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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