Pug

With its thick set appearance and wrinkled face, the Pug would seem to be a miniature mastiff. Indeed, a charmingly compact breed, with a good temper and dignified manner.

There seems to be no doubt that the fawn-colored Pugs enjoy the antiquity of descent that is attached to the Greyhound, the Maltese dog, and some few other venerable breeds. A charming compact breed, with good temper and dignified manner.

Origin: Although much has been written on the origin of these dogs, nothing authentic has been discovered in connection with it. Statements have appeared from time to time to the effect that the Pug was brought from Holland. In the early years of the last century it was commonly styled the Dutch Pug. But this theory does not trace the history far enough back, and it should be remembered that at that period the Dutch East India Company was in constant communication with the Far East. Others declare that Muscovy was the original home of the breed, a supposition for which there is no discernible foundation. The study of canine history receives frequent enlightenment from the study of the growth of commercial intercourse between nations, and the trend of events would lead one to the belief that the Pug had its origin in China, particularly in view of the fact that it is with that country that most of the blunt nosed toy dogs, with tails curled over their backs, are associated.

Whatever may have been the history of the Pug as regards its nativity, it had not been long introduced into England before it became a popular favorite as a pet, and it shared with the King Charles Spaniel the affection of the great ladies of the land. The late Queen Victoria possessed one, of which she was very proud. The Pug has, however, now fallen from his high estate as a ladies’ pet, and his place has been usurped by the Toy Pomeranian, the Pekingese, and Japanese, all of which are now more highly thought of in the drawing room or boudoir. But the Pug has an advantage over all these dogs as, from the fact that he has a shorter coat, he is cleaner and does not require so much attention.

Temperament: Very affectionate, with a desire to become part of the family.

Grooming: Daily with a brush and a rub-down with a silk handkerchief which will make its coat shine.

Exercise: Requires only a modest amount of exercise. It’s not advisable to exercise during the warmest part of the day, particularly in hot climate.

Training: Very responsive.

Physical appearance of the Pug

Head: Large, with much wrinkling, preferably accentuated by black tips to the hair.

Muzzle: Should be short, blunt, but not up faced. Most of the winning Pugs of the present day are undershot at least half an inch, and consequently must be up faced. Only one champion of the present day possesses a level mouth.

Eyes: Prominent, round and dark brown in color.

Ears: Small, thin and hanging forward.

Body: Should give an impression of compact strength, with a wide chest and short back.

Coat: Short and soft. Fine and smooth.

Color: Silver, apricot fawn or black. Mask and ears should be black.

Legs: Strong and muscular.

Tail: Curled preferably twice to one side of the back.

Weight: 6 to 8 kg / 14 to 18 lb

Height: 25 to 28 cm / 10 to 11 in