As far as we know the pug orignated in China as far back as 700 BC. This breed was found among only the wealthiest and the royals. The Chinese, when overseeing a breeding or whelping, would specifically look for either wrinkles or coat markings that would form characters from the chinese language. The Pug's forehead wrinkles would be checked for the formation of the "W" shape, which resembles the Chinese character for "Prince."
It was later found in Holland, Italy, Spain, Russia, and England in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Pugs first came to America shortly after the American Civil War. By the turn of the century Pugs slowly became less popular as other imported breeds became known and were being seen. The American Kennel Club Stud Books show that for the years 1900 through 1920, only a handful of breeders were registering their Pugs, and some shows had no Pug entries at all.
It was in 1931 that a group of East Coast breeders and exhibitors decided to form a Pug Dog Club of America and on December 1, 1931 the club was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club.
They are brave confident little dogs yet at the same time friendly and sensitive. They are fantastic with children and absolutely adore playtime. They are small but unlike many of the toy breeds sturdy. I always describe my pugs as large family dogs (such as labs) stuck in a little body. They are quite adaptable to many situations. They do need daily exercise but will live happily in an apartment as long as they get daily walks. They Love to be with their people and feel lost without them.
Pugs are Cute Cuddly and Smart....They love to do silly things to get our attention. Which is probably why they are often referred to as the "Clowns of the animal Kingdom". Although they are often stubborn they have the ability to learn quickly if they are offered something that interests them (FOOD)
Although pugs are short haired dogs they do require regular bathing to keep the shedding down as pugs shed a lot! Brushing will also help cut down on the hair but not eliminate it. Another grooming necessity that's unique to the Pug is keeping the folds in the Pug's cute little face clean. Moisture and all kinds of stuff get trapped inside these wrinkles and if not cleaned regularly, the combination may result in an infection. Keeping them clean isn't hard. Once a week take a damp washcloth and gently pull back the folds and wipe. Often times pugs with deep nose wrinkles will get a cahpped nose, which appears all dry and uncomfortable, to relieve this issue rub a tiny amount of neosporin OR A&D ointment into the wrinkly with the washcloth 9being careful not to get it on the nostrils). The Pug's ears also should be kept clean of wax. This can be easily accomplished by taking a clean cotton ball and wiping the insides. If you prefer, you can purchase an ear cleaner that's been formulated for pets and apply this to the cotton ball first.
Because they have short faces they can't handle extreme temperatures expecially the heat. Therefore they should never be left outside for any period of time in the summer or winter. They love to play outside and get exercise but pugs are happiest when they are with their families! Don't get me wrong they will happily run around about 100 MPH for a minute or 2 but then they are done. If you want a dog that you can play with in the yard, that fetches tennis balls and sticks for long periods of time, and that can accompany you when you’re out jogging, please don’t get a Pug. But if you want a lifelong devoted companion that will be happiest when making you laugh or curling up at your feet then a Pug is an excellent choice.
Pugs are NOT great guard dogs
Looking for a dog to guard your house? A Pug might bark and alert you if somebody is coming but they will probably lick the burglar to death Instead of actually scaring him off.
Many People often think that breeding pugs is easy and profitable, we just wanted to share with you some facts about pug breeding...
The costs of raising Pugs are pretty high. Pugs should be tested for eye problems, hip problems, as well as genetic and general health issues before they're bred. Your girl should be up to date on all her shots before you go into this, as well as wormed. Then pay the stud fee (or have a healthy male pug stud of your own like we do), which is usually the price of a puppy or more. Also remember that some male pugs do not reproduce naturally so then you have another added cost of artificial insemination (AI).
Then there's the wait while you keep your fingers crossed that she is in fact pregnant. Figure in extra food cost as pregnant pugs can eat a lot of extra food. Prenatal care (ultrasounds, xrays, and such) If she is, consider that she may require a C-section. Many female Pugs have narrow hips, and with their big heads, Pug puppies often times can't fit into the birth canal. If you're lucky, you'll have an average litter of four or five puppies. If they were born by C-section, the dam may not be able or willing to nurse the pups. Even if they weren’t born by C-section often times pugs want to be with their humans so badly that they will not care for the pups properly. So, you'll need bottles and formula, a way to keep the pups warm, and round the clock feedings for the first few days at least. You may have to take a week off from work to raise the puppies at first. Add that cost into the figures. Then, there’s the puppy shots and wormings. There's much more than putting two dogs together. And rarely do breeders show a profit in doing so when they count up time and actual expenses.
Beyond all the costs associated with breeding pugs is the fact that most pugs do not do all the work. Labs usually give birth and raise their young without much assistance as do many breeds. Pugs on the other hand need a lot of helping hands in general. Due to their short faces most pug moms do not bite the umbilical cords and remove the pups from the sacs, this is something that a breeder needs to be aware of and learn how to do. There is also a high percentage of female pugs that are not great Moms after the fact either. They are so concerned with being the “companion dog” they were bred to be that they would rather be with their humans than in a box nursing and caring for their babies.
Pugs SNORT SNORE FART and SHED! They are noisy little creatures that leave a little bit of themselves behind where ever they go. But there is something about pugs that leave a mark on peoples hearts. Once they own one they know their is no other breed that compares.
To learn more about Pug Standards please visit the following website:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/pug/index.cfm
LINKS
Tina breeds pugs of color in New York. Her babies are amazing, not the small puny pugs you find so often here in Maine but Real Pugs like ours here at MysticStarz here is her website