Pug

The adorable and well known Pug originated in China sometime between 206 B.C. and 200 A.D., which was during the Han dynasty. These dogs were owned by Emperors of China and treated like royalty, and sometimes they even had soldiers guarding them. There has also been evidence of dogs that are similar to Pugs found in ancient Tibet and Japan. These dogs obtained a new name, Mopshond, when they were brought to Europe along with Dutch traders in the 1500s and 1600s. After they made their appearance in Europe, Pugs became a popular choice for royal households. As the Pug began to make an appearance around the world, the breed was often given new names. For example, they were called Carlin in France but known as Doguillo in Spain, in Germany they were given the name Mops and in Italy, these dogs go by the name of Caganlino. In the 1800s there were two dominant breeding lines in England, one of them being the Morrisson line, which was apparently founded on Queen Charlotte’s royals dogs, and the other was founded on dogs that were imported from Hungary and Russia, and was started by Lord and Lady Willoughby de Eresby. They were eventually brought to England in 1861 when the Chinese Imperial Palace was overrun by the British. The Pug was featured on many postcards, figurines and paintings during the Victorian Era, in which they became very popular. It was after the Civil War that this breed came to the United States and in 1885 got recognized by the American Kennel Club. The foundation of the Pug Club of America was in 1931.

Pugs are commonly fawn colored with a silver or apricot tint, but they can also be black. These dogs will always have flat, blunt and short black muzzles that are square-shaped, and large, round heads. Their bodies are small but sturdy, square and thickset. Pugs can sometimes have beauty spots, which are moles than can be found on the cheeks. Their jaws and teeth will be slightly undershot, and the eyes are dark, prominent and very large. The ears of this breed can be either button or rose shaped, but will always be thin and small. One of the best known features of this breed are their large, deep wrinkles on the face. The Pug has a high set tail that will curl either once or twice and fall over the back. They have dew claws, which are usually removed. The short, double coat’s texture can be described as smooth and fine.

Pugs are small and relatively calm indoors, and will therefore, make good pets for people who are older or who live in apartments. They are well behaved, but can have an abundance of energy if they do not get enough exercise. They will love going on walks or having some playtime outdoors, but you should be careful and avoid exercise sessions if it is too hot and humid, as they are sensitive to warmer weather. These adorable dogs are also known to snore, which should be considered by people who are light sleepers. Pugs should be fed ½ to 1 cup of dry food each day, in two meals. Despite their short coats, these dogs do shed a lot, even more so in the summertime. To help with the shedding and to keep the coat in tip top shape, your Pug should be brushed and bathed regularly. One bath every month is usually sufficient, although more frequently is fine too. The dog’s ears should be checked regularly, and the nails will need to be trimmed on a regular basis as well. This breed has unique facial wrinkles, and they will need special care. Whether it is using a baby wipe or a cotton ball, the creases of the wrinkles should be dried well after baths and cleaned every once in awhile between, otherwise infection can occur from the dirt and dampness. Pugs have large, protruding eyes that can be vulnerable to irritation and injury, and will therefore need some special care. They also need dental care and should have their teeth brushed often.