History of the Pug 

The Pug is of Chinese origin and dates back to the pre-Christian era.  They were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a most luxurious atmosphere and at times were even guarded by soldiers. Records show that three types of short nosed dogs were bred by the Chinese.  They were the Lion dog, the Pekinese and the Lo-sze.  The Lo-sze or "Foo Dog" was the ancient Pug. The Dutch traders brought the Pugs from the east to Holland and to England. The more refined Pug that we know today must be credited to the English.  This happy little dog was enjoyed by many Monarchs of Europe and to this day is a favorite with royalty and discerning people all over the world. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1885. The Pug's popularity grew by leaps and bounds but then dwindled by the turn of the century. A few dedicated breeders kept the breed going and slowly the pug reappeared on the American scene. He is enjoying a rather steady rate of growth in popularity at the present time. He is not so popular as to be common nor so unknown as to be rare. A Pug's character is unique in that he is a clown at heart with a terrific sense of humor but at the same time he carries himself with great dignity. They are not too delicate for fun and games. A pug is anxious to please, anxious to learn and anxious to love. His biggest requirement is that you love him back. The American Kennel Club provides a wealth of information on pure bred dogs and dog breeding at it's website. Pugs... What's good about 'em... What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who: · Is small, sturdy, and stocky · Has large expressive eyes and a wrinkled forehead and makes strange puggy sounds that bring out parental feelings in many people · Is sometimes playful and clownish, sometimes calm and dignified, always stable, good-humored, and amiable · Is peaceful with all the world · Seldom gets into real mischief -- adults spend much of the day snoring A Pug may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with: · "Short-faced dog syndrome": snorting, snuffling, snoring, and gassiness · Stubbornness · Housebreaking difficulties, especially in the rain · Constant shedding · A multitude of health problems and environmental sensitivities that require careful monitoring, due to this breed's unnatural structure A Pug may not be right for you. "How popular are Pugs?" Pugs rank 15th out of 148 AKC breeds. Click here to see which breeds rank higher and lower than Pugs. Caution! The biggest problem with Pugs is health. Make no mistake about it, this is an unnatural, unhealthy breed. The list of health problems this breed is susceptible to is staggering. The squashed face means breathing difficulties and the very great potential of heatstroke in hot, humid weather. Pugs can't whelp their babies without assistance, and some of them can't even mate without assistance. What has been done to this breed's structure and health in the name of "cuteness" and winning in the show ring is tragic. Heed the warnings on my Pug Health Page before you consider buying such a breed. Here's a partial list of breeds that OFTEN require medical and surgical assistance with whelping. Always have close communication with your veterinarian long before and during the whelping process; veterinary assistance may very well be required! Pugs Bulldogs Chihuahuas Boston Terriers Pekingese

The American Kennel Club provides a wealth of information on pure bred dogs and dog breeding at it's website.  

Pugs...
What's good about 'em...
What's bad about 'em

If you want a dog who:

·         Is small, sturdy, and stocky

·         Has large expressive eyes and a wrinkled forehead and makes strange puggy sounds that bring out parental feelings in many people

·         Is sometimes playful and clownish, sometimes calm and dignified, always stable, good-humored, and amiable

·         Is peaceful with all the world

·         Seldom gets into real mischief -- adults spend much of the day snoring  

  THEN A PUG MIGHT BE FOR YOU 

If you don't want to deal with:

·         "Short-faced dog syndrome": snorting, snuffling, snoring, and gassiness

·         Stubbornness

·         Housebreaking difficulties, especially in the rain

·         Constant shedding

·         A multitude of health problems and environmental sensitivities that require careful monitoring, due to this breed's unnatural structure

THEN A Pug may not be right for you.

"How popular are Pugs?"

Pugs rank 15th out of 148 AKC breeds.

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