 Pug
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 breed, 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:
10 - 11" (25.4 - 27.9cm)
Weight: 14 -
18 lbs (6.2 - 8 kg) Coat Type: The short coat
is sleek, smooth and soft to the touch. Colors
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
CKC: Group 5 - Toys
KC: Non-Sporting - Toys
FCI: Group 9
ANKC: Group 1 - Toy
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