Pugs are an ancient breed and were bred as lap dogs, and prized by Chinese Emperors. Buddhist monks also reportedly kept Pugs as pets in their monasteries while modern Pugs are descended from dogs imported to Europe from China in the 16th century. It is believed a Pug named Pompey saved the Prince of Orange’s life by warning him of assassins in 1572 leading to him becoming the House of Orange’s official dog. The breed later became popular throughout Europe and in Italy, Pugs would be dressed in matching pantaloons and jacket. Besides being companion dogs, they were also used as military trackers and guard dogs. Queen Victoria was fond of the breed and kept many Pugs. Both Marie-Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte, the wife of Napoleon, owned and doted on Pugs. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 while the Pug Dog Club of America was founded in 1931. Boxers were bred in Germany and their ancestors were the German Bullenbeisser, descended from Mastiffs, and the Bulldog. The Boxer is regarded as part of the Molosser group who all descend from a large Shepherd dog known as a Molossus and who were believed to have been the favored war dogs of the Ancient Romans and Greeks. During World War 1 Boxers carried messages and were also used as guard and attack dogs. Boxers were one of the first breeds used for police work. The American Kennel Club registered the first Boxer in 1904 but it was only around the 1940s that they started becoming popular. Boxers today still have the strength and bravery of their ancestors but their loyalty and affectionate natures have made them popular family pets and they are also used as service and therapy dogs.
