Shug

The Shug is a fairly rare hybrid breed. In order to understand his origins, it is best to study the history of the parent breeds. The German Shepherd originates back to 1899 when Captain Max von Stephanitz decided to breed the various sheepherding dogs across Germany into a distinct breed. Stephanitz traveled throughout Germany observing dogs at dog shows, and he studied the breeding methods of the British as well. In 1899, Stephanitz found what he thought was the perfect dog; he described him as wolfish-looking. Stephanitz immediately bought the dog and begin breeding with various German sheepherding dogs. Although the practice of sheepherding was becoming non-existent in Germany, Stephanitz continued to breed a working dog. When sheepherding was no longer an option, he introduced the dog to police work and military service. The German government eventually adopted the breed for military service. Interestingly enough, some American soldiers during WWII were able to obtain some German Shepherd puppies and brought them to the United States at the end of the war. The Pug originates in the Orient. Experts believe he is distantly related to the Tibetan Mastiff. The Pug was loved by royalty, and legend has it that Pugs belonging to the royal family were guarded by soldiers. In the 1500s and 1600s, the Chinese began trading with Europeans. It is believed that the Pug made its way out of the Orient in this manner. European royalty fell in love with the happy little dogs. In fact, William of Orange credited a Pug with saving his life (by notifying him that strangers - Spaniards - were approaching). William of Orange honored the Pug by naming him the official dog of the House of Orange. Marie Antionette owned a Pug prior to her marriage to Louis XVI, and Josephine Bonaparte owned a Pug as well. The Pug made its way to America after the Civil War. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pug in 1885.