 10 inches tall and 15 lbs in weight. They generally need more exercise than other small dogs. Pug puppies adjust well to living in an apartment, as long as they’re allowed regular walks outside for exercise, fresh air and stimulation.

Pug puppies make a noise resembling a pig, and they've been known to snore. Their short wrinkled nose and stocky little body make them a very recognizable breed. The word “Pug” actually means “closed fisted” or “clenched fist” and refers to the tightened, drawn in face of a pug, kind of like a closed fist.

Whatever the description, all Pug owners know that these dogs are loyal and true. Pug puppies are small and compact but full of fun and energy.

A Little Bit About The Pug

The Pug is known as the Carlin in France, Mopshond in the Netherlands, Mops in Germany and Chinese Pug or sometimes the Dutch Pug in Great Britain. So how did he come about with a name of the “Pug?” The name Pug may have come about from the shape of the dog’s head or the name refers to the dog’s resemblance to a marmoset or monkey.

The Pug was developed as a pet and entertainer. His clownish face and happy demeanor wins friends just about everywhere he goes. The little Pug is an ancient Oriental breed and was probably first developed in Tibetan monasteries prior to the first century A.D. He resembles the Pekingese and other Oriental breeds. The Pug was seen in Japan in early years as well. Some claim the Pug originated from Mastiff stock. This is not a proven fact and is doubted by many because several other toy breeds with large heads and curled tails came from the Orient. It is more probable that the Pug was carried from China by Holland’s trading ships and on into the Netherlands where he became the Clown Prince of many European courts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The Pug is said to be a wonderful companion. He fits in nicely with young families if the small kids are well informed about handling small dogs. The Pug makes a good companion to the elderly and is sufficiently active enough for young adult as well.

Pugs love to run and play. A backyard is usually enough space for their exercise. They enjoy leashed walks and make good hiking partners in cool weather or shady environments.

The Pug is affectionate, ready to please and sensitive. The Pug can provide hours of entertainment for its owner with many comical antics. He is sensitive to the moods of its owner. They are trustworthy, loyal and socialize easily with other pets. The Pug can exhibit a jealous streak if not given enough attention and may even pout. He is extremely trainable.

The Pug’s coat is short, lies flat, and requires regular brushing and combing to control shedding, which can be a lot. A rubber slicker brush is effective in removing loose hair and a grooming glove is often used.

The Pug’s coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy. It is neither harsh nor woolly. The colors are usually fawn or black. They have a black mask, ears and facial wrinkles. The nails should be black.

The Pug is easy to maintain. It only needs regular brushing. The overnose wrinkle and ears should be checked daily and kept clean. If a sore develops, a vet should be consulted. Special attention should be given to the Pug’s eyes. The eyes should be kept clear and a vet consulted if not clear. The older Pug’s eyes are particularly vulnerable and occasionally require eye drops.

You will need a brush or a grooming glove, a selection of combs is useful. Brush the coat daily. Bathe in a suitable natural-ingredient shampoo and rinse well.