Pug

History, origin & features

The Pug is a very ancient breed of dog, believed to have originated in Asia. It is thought to have appeared there over 2,000 years ago. However, its exact origins remain unclear, and several hypotheses exist. In the 19th century, dog fancier Pierre Mégnin compared the Pug to “Buddha dog” statues found on altars in China and Vietnam. The latter were depicted with a coiled tail. Chinese emperors and dignitaries, who bred them, selected them for their flattened muzzles and short limbs. These “Pai” dogs are said to be the ancestors of the Pug and Pekingese. Over time, representatives of the breed arrived in Europe through trade between Portugal and China as early as the 16th century. According to other sources, Dutch traders were the first importers of the dog. As the courts of Europe fell under its spell, traces of the Pug's ancestors can be found in Germany, Spain, Great Britain and the Netherlands. In France, great figures such as Louis XV, Joséphine de Beauharnais, Marie-Antoinette and the Marquise de Pompadour kept a Pug as a pet. Across the Channel, where its popularity is soaring, Queen Victoria is a fervent admirer. The Pug is quite a popular dog in Europe. They are very popular with families and even single people, who don't necessarily need to take them out very often to keep them happy. He is gentle and attentive to his master, with whom he spends most of his days. He's calm and playful. Pugs are small, stocky dogs. Its atypical physique appeals to many and partly explains its success. This dog has a good look, with a slight roll of the rear end.

The Pug standard:
Coat: short, fine, smooth, soft and glossy. Never harsh or woolly.
Color: fawn (most popular with the public), apricot, black or silver. The colors are very clean, with clear contrasts between the color of the coat, the black stripe running from the top of the skull to the tail, and the mask.
Head: broad, round, with flat top, frowning face and clearly marked forehead wrinkles. A short, crushed muzzle, characteristic of the breed, sits atop the face. The nostrils should be fairly wide open. The neck is strong, thick and slightly arched.
Ears: small, fine and soft. Rose-shaped (small, folding back) or button-shaped (pinna falling forward, tip covering ear opening).
Eyes: large, bulging and dark. Their expression is a mixture of gentleness, affection and concern. According to the standard, “they are very bright and full of fire when the dog is excited”.
Body: square, short and compact, with a straight topline, broad chest and well sprung sides. Muscles are firm, limbs strong and straight. Feet are neither too round nor too long. Toes well separated, with black claws.
Tail: set high with a pronounced curl (ideally double), as close as possible to the hip.

Note that the Pug is a breed of dog that often falls victim to hypertypes (extreme accentuation of distinctive traits specific to the breed). Some Pugs end up with excessively flattened muzzles, leading to serious health problems. Such exaggeration prevents them from breathing properly, leading to life-threatening res