History: Pugs originated from China and were very popular with Chinese nobility along with other short-nosed breeds as early as the 1st century. There are many ancient Chinese artworks with pug type dogs in paintings, on pottery and in writings.
The earliest Pugs to arrive in England around the16th century were referred to as Dutch Mastiffs, but are no relations to the actual Mastiff. Cropping the Pug’s ears close to the head for purely aesthetic reasons was custom and continued until the 1800’s when it was outlawed.
The Willoughby family of England was credited with the Willoughby strain of pugs, when in 1843 the family successfully bred from two pugs. The puppies were silver-fawn colour with a dark streak or trace along their backs from the base of the head to the tail. The pugs we know today are physically and characteristically the same as the 1800’s but without the cropped ears.
In the 19th century the breed became very popular under the patronage of Queen Victoria. She bred her own Pugs and her favourite colours were apricot and fawn. Her passion for the breed was passed onto other members of the Royal family. Her involvement with dogs in general helped establish the Kennel Club in 1873.
Class: Toy
Height: To the withers – M approx 12inch, F 10inch.
Weight: Males 6-9kg, Females 6-8kg
Lifespan: 12-14years
Coat: Short , fine, smooth and silky. Colours of silver, apricot-fawn and black. The silver and apricot-fawn dog’s mask should be very dark, with a dark trace line along the back from head to tail.
Health: Pugs are bred from a relatively small gene pool, this has presented a few problems within the breed. Their compact airways cause difficulties with breathing and when like all dogs the Pug pants to regulate it’s temperature it can struggle physically. If this happens urgent help is needed to cool them down. Another condition Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME) believed to be hereditary is very serious and with no cure resulting in the dog dying or being euthanised. Finding a good breeder is essential to prevent this upset and help put a stop to the unscrupulous so called pedigree breeders who continue breeding from dogs, with or without knowledge of their ancestors health history causing misery and suffering to these dogs and heartache for the purchasers.
Temperament And Exercise: Pugs are very loyal and loving. They are friendly dogs and are a sociable breed when out and about. In the home they make good family dogs usually getting on well with all family members and other pets. They do have a playful side but they do soon let you know when they have had enough and will walk away letting you know ‘I have played enough now! They know their own minds and have determination, a strong leadership is needed in training. Regular exercise and a healthy diet is essential to avoid weight gain.
An owner’s viewpoint by David Lawrence JONES
Hi I’m David Lawrence Jones a children’s author and pug owner. In fact I was inspired so much by my pugs, I wrote a book about them… it’s called “A Pug’s Tail”.
Pugs are very intelligent animals. When you talk to them, they look directly at you, cocking their little heads to one side as if they are really listening to you.
And, my two little cuties really are. I am the owner of a year old fawn pug called Belle and a seven month old black puppy pug called Buddy. They will stand together facing you proudly, eyes focused only on you. You can tell them your darkest secrets. They will never betray your trust.
These little dogs have a bright cheerful disposition. If they do something that makes you laugh, they will do it again and again. Turn off the television set, sit back and enjoy their canine entertainment. They want to make you happy. They are so funny at times that you cannot help but laugh. Thus, the term ”little clowns of the dog world”.
They are small in stature, but they have a lot of heart. Belle and Buddy are both excellent watchdogs. If a stranger approaches, they will be on their feet. And, if a friend approaches, they will stand at the door as a welcoming party of two – waving their little curly tails and making funny little snorting noises.
There is however a down side to being a pug owner… flatulence! Boy oh boy they do let off quite a lot of gas for such tiny little things but this is a small price to pay for the pure enjoyment they offer.
More information about David’s book can found on the author’s website: www.davidlawrencejones.co.uk or Twitter: @apugstail
In conjunction with David Lawrence Jones we have a competition to win a signed copy of the book “A Pugs Tail”.
To enter please go to the competition page.
