The Pug is full of mischief and fun. Dignified, loving and trusting of all.

WHAT IS A PUG?

By PDCA member Del Richards

When I was asked to write this article I thought "what would people want to know about pugs?"

The breed originated in the orient and dates back to the pre-Christian era. They were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a most luxurious atmosphere, at times, even guarded by soldiers. Dutch traders brought Pugs from the East to Holland. In 1688 William II brought his Pug to England when he was crowned King. By 1790 the Pug's popularity spread to France where Josephine, wife of Napoleon, depended on her Pug "Fortune" to carry secret messages under his collar to her family while she was imprisoned at Les Carmes. Queen Victoria of England had several pugs and to this day the Pug remains a favorite with royalty and discerning people all over the world. For many centuries the Pug has been bred to be a companion dog and a pleasure to his owners. Black Pugs were imported from China and exhibited for the first time in England in 1886. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Pug in 1885.

A pug is very moldable and wants to be very involved with your life and will adjust its life style to fit yours. As he loves to please you he is easily trained. They do well in AKC Companion events like Obedience, Rally and Agility. They are known to be clowns and always make you laugh. If you don't allow your pug to get overweight he can jump and retrieve very well. A Pug is always eager to please, eager to learn and eager to love. His biggest requirement is that you love him back.

Pugs have an even temperament, exhibiting stability, playfulness, litter mates with our granddaughter great charm, dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition. If you want your Pug to runs the marathon with you, ok. If you want the Pug that just snuggles on your lap watching 'Men in Black' ok. No other dog can equal the Pug in his virtues as a family pet. He appeals to mothers because of his natural cleanliness, intelligence, and the fact that he is a "Toy". He appeals to fathers because he is a husky, sturdy dog needing very little upkeep. Children adore Pugs and Pugs adore children. They are not too delicate for fun and games. Older persons and shut-ins find them perfect as companions because their greatest need is to be by your side and accepted into your way of life.

They don't like heat. If you are too warm and uncomfortable, they are also uncomfortable.

When not keeping any eye on you, their favorite pastime is sleeping and of course they snore.

Pugs are basically 24 hour companions. Once you own a Pug you will find it very difficult to not have one with all the time.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2013 Del Richards

Photo Credit: Alison Greene

Click here for more AKC Pug Info

Did You Know?

Pugs do NOT like being in the rain.

They live to eat.

While pugs can be clowns they can be dramatic-especially during nail trimming time!

Pugs love to sunbathe.

They were considered to be good luck because their forehead wrinkles resembled the Chinese character for “prince”.

A group of pugs is called a grumble.

FAQs

Yes. Most pugs are double coated and while they have a short coat they do shed quite a bit at times. Regular bathing and grooming will keep it to a minimum
Short answer is No. Most Pugs are house dogs and not acclimated to being outside in the heat without cover.
Beware if someone tells you they are selling their puppies for $1500. PDCA Pug breeders dedicate years to produce bloodlines that will not only be a great show dog but a beloved healthy pet with the proper temperament. There is no better assurance your puppy has the best start possible.
Pugs typically love all people including children. As with any dog, you need to supervise small children.
Pugs are excellent family dogs and do fine as a single pet or in a home with multiple dogs. Pugs are playful, social, affectionate, and love to be the center of attention. While they love to play, they also love sleeping. A pugs’ favorite place tends to be a couch or in your lap.
“The Pug, often called the Pug Dog, is an ancient breed that can be traced back some 2,000 years. The emperors of ancient China had a preference for flat-faced toy dogs' the Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Pug were all developed as refined pets of the emperor, his family, and members of the imperial court. Like many breeds favored by Far Eastern potentates of the ancient world, Pugs were a closely held treasure that outsiders could acquire only as a gift.”
American Kennel Club. (2024). Pug. AKC Dog Breeds-Pug. Retrieved February 2024 from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pug/