pugs

History: 

Thought to have originated in China, the Pug was popular there and in Tibet and Japan for almost fifteen hundred years before Europeans "discovered it." The Pug arrived in Europe via Holland in the fifteen hundreds. It became the mascot of the Dutch ruling House of Orange when one of these dogs supposedly saved the life of a prince by warning him of Spanish invaders during a battle. When William of Orange became King of England, he brought Pugs with him and the breed reached the height of popularity there too. The pug has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1885 and has had ups and downs in popularity. At the present it is ranked twenty sixth in popularity.

Other Names: 

Carlin, Mops

AKC Group: Toy        Breed Club: Pug Dog Club of America

Rescue Club: Maryanne Johnson, (320)485-2876, Minnesota

Breed Characteristics 

Body Type: 

Largest toy breed, the Pug is a stocky dog with a massive head embellished with deep wrinkles

Height: 10-11 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Button or rose ears are not altered

Tail is tightly curled and carried over hip. It is not altered.

Personality: 

Loyal and affectionate but friendly to strangers

Intelligent, although stubbornness makes this breed hard to train

Extremely playful

Always ready for a game

Coat: 

The short coat is soft and fine

Allowed colors are: solid black, apricot, silver-fawn or fawn. Fawn coloration must include a black line, called a trace, down the center of the back from the head to the tail

Minimal grooming

Sheds heavily for a short haired dog

Facial wrinkles must be cleaned daily to prevent fungal infections

Health Concerns: 

Difficulty whelping

Breathing problems caused by pushed in face; this can be a problem when transporting by plane

Exacerbated in hot weather

Skin allergies and mange

Prominent eyes are easily scratched; they also have a tendency to pop out of sockets in some strains

Heart diseases

Obesity