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 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
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.
