Bulging eyes, short muzzle and wrinkled face...the Pug might fall into the category of having a face that only a mother could love. But you can't judge a book by its cover.
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed ranks 26th in popularity. Filled with an irresistible personality, Pugs have shared happy relationships with royalty and commoners alike.
Companions of ancient Chinese nobility, Pugs were presented as gifts to European Kings during early trading trips, and possibly introduced in Holland by the Dutch East India Company. Upon arrival in Holland in 1582, the Pug became known as the Dutch Mastiff.
William of Orange selected the breed as the official mascot of the House of Orange. When he ascended to the English throne in 1688, Pugs, sporting collars decorated with orange ribbons, accompanied the new King.
Another royal who loved little dogs was Napoleon's wife, Empress Josephine. Rumor suggests that during the 17th century, Empress Josephine used her Pug named Fortune to pass notes to her imprisoned husband.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the Pug in 1855 but it wasn't until the Duke of Windsor married American Wallace Simpson that owning a Pug became a fashionable trend. The couple often introduced their prized Pugs during press interviews and were avid collectors of Pug artifacts including pillows, antique ceramic statues and crystal ornaments.
Amazingly, the Pug is considered a Toy breed even though the typical dog weighs between 14-18 pounds. One source states that the Pug "does not track except for cookie crumbs" and "does not hunt except for the food bowl." Owners must use restraint with meals and snacks because Pugs tend to be overweight with some dogs topping 25 pounds. Pugs are usually around 11 inches tall.
Unlike most fragile Toys, the Pug is sturdy and strong and may be the exception to the rule when it comes to living in a family with small children.
If you are a light sleeper, you may have to adjust to your Pug's notoriously loud snoring which results from the dog's face shape and small nostrils. Pugs suffer labored breathing during normal activities so long walks are not a suitable activity.
Although Pugs get along well with other pets, it is better to keep them away from cats or animals with claws since the dogs exposed eyes are large and vulnerable to being scratched.
The Pug's classic wrinkles require regular cleaning to avoid infections caused by food, dirt or moisture that builds up in the face folds.
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