{"id":97874,"date":"2014-12-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-12-18T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=97874"},"modified":"2025-11-20T12:35:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T10:35:57","slug":"pug","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-pug","title":{"rendered":"Pug"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Pug<\/strong> is a breed often described by the Latin phrase “multum in parvo”, which translates to “a lot in a little”. This refers to both their compact yet muscular build and the massive personality hiding inside that small body. Regardless of training and commands, he will inevitablly try to snuggle onto his owners’ bed. Resigned to the warm, soft little lump next to you, you’ll drift off to the gentle snoring of this stubborn little chap. He wouldn’t trade the sofa for a long walk for anything, and he’ll never refuse a tasty treat. Read more about this on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pug: A brief breed overview and characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pug<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/th>Stats for Males<\/th>Stats for Females<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Great Britain \/ China (Patronage)<\/td>Great Britain \/ China (Patronage)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (kg)<\/strong><\/td>6.5 – 10.5 kg<\/td>6.0 – 8.5 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (cm)<\/strong><\/td>30 – 36 cm<\/td>25 – 30 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Life expectancy<\/strong><\/td>12 – 15 years<\/td>12 – 15 years<\/td><\/tr>
Coat type<\/strong><\/td>Short, smooth, dense<\/td>Short, smooth, dense<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Group<\/strong><\/td>9 (Companion and Toy Dogs)<\/td>9 (Companion and Toy Dogs)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the breed: From Emperors to the present day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Historical<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Pug is ancient and shrouded in legend, with the exact genetic family tree of these lovely creatures still not known for certain. Most researchers lean towards the view that the Pug’s homeland is Ancient China. The first mentions of “low, square dogs with a short muzzle” date back to the Shang Dynasty (1700s BC). Back then, they were called “Lo-Chi”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These dogs lived in luxury inaccessible to mere mortals. Imperial Pugs<\/strong> had their own servants, guards, and even their own chambers. The Chinese considered the wrinkles on a Pug’s forehead to be an imperial sign, seeing in them the outlines of hieroglyphs carrying secret mystical meaning. It is assumed that they, the Pekingese<\/a>, and the Japanese Chin share a common ancestor, which is easy to agree with given the appearance of the three little ones. These breeds were shaped for centuries exclusively as decorative companion dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 16th century, with the development of trade links, Pugs travelled from Asia to the Netherlands with merchants of the Dutch East India Company. Here they received the European name “Dutch Mastiff” (due to the similarity of the skull structure to large mastiffs) and became the symbol of the Royal House of Orange. Legend has it that a Pug named Pompey saved the life of Prince William I by waking him with his barking during a night-time attack by assassins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, when William III of Orange ascended the English throne, he brought his favourites to Great Britain. It was English breeders who gave the breed the look we know today, making them even sturdier and flatter. The name “Pug” might be derived from the Old English pugg<\/em> (a playful little monkey) or linked to the Latin pugnus<\/em> (fist), resembling the shape of their head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a Pug looks like: Detailed description of appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Pug is a short, sturdy dog whose appearance replicates massive forms in small dimensions. He should look square and stocky, the so-called “cobby” type. This is not a “chubby” dog, but a muscular athlete, just very compact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head and Muzzle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that catches the eye is the deep skin folds on the Pug’s broad forehead, which should be clear and deep, but not excessive so as to interfere with vision. A Pug’s eyes are a separate universe: dark, round, quite large, with an unspeakable bright longing and a moist shine. A Pug’s look is always full of the question “Is it time to eat yet?”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The muzzle is short, blunt, square, and not upturned. A characteristic feature is a slight undershot jaw (the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward), which adds a certain seriousness to the facial expression. If you like this type of look but are looking for a dog with a slightly different temprament or size, it is worth paying attention to the French Bulldog<\/a>, which has a similar skull structure but upright ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body and Coat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pug’s neck is thick, strong, and slightly arched, resembling a crest, which allows them to hold their heavy head proudly. The dog’s smooth tail curls into a tight ring (ideally a double ring) and lies flat against the back. The rear of the body sways slightly when walking, creating the signature “Pug roll”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The short, shiny coat covering the little one’s athletic body is very soft to the touch. The breed standard recognises several colours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n