PugCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed seems to have come from the Orient, and that its country of origin is China, where short-nosed dogs have always been prized. It reached Europe with merchants of the Dutch East India Company and was admired in the Netherlands as early as the 16th century, where it became the symbol of the royalist patriots.

It reached England when William III came to the throne. Until 1877 only fawn Pugs were seen in England; in that year a black pair was brought from the Orient. Wikipedia says that, according to tradition, it became the dog of the House of Orange in 1572, after a Pug named Pompey saved the Prince of Orange by warning him that assassins were approaching.

How the breed developed

• 16th century – It reaches the Netherlands with Dutch merchants.
• 1572 – Pompey saves the Prince of Orange, according to Wikipedia.
• 1688 – It reaches England with William III.
• 1877 – The first pair of black Pugs reaches England.
• 4 November 1966 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as decidedly square and cobby, “multum in parvo”: compact, well proportioned and hard of muscle, without looking lean or too fat.

General appearance

The head is relatively large and round, with clear wrinkles on the forehead, without exaggeration. The nose is black, with fairly large, well-opened nostrils. The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy. The AKC says the wrinkled brow and large eyes give it almost human expressions.

The accepted colours are silver, apricot, fawn or black. In the light colours, the contrast with the mask, ears, cheek moles, the mark on the forehead and the black line along the back (the “trace”) should be as clear as possible.

The AKC says the Pug was bred to be a companion and a joy to its owners. It has an even, stable temperament, great charm and an outgoing, loving nature. Because it lives to please its people, it is usually easy to train.

Its feelings are easily hurt, so harsh methods must never be used. It wants to be with its family and is unhappy if left alone.

Tips for effective training

• Be gentle. Its feelings are easily hurt.
• Use small rewards. It loves food, but gains weight easily.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It wants to be with its family.
• Keep it out of the heat. Its flat face makes breathing harder.

The AKC says that, given the chance, it spends much of the day on the sofa, and this, together with its appetite, can lead to obesity. But it is playful, sturdy and lively, and moderate daily walks or play in the yard keep it fit.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits an apartment very well.
• In summer, walk it only in the morning and evening.
• Watch its weight very carefully.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short coat needs little grooming, but it does shed. Brushing once a week with a medium brush, a rubber mitt or a hound glove removes dead hair. It does not need frequent baths.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Pug is generally healthy, but, like all flat-faced breeds, it sometimes has breathing problems and copes badly with sunny, hot or humid weather. Its large eyes are also a weak point.

Other care

• Clean the facial wrinkles every day.
• Protect its eyes from knocks.
• Keep it cool in summer.

The AKC says Pugs “live to eat” and gain weight very easily, so calories and weight must be watched closely.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Feed it two small meals a day.
• Weigh its portions.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “Multum in parvo”. The breed's motto means “much in little”.
• Pompey the rescuer. A Pug is said to have saved the Prince of Orange in 1572.
• Joséphine's messenger. Her dog, Fortune, carried hidden messages to her family.
• The “trace”. The black line along its back is called the “trace”.
• Human expressions. Its wrinkles give it expressions of surprise or happiness.

Pugs in history and art

Wikipedia says the painter William Hogarth painted himself in 1745 with his Pug, Trump, and that Joséphine, before her marriage to Napoleon, sent hidden messages to her family through her Pug, Fortune, while she was imprisoned at Les Carmes. Queen Victoria also owned many Pugs.

Do Pugs have trouble breathing?

They can have breathing problems, like all flat-faced breeds; they cope badly with heat.

How much does it weigh?

Ideally 6.3–8.1 kg.

Is it suited to an apartment?

Yes, very suitable.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 13–15 years.