history

History

Pugs most likely originate from ancient China, although they most likely didn’t look the same they look today. References to dogs resembling today’s Pugs were made as early as the year 600 B.C. in Chinese writings. It wasn’t until the late 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century that China began trading with European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Holland and England. That is how the Pugs that were traded to Europe first got to Holland, possibly due to the trading the Dutch East India Company was involved in. The Dutch named the breed “Mopshond” and this name is still in use today. Although their origins seem to be Chinese, Pugs were made popular and spread around Europe by the Dutch House of Orange and the House of Stuart of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Breed Characteristics:

Body Type

Pug puppies are often called “puglets” and one should know that Pugs are a toy breed. They come in a variety of colors; they have a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a curly tail. Pug puppies are indeed real cuties. This breed has a fine, glossy coat and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. While most Pugs’ coats are fawn, apricot, silver or black, there are Pugs that are white as well.

Personality

Pug puppies are strong willed but they rarely become aggressive. Usually Pugs are considered suitable dogs for families with children, because Pug puppies grow very fond of children and are sturdy enough to play with them. Like all dogs, Pugs need a little training, but not many people know that these dogs adjust to their master’s mood. That is why sometimes they can be quiet and docile, other times, lively and playful.

Health Concerns

Their coat needs careful grooming. As Pugs have many wrinkles, their owners should especially clean the inside of the creases, as irritation and infection can result from improper care. Pug puppies are susceptible to eye injuries such as scratched corneas. Sedentary dogs, Pugs have compact breathing passageways, leaving many unable to breathe properly or to normalize their body temperature via evaporation from the tongue. If their body temperature goes as high as 42 Celsius degrees, Pugs can die as a consequence of organs failure. Pugs may also suffer from other long term health issues due to body temperature problems and breathing problems. Also, breathing through the mouth, which Pugs tend to do a lot, means swallowing air, which often produces excessive gas. These dogs need to be carefully looked after. All owners should be aware that it is not advisable to leave a dog of this breed alone in the car, that they should train their Pug not to pull in the leash and that they should keep their dog slim so as to avoid respiratory problems. Pugs easily adjust to life in an apartment, they are smart dogs and really easy to train ones, consequently qualifying as wonderful pet companions.