Pug. Juliette Cunliffe

       The Pug’s popularity continues to grow and there are quality specimens in most countries around the world. This handsome Pug was photographed in the Netherlands, a country with which the breed has strong ties.

       Pugs are fairly odor-free, so much so that the family cat doesn’t even mind sharing a cat nap with the Pug, if he’s also well mannered.

       CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PUG

      Described by some breed enthusiasts as “the perfect blend of dog appeal and wistfulness,” a Pug will readily keep his owners amused and entertained for hours on end with his clown-like personality. Ownership of Pugs often runs in human families, with several generations having happily owned the breed. This is a personality dog, one just as comfortable living in a small home as he is in a spacious one. Some Pug dog owners call their Pugs “little people,” and, when you know the breed, it is easy to understand why!

      The Pug’s bark is a surprisingly deep one for the breed’s size. Indeed, a Pug is usually rather a good watchdog, ready to bark when the doorbell rings or when someone approaches the house. If you are a light sleeper, it might also be worth bearing in mind that although not all Pugs snore, many do!

      An exceptionally clean little dog, the Pug is remarkably free from doggy odors. Some consider the Pug a very suitable breed for elderly and disabled people, though you should not forget that Pugs, like all other dogs, require some exercise. All things considered, a Pug usually seems happy to be whatever his owners need. He can be content to roll up in a ball at your feet while you are knitting or watching TV, he will enjoy a lively ball game or he can just be a friendly clown, providing entertainment for his audience at home.

      Although the origin of the breed lies in China, the Pug differs considerably in personality from many other breeds from the Far East in that he does not display the usual reserved air of superiority. The Pug is a unique breed in many ways and has numerous admirers, in part because of his puckish sense of humor and irresistible, engaging ways.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

      Small, squarely built and cobby, the Pug has well-knit proportions and a certain hardness of muscle, making him a strong little animal and quite different from the majority of breeds falling into the Toy Group. Ideal weight is 14–18 lbs, but certainly some are rather heavier, and there are probably few males weighing under 18 lbs. Although the breed standard does not differentiate between the size of dogs and bitches, generally Pug dogs are somewhat larger than their female counterparts.

      You should always remember that Pugs usually enjoy their food and might be considered rather greedy. Hence, it is necessary to keep strict control of your Pug’s diet so that the dog does not become overweight. Once a Pug has reached the stage when he carries too much weight, it is extremely difficult to get the weight off again!

      The chest of the Pug is wide and the body is set on strong legs. The large, round, wrinkled head with dark, globular eyes is offset at the rear by a high-set tail, curled tightly over the hip, with a double curl being highly desirable.

       TAKING CARE

      Science is showing that as people take care of their pets, the pets are taking care of their owners. A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that having a pet can prolong his owner’s life. Pet owners generally have lower blood pressure, and pets help their owners to relax and keep more physically fit. It was also found that pets help to keep the elderly connected to their communities.

       COLORS AND COAT

      Pugs are found in silver, apricot-fawn and black, although presently silvers are few and far between. Although not mentioned in the breed standard, apricot-fawn and silver Pugs have a double coat, which consists of an outer weatherresistant coat and a softer, insulating undercoat. Black Pugs have a single coat.

      Colors are clearly defined and should have a black line extending from the back of the head along the top of the back to the twist of the tail, called a trace. The mask (or muzzle) should be as black as possible, as should the ears, moles on cheeks and the diamond or “thumb mark” on the dog’s forehead.

      Many breeders consider the overall quality of today’s black Pugs to be not as good as once it was. However, there is still a handful of top-quality black specimens that are well capable of holding their own with the best, comparing favorably with those of years gone by. Unfortunately, today there are only very few breeders currently specializing in blacks. It is hard to breed good blacks, for the coat should be jet black and no other markings should be visible. Because of the color, the desired wrinkles on the head need to be deep and clear in order to be seen.

      The Pug’s coat is easy to maintain, for it is fine, smooth and soft. This is a short, glossy coat that should be neither harsh to the touch nor woolly. Pugs’ coats do shed to a certain extent, though not so much as those of many other breeds. People with sensitive allergies ought to check before buying a Pug that the coat does not affect them. You must always keep foremost in mind that a dog should remain with you for life, so you must be certain that you are making a well-informed decision before deciding upon a particular breed.

      On the subject of allergies, some Pugs themselves suffer from flea allergies, so it is extraimportant to keep your Pug free from parasites.

      Because of the wrinkling on the head of the Pug, special care needs to be taken to keep this area clean, so as to avoid any build-up that can cause irritation to the skin.

       WHAT A CHARMING SIGHT!

      Years ago in Italy the Pug could be seen wearing strikingly colorful and well-cut jackets, often with pants. Soon the breed came to be looked upon contemptuously, although looking back today you can imagine what a charming sight these colorful little canines made!

       TAILS

      The Pug’s twisted tail is natural and is not cropped to look this way. In fact, the tail is not so short as you might think at first glance—it is just that it is very well curled.

      It has recently been realized that a few Pugs suffer from a vertebral problem, seemingly because of the curled tail. This is usually noticed before the age of 12 months and can unfortunately cause a dog to be crippled.

PERSONALITY

      This is a breed with great charm, dignity and intelligence, though, like other intelligent breeds, he can be rather selfwilled. The Pug is an eventempered breed with a happy, lively disposition. The friendship displayed is often effusive; indeed, most Pugs seem constantly delighted to meet people and show special affection to children. However, although the Pug shows friendliness toward strangers, it is to his owner and family that he is most devoted.

       A male and female Pug (notice the difference in size) get along quite well in the same household.

       “Getting to know you” the toy-dog way, as this Pug makes the acquaintance