Pug Dog Breed

History

The Pug is an ancient dog breed that’s thought to have originated in China around 400 BC. However, their exact ancestry is a mystery. Some people believed they descended from mastiff-type dogs, whereas others believe they may have descended from the Happa; an ancient Chinese dog breed that looked similar to the Smooth-coated Pekingese of today.

It is thought that the word "Pug" may come from the Latin "pugnus" for fist, to describe their round faces and heads. However, this name does not match the dog breed's personality. These cute canines are not really guard dogs but intended primarily as companion animals. In China, they were regularly bred as canine companions for the wealthy and those of high statuses, such as emperors.

Later, these dogs were exported to Japan and Europe, where they quickly became favoured by Monarchs. In fact, it was a Pug that sounded the alarm that alerted and saved Prince William the Silent from approaching Spanish soldiers in 1572. Because of this, the dog breed became closely associated with the Royal House of Orange.

In 1731, the word ‘Pug’ was defined in a dictionary as a nickname for a monkey. Marmosets were popular pets at the time, so the name was probably coined because of the similarities in their squashed-looking faces. The word was also commonly used as a term of endearment, particularly by Shakespeare. In Victorian England, the Pug became increasingly popular which is why they can be found in multiple paintings from that period.

It is England that is generally credited for forming the little Pug breed we know and love today. Over the years, original Pugs were bred with various other breeds such as Bulldogs and King Charles Spaniels. Furthermore, Holland is believed to have had a strong hand in developing the breed. Pugs became so popular in the country that they were known as Dutch Mastiffs for years. This may have led to some confusion over the origins of this breed.

The first studbook for Pugs in the UK began in 1871, with 66 Pugs in the first volume. These dogs were first brought to America after the Civil War. The American Kennel Club first recognised the breed in 1885, with the Pug Dog Club of America forming in 1931.

Appearance

These compact dogs are well-proportioned and robust. Their heads are pretty large compared to their little bodies. They are round, with snubbed black noses that are also big compared to the size of their heads. Their large, expressive, dark eyes and the wrinkles around their faces are the dog breed’s defining and unique physical traits.

Their small ears are like velvet to touch and come in two types: Rose ears and Button ears. Their mouths are somewhat undershot, which adds to their general appeal. These dogs have strong, thick necks that are slightly arched.

Their well-muscled forequarters are robust with nicely sloping shoulders. They have very cobby-looking bodies with broad chests, well-sprung ribs, and level toplines. Their strong hindquarters are well-muscled, and their back legs are well-developed. Their feet are neat with black nails and well-defined toes. These dogs have tightly curled tails that are set high over the back. A Pug’s body should have well-defined hard muscles but should not be overweight.

Pugs have a short, smooth, glossy, and fine coat with a well-defined black line that runs all the way to their backs. These dogs also generally have dark markings on their coats, such as moles on their cheeks, thumb marks on their bodies, or diamond markings on their foreheads. Recognised coat colours for this breed are:

Apricot
Silver
Fawn
Black

Personality

Pugs are not the active socialites that some of the other toy breeds are. They are a bit more serious and laid back. They can be stubborn but typically want to please.

These dogs are not generally prone to extensive barking, digging, or chewing. Saying that, they should never be left alone for long periods because this can cause them to become distressed. Pugs are inclined to get along well with other dogs and are robust and patient enough to get along with children of all ages. These dogs love company and affection.

Pugs are well-known for their kind, sweet characteristics. This has made them incredibly popular canine companions over the years. Some Pug owners say that having a Pug at home is like living with a small child. This is notably true when it comes to their need for human attention.

These little dogs are ultra-sociable, so they blossom around people. They are playful, loyal, and just a little bit mischievous which just adds to their charm.

Trainability

Pugs have been bred to be loyal canine companions. As a result, they have a balanced and stable temperament, as well as a friendly, loving nature. Pugs live to entertain their owners and families - which makes them generally easy to train. Pugs are smart, quick learners but they do have a stubborn streak. They can become easily distracted and get bored quickly with repetitive tasks. So, make sure you keep training sessions short and fun.

These dogs generally do well with positive reinforcement training. However, they can be very sensitive. So, harsh training methods should never be used. Pugs desire to be with their human companions and will not appreciate being left alone for long periods. Early socialisation and puppy training classes are essential for the dog's overall well-being.

Coat & Care

The Pug’s short, smooth, glossy coat requires minimal maintenance. However, bear in mind that these dogs do shed. Eliminate any loose hair and help keep them looking their best by brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove weekly. Pugs don’t need to be bathed regularly unless they happen to get into something particularly messy.

Their nails must be trimmed as needed. It is recommended to train them early, or you can let a professional groomer do it if it becomes a challenge.

Daily teeth brushing is still best to avoid tooth and gum disease and bad breath. But brushing two to three times a week is sufficient enough to remove bacteria and tartar buildup.

As you groom your Pug, make sure to examine their body for any signs of infection such as inflammation or swelling on the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, ears, and feet. Their eyes must be clear without redness and discharge. In addition, you will need to regularly clean their ears to prevent infection. You can do this by gently wiping the outer parts of the ears with a cotton wool ball and a vet-approved ear cleaner. Never push anything into the ears as this can damage the ear canals.

Health

A Pug’s average life expectancy is 12-15 years when well cared for and given an appropriate, high-quality diet that is tailored to their needs. However, Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which refers to their abnormally short noses. As a result, these dogs can suffer from breathing problems, especially in warmer weather. Always make sure you purchase any puppy from a licensed breeder. They will ensure your Pug has been well socialised and appropriately weaned. They will also perform tests to check for any underlying health conditions.

Some of the health issues seen in Pugs include:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - This can cause severe breathing problems, caused by abnormally short noses and flat faces.
Pug Dog Encephalitis – A fatal inflammatory brain disease that is exclusive to Pugs. Medical researchers have no idea why Pugs develop this health condition. And unfortunately, there is no way to treat it. Symptoms to watch out for include behavioural changes, seizures, and a loss of coordination.
Epilepsy – A neurological health condition that is frequently, but not exclusively, genetic. Epilepsy can lead to mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behaviour like running hysterically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or stiff limbs.
Nerve Degeneration – A health condition in which older Pugs have difficulties with their mobility. Nerve damage usually begins in the spinal cord, with the first symptom being a loss of coordination in the back legs.
Corneal Ulcers – Pugs have large, prominent eyes that can easily be injured or develop ulcers. Contact your vet immediately if your dog is repeatedly squinting or their eyes look red and tear excessively. This health condition typically responds well to medication.
Dry Eye – An eye condition that causes insufficient tear production. Signs may include a blue haze or dry appearance to the eye. Your veterinarian can administer a test to diagnose the issue and prescribe medication to relieve the pain.
Demodectic Mange – This condition is also known as Demodicosis. All dog breeds carry this microscopic mite called a Demodex mite. The mother dogs pass this mite to her puppies in the first few days of life. These mites live in hair follicles and typically do not cause any problems. However, if your Pug has a weak or compromised immune system, they can develop demodectic mange. This causes patches of red, scaly skin with hair loss. It usually appears on the neck, head, and forelegs.
Hemi-vertebrae – A malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a triangle. This malformation can happen on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra may cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. It is most commonly seen in screw-tailed breeds such as Pugs.
Hip Dysplasia – An inherited health condition where the thighbone does not fit firmly into the dog’s hip joint. Some dog breeds display pain and limping, whereas others do not show any outward signs of discomfort.
Legg-Perthes Disease – A common disease of small dog breeds. This health condition is a deformity of the ball of the hip joint. It is usually associated with hip dysplasia. This health condition causes wearing and arthritis. Fortunately, it can be corrected surgically, and the prognosis is generally good with rehabilitation therapy.
Patellar Luxation – Also known as "slipped stifles,", patellar luxation is a common problem in small dog breeds. It occurs when the femur, patella, and tibia are out of alignment. It causes limping or an abnormal step.

Children & Other Pets

Pugs adore children. While they are small, these little dogs are not delicate like some toy breeds. So, they are a good choice for families with kids. However, if your child wants an active pet to play fetch with, then this dog breed may not be ideal because they tend to be on the lazier end of the spectrum. Adults must always oversee interactions between children and pets to avoid any accidents and other mishaps.

Pugs are also generally good around other dogs and animals. They hardly ever show any signs of aggression. However, like any other dog breed, Pugs need to be properly socialised from puppyhood, so they grow up to be confident, friendly, and well-mannered dogs.