The Pug is a small dog with a great personality. The Pug’s small body and sturdy legs are instantly recognizable, but it is the disproportionately large eyes and wrinkled face that he is best known for. Unlike some small breeds, which can be aggressive at times, the pug is a very placid, docile, and affectionate breed that makes for a wonderful family pet.

The history of the pug

The Pug is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs. It is impossible to pinpoint the date, but it is believed that pugs were first bred before 400 BC. C., in Asia. Throughout history, the breed has been incredibly popular with nobles and royalty. In the 1700s, the Pug was a favorite of the Dutchman William of Orange. Legend has it that William’s Pug alerted him to the approach of the Spanish forces, thus saving his life. Consequently, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange.

As a toy dog, the Pug has been primarily a pet of the rich and powerful, rather than a working dog. However, as William of Orange noted, they are wonderful watchdogs. Although they are not one of the squeaky breeds, the Pug will alert their owners to the presence of strangers.

Size and physical appearance

Typically, a Pug will reach about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh around 20 pounds. However, they can gain weight quickly, as they are not fond of physical activity and are known for their tendency to overdo it if given the opportunity. The laziness and size of a Pug make him the ideal dog for city and apartment living, but it’s important to make sure a Pug gets exercise on a daily basis, whether he wants to or not.

The breed has a variety of coat colors; the most popular are fawn, silver, black and apricot; with any color, the muzzle is always black. Despite its very short coat, the Pug tends to shed a lot, so it may not be suitable for allergy sufferers. However, the coat is easy to groom and may only need to be brushed two or three times a week. Owners should take care to clean wrinkles on a Pug’s face to avoid the possibility of skin problems. Also, prospective owners should be aware that the Pug’s squashed face will cause him or her to growl and snore when they sleep.

Personality

As already mentioned, the Pug’s personality defies his small stature. They are incredibly loving, loyal, and friendly with children and other animals. However, some Pugs can display jealous behavior if their owners are paying attention to another animal or human. Despite this, the Pug is not aggressive.

Another popular characteristic of the Pug is its intelligence, which makes the breed easy to train. Owners will note, however, that a Pug can get bored with repeating the same trick or command over and over again. Therefore, it is wise to vary your dog’s training to ensure you retain his attention. Due to the intense attachment that a Pug has for its owner, it is not advisable to have one if he or she will be spending long periods of time alone in the home.

Possible health problems

The most common medical conditions among Pugs are obesity, skin problems, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, allergies, and perhaps unsurprisingly, breathing difficulties. However, the average life expectancy of a Pug is between 12 and 15 years. To help keep your Pug healthy, it is advisable to give him regular, but not strenuous, exercise.

Despite its quirky appearance, there is something extremely attractive and charming about the Pug. Furthermore, it is certain that the character of the breed will continue to win hearts for many centuries.