Pug
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 Description:
The exact origin of the cobby little Pug
is uncertain; one theory suggests that the
breed dates back to Egyptian times, another
suggests that it resulted from cross-breedings
of small bulldogs, but the most likely theory
is that it is a larger, smooth-coated cousin
to the Oriental Pekingese. Since the time
of William the Orange in the late 1600s,
the Pug has been a popular royal companion
and fanciers suggest the name comes from
the Olde English word "pugg" which
meant "someone dearly loved."
By the 1800s, the breed was especially popular
with women, and many Victorian pottery and
porcelain likenesses of the Pug come to
us from this time. The Pug, as it was first
shown in 1861, was always fawn in color;
a cross-breeding with some black Pugs imported
from China in 1877 introduced the darker
shades into the breed. The Pug has not changed
very much from the first standard, which
was written in the early 1880s. This dog
does well as a town or country pet. He does
not need very much exercise, unless he starts
to become obese.
Height: The
height of a Pug is 10 - 11" (25.4 -
27.9cm).
Weight:
Pugs weigh 14 - 18 lbs (6.2 - 8 kg).
Coat Type:
The Pug's short coat is sleek, smooth and
soft to the touch.
Color: Colors
of the Pug's coat are silver, apricot-fawn,
and black; the silver and apricot-fawn have
black markings on the face.
Temperament:
The Pug is an endearing friend who enjoys
human companionship, being sensitive, friendly,
and yet very confident. They love to play
with adults and children alike.
Health Problems:
The Pug is a brachycephalic dog (dog
with a broad skull and a short muzzle resulting
in a flat face and shortened nose). This
type of dog often breathes through its mouth
breathing, snorts and snores. This is not
generally a problem except when the dog
is over-exercised, over-heated, and especially
if it becomes obese. These symptoms tend
to get worse as the dog ages.
Special Interest:
An alert little Pug saved the life of Prince
William of Orange. The dog's insistent barking
woke the sleeping Prince and warned of the
approach of invading Spaniards. The Pug
was recognized as the court's official dog
and the Prince's tomb bears an engraving
of William and his beloved pet.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 5 - Toys
ANKC: Group 1 - Toy
CKC: Group 5 - Toys
FCI: Group 9 Section 11 Small Molossian
type Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Toys
NZKC: Toy
UKC: Companion Breeds
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