Pug

When the Pug looks at you and cocks his head, even the hardest heart has to melt. Pugs combine a cocky confidence with a friendly, sensitive nature. They are great with kids and thoroughly relish playtime and exercise.

Pug breed facts

The Pug, one of the oldest breeds, has flourished true to his breed down through the ages from before 400 BC.

Information you should know before owning a Pug

The Pug has been referred to as "Multo in Parvo" meaning "a lot of dog in a small space".

The Pug is an even-tempered breed who is playful, outgoing, dignified, and possess great charm.

The truth of how the Pug came into existence is shrouded in mystery, but he has been true to his breed down through the ages since before 400 B.C. Authorities agree that he is of Oriental origin with some basic similarities to the Pekingese. China is the earliest known source for the breed, where he was the pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. The breed next appeared in Japan and then in Europe, where it became the favorite for various royal courts.

The Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after one of the breed saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving alarm at the approach of the Spaniards at Hermingny in 1572. Later when William II landed at Torbay to be crowned King of England, his cortege included Pugs and they became the fashionable breed for generations.

By 1790 the Pug's popularity has spread to France where Josephine, wife of Napoleon, depended on her Pug "Fortune" to carry secret messaged under his collar to her husband while she was impresoned at Les Carmes.

In 1860 British soldiers sacked the Imperial Palace in Peking and dogs of the Pug and Pekingese type were brought back to England. This was the first time since the early 16th century that dogs in any great number had been brought out of China. Black Pugs were imported from China and exhibited for the first time in England in 1886. One year earlier, in 1885, the Pug had been accepted for registration with the American Kennel Club.

The Pug is well described by the phrase "multum in parvo" which means "a lot of dog in a small space." He is small but requires no coddling and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Small
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	30 mins a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Short
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Flat
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	No garden

	General Appearance Decidedly square and cobby, it is ‘multum in parvo’ shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle.
	Characteristics Great charm, dignity and intelligence.
	Temperament Even-tempered, happy and lively disposition.
	Eyes Dark, very large, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire.
	Mouth Slightly undershot. Wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable. Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line.
	Neck Slightly arched to resemble a crest, strong, thick with enough length to carry head proudly.
	Forequarters Legs very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under body. Shoulders well sloped.
	Body Short and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed. Topline level neither roached nor dipping.
	Hindquarters Legs very strong, of moderate length, with good turn of stifle, well under body, straight and parallel when viewed from rear.
	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.
	Tail (Twist) High-set, curled as tightly as possible over hip. Double curl highly desirable.
	Gait / Movement Decidedly square and cobby, it is ‘multum in parvo’ shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle.
	Coat 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 twist) and mask. Markings clearly defined. Muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead and trace as black as possible.
	Size Ideal weight 6.3-8.1 kgs (14-18 lbs).