Pug History/Origins

The pug, is one of the oldest breeds, the breed has flourished down through the ages from before 400 B.C. Pugs have endeared themselves to all mankind.

Since the pug came into existence its origins has been shrouded in mystery, but some agree that the pug is of oriental origin with some basic similarities to the Pekingese. In China the pug breed was the pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. It next appeared in Japan, and then in Europe, where it became the favorite for various royal courts.

In Holland the pug became the official dog of the House of Orange, where one saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by warning the prince of the approach of the Spaniards. The Pug, whose name is believed to be Pompey, awakened his master, before any of his men realized the Spaniards were attacking, by scratching, crying and leaping on Prince William the Silent's face. The Prince avoided capture and the pug was revered throughout the kingdom. Pugs became the fashionable breed for generations in Holland.

By 1790, the pug's popularity had spread to France the wife of Napoleon, depended on her pug which was named "Fortune" to carry secret messages to her husband while she was imprisoned. It was also thought that Fortune must have had a possessive nature, for it is said that her pug bit the future Emperor when he entered the bedchamber on his wedding night.

 The pug has also been called the "Mopshond" (from the Dutch word which means "to grumble") in Holland, "Mops" in Germany and "Carlin" in France, the origin of the name "Pug Dog" has a variety of explanations. The most likely explanation is that the dog's facial expression is similar to that of the marmoset monkeys that were pets in the early 1700s and were known as Pugs; hence the term "Pug Dog" is to distinguish the dog from a monkey. The designation of "Pug Dog" has endured until today.

 Pugs first came to America shortly after the American Civil War. By 1885 Pugs were being shown throughout the country. In 1885 The pug breed was accepted for registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Breed Standards

Pug dogs should be 12 to 14 inches tall for males and 10 to 12 inches for females. They grow a short coat. Coat colors are black, fawn, apricot or silver. These dogs are stocky shouldered and with a round eyed face, prominent eyes and curly tails. Pugs should weigh in between 13 to 20 pounds.