Pug

Multum in parvo in Latin, translating to “a lot in a little” in English, absolutely sums up the Pug in a nutshell. Small and stocky, the Pug is a perfect epitome of cuteness with its muscular built, wrinkled facial folds, and black mask. It stands to be an ideal family pet mingling perfectly with kids, adjusted to all types of homes, like large countryside or a compact apartment.

Pug Pictures

What does a Pug Look Like

Against its small and square body sits a large round head equipped with large, globular-shaped eyes bearing a soft and curious expression. Other features include a short and blunt muzzle, large, deep wrinkles, small, folded ears, and a tightly curled tail folded to its hip. 

History and Origin

The Pug has an ancient ancestry dating back to more than 2000 years since the Chinese Emperors preferred flat-faced breeds. They became trusted companions of China’s elite families, given a royal dog’s stature and mostly guarded by soldiers. Its popularity eventually spread to other Asian countries, with the Buddhist monks in Tibet keeping them in monasteries as pets.

The 16th century was instrumental for them as they began getting global recognition since then. Dutch traders on their way home brought a few of the Pug specimens. These adorable dogs did not fail to impress the European courts as they did in the Chinese royalty.

It became Netherland’s House of Orange’s official dog in 1572, after Pompey, a Pug saved the Prince of Orange from getting assassinated by the Spanish enemies. In Italy, they lead the private carriages dressed in similar attire as the coachmen. They even became military and guard dogs used for tracking people and animals.

They made their entry in the United States in the 19th century, getting the AKC’s recognition in 1885. The year 1931 marked the foundation of the Pug Dog Club of America. It was like a no looking back for the breed after it touched the American soil. It went on to win one dog show after the other, like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the World Dog Show held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. 

Types of Pugs

The types of pugs are mostly classified based on their coloration, and there are three varieties:

Fawn: They have a yellowish-tan coat.

Apricot: They are deep tan, varying from gold to orange, and will gain the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) recognition upon the owner’s request. The Continental Kennel Club (CKC) acknowledges them as the variation of the fawn variety.

Silver fawn: It is light gray to white and very rare.

Temperament and Personality

When it comes to a gentle and friendly companion, the Pug ranks higher than most other breeds. No wonder the AKC calls it charming and even-tempered.

These wonderful family dogs are perfect playmates for kids of the family. They are safe, too, since they would not deliver an aggressive bite even in pursuit of play.  The Pug’s score pretty high when it comes to loyalty, known to follow their owners like shadows, always on the lookout for an opportunity to please them. They would love sitting in their master’s lap for prolonged periods enjoying a cuddle or nap with them. It has its comical side, too, entertaining its family to the tee, keeping them amused always.

However, on the flip side, especially if you want a dog bubbling with energy, the Pug is indeed a laid-back breed. It loves to sleep a lot, spending about 14 hours in slumber daily, also known as loud snorers.

The Pug has no trouble living with other dogs and even cats because of their laid back nature. However, they could get jealous when their owners neglect or ignore them and prioritize others (maybe their kids or other pets).

Training

Pugs, being smart and observant, tend to learn whatever their owners teach them quickly. So, this would make the training process easier. However, their stubborn and strong-willed nature could pose a barrier at times, requiring patient and tactful handling. They are sensitive dogs, and harsh training methods will not go down well with them. So, an interactive and fun session with positive reinforcements is a prerequisite.

Socialization: Though they have a calm and docile temperament, the Pug could get aggressive due to fear or anxiety, particularly encountering a loud noise or meeting new people.

An aggressive Pug could do many undesirable things like bark, lunge, growl, or nip. So, providing them socialization training at the earliest is essential. The more they visit new places, encounter different experiences, and meet people of different mindsets, the less anxious would they be about changes.

Obedience: Teaching them basic commands like “stop,” “come,” “go,” etc., would help instill obedience in them, eliminating their stubborn and strong-willed nature.

Housetraining: Though their stubbornness may come in the way, you could potty train them once they learn to follow commands. You would need a lot of patience and also reinforcements to keep your dog encouraged. Fixing a regular feeding schedule would, in turn, help them eliminate it on a routine basis. Make sure you take them out after they wake up in the morning and after that every 30 minutes.

Following this consistently would help them make it a part of their daily routine. Also, after they have learned to follow commands well associate going to potty with a particular command like “Let’s go out,” ‘Time for potty,” or anything of that sort.

Feeding

A Pug needs to be fed three times a day, and make sure you give them good quality dog food, either store-bought or homemade. Pugs are absolute foodies but don’t give way to their adorable look, especially if they ask for an extra serving of what you just gave them. They tend to get obese, which in turn could trigger breathing problems. So, giving them a measured diet with little treats is essential.

Interesting Facts

• The 15^th of October is celebrated as the National Pug Day in Australia, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
• This cuddly breed has been a part of several films, too, one such popular character being Frank the Pug from the 1997 American science fiction Men in Black.
• Loca the Pug, who took the internet by a storm, famous as the Pug who was not able to run, passed away in 2017.
• Though the short-haired varieties of Pugs are the commonest, there have been reports of long-haired Pugs’ existence during the 1800s, though it seems a rare phenomenon.
• The 8-year-old Doug the Pug is another internet sensation with more than 6 million Facebook likes, and 3.8 million Instagram followers, rising to the stature of a celebrity dog.  It has several awards in its kitty, like the People’s Choice Award and the Most Influential Pet, as acknowledged by Forbes.

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