 A fawn Pug, the most common coloring. |
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| Other names | Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff |
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| Country of origin | China[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Pug is a small breed of dog with a wrinkly, short muzzled face, and curled tail. Pug puppies are often called puglets. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that come in a variety of colors, and a compact square body with well-developed muscle. They have been described as multum in parvo ("much in little"), referring to the Pug's personality and small size. Known in Ancient China as "Lo-Sze", they may have been responsible for both the modern Pekinese and King Charles Spaniel.
They have Chinese origins, but were popularised in Western Europe by the House of Orange of the Netherlands and the House of Stuart of England, Ireland and Scotland. They can suffer from a variety of health issues, including overheating, obesity, pharyngeal reflex and two fatal conditions which are granulomatous meningoencephalitis and hemivertebrae. In addition, care must be taken by their owner to clean the folds of skin on their face.
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The breed is often summarized as multum in parvo ("much in little"), describing the Pug's remarkable personality despite its small size.[1]While the Pug appearing in eighteenth century prints tended to be long and lean,[2] modern breed preferences are for a square, cobby body, a compact form, a deep chest, and well-developed muscle.[3] There are two different types of a Pug's ears, "rose" and "button". "Rose" ears are smaller than the standard style "button" and are folded with the front edge against the side of the head. Breeding preference goes to "button" style Pugs.[4] The legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. The shoulders are moderately laid back. The pasterns are strong, neither steep nor down. The feet are neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split-up toes, and the nails black.[3] The lower teeth normally protrude further than their upper, meeting in an under-bite.[1] Pug puppies are referred to as "Puglets".[5]
Their fine, glossy coats can be fawn, apricot, silver or black.[2] A silver coat is characterized by a very light coloured coat, absent of black guard hairs. A silver Pug typically has a very dark head, with no clear delineation at the mask, and dark forelegs. The markings are clearly defined. The trace is a black line extending from the occiput to the tail.[3] The tail normally curls tightly over the hip.[2]
Different coat types shed to varying degrees, but they all shed quite a bit year round. Fawns, which have both an undercoat and an overcoat, are the most notorious for shedding. Regular coat grooming can keep the shedding down.[6]
Strong willed, but rarely aggressive, the Pug is suitable for families with children. The majority of the breed are very fond of children, and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Otherwise they can be quiet and docile, but also vivacious and teasing, depending on their owner's mood. They can make good watchdogs, and they are always alert, but not yappy. They are known for providing "comic relief", as they are clowns at heart.[7]
Bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty (before 400 BCE),[2] in East China, they were known as "Lo-Chiang-Sze" or "Foo" (ceramic foos, transmogrified into dragon, with their bulging eyes are similar in appearance to the Pug).[2][8] References to Pug-like dogs have been documented as being as early as 551 BCE by Confucius, who described a type of "short mouthed dog".[9] The "Lo-Sze" or early Pug may have been the predecessor of today's modern Pekingese.[9] The Pug's popularity spread to Tibet, where they were mainly kept by monks, and then went onto Japan, and finally Europe.[2] The exact origins of the Pug are unknown as Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, destroyed all records, scrolls and art related to the Pug at some point during his reign which lasted between 221 BCE–210 BCE.[10]
Chinese Fu-Dogs, also called Lion-Dogs or Fo-Dogs, were thought of as guardians and statues of them were placed outside temples. The faces of these statues resemble Oriental short-faced dogs, such as the Tibetan Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese and the Pug.[11]
The breed was first imported in the late 16th and 17th centuries by merchants and crews from the Dutch East India Company. The Pug later became the official dog of the House of Orange.[2] In 1572, a Pug named Pompey saved the Prince of Orange's life by barking at an assassin.[1] A Pug also traveled with William III and Mary II when they left the Netherlands to ascend to the throne of England in 1688.[2] During this period the Pug may have been bred with the old type King Charles Spaniel, but in any event the modern English Toy/King Charles Spaniel emerged with Pug characteristics.[12]
This century also saw the breed's popularity on the rise in other European countries. They were painted by Goya in Spain and in Italy they were dressed in matching jackets and pantaloons whilst sat up front next to the coachmen of the rich. They were used by the military to track animals or people, and were also employed as the guard's dogs.[2]
The popularity of the Pug continued to spread in France during the eighteenth century. Before her marriage to Napoleon Bonaparte, Joséphine had her Pug, Fortune, carry concealed messages to her family while she was confined at Les Carmes prison. The pet was the only recipient of visiting rights.[13] The Pug was also well known in Italy. In 1789, a Mrs. Piozzi wrote in her journal, "The little pug dog or Dutch mastiff has quitted London for Padua, I perceive. Every carriage I meet here has a pug in it."[10]
The English painter William Hogarth owned a series of Pugs, to which he was devoted. In 1745 he painted his self-portrait together with that of his Pug, Trump, now in the Tate Gallery, London.[14]
In nineteenth century England, the breed flourished under the patronage of the monarch Queen Victoria.[15] Her many Pugs, which she bred herself, included Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima and Venus.[2] Her involvement with the dogs in general helped to establish the Kennel Club, which was formed in 1873.[2] Victoria favoured apricot and fawn colors, whereas the aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in 1886.[1][2]
In paintings and engravings of the 18th and 19th centuries, they usually appeared with longer legs and noses, and with cropped ears. The modern Pug's appearance probably appeared after 1860 when a new wave of Pugs were imported directly from China. These Pugs had shorter legs and the modern style Pug nose. Ear cropping was outlawed in 1895.[16]
The Pug arrived in the United States during the nineteenth century (the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885) and was soon making its way into the family home and show ring.[2] In 1981 the Pug Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck won the Westminster Kennel Club show in the United States, the only Pug to have won since the show began in 1877.[17] The World Champion (Best in Show or BIS) at the 2004 World Dog Show held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was a Pug, Double D Cinoblu's Masterpiece. The Pug Dog Club of America was founded in 1931 and recognized by the AKC that same year. [18]
Since Pugs lack longer snouts and prominent skeletal brow ridges, they are susceptible to eye injuries such as puncture wounds and scratched corneas and painful entropion.[2] They also have compact breathing passageways, leaving many unable to breathe properly or efficiently or their ability to regulate their temperature through evaporation from the tongue. A pug's normal body temperature is between 101 °F (38 °C) and 102 °F (39 °C). If the temperature rises to 105 °F (41 °C) they are no longer able to cope with cooling themselves and their oxygen demand is greatly increased, and requires cooling down immediately. Should the temperature reach 108 °F (42 °C), the internal organs begin to break down at a cellular level which can lead to severe long term health issues or even death.[19]
Pugs living a mostly sedentary life can be prone to obesity, though this is avoidable with regular exercise and a healthy diet.[20]
An investigative documentary carried out by the BBC found significant inbreeding between pedigree dogs, with a study by Imperial College, London, showing that the 10,000 Pugs in the UK are so inbred that their gene pool is the equivalent of only 50 individuals[21]
They can also suffer from a chronic form of granulomatous meningoencephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) specific to the breed called pug dog encephalitis (PDE). There is no known cause or cure for PDE, although it is believed to be an inherited disease.[22] All dogs usually die or are euthanised within a few months after the onset of clinical signs, which usually occur anywhere from 6 months to 3 years of age. Often pugs with this condition will exhibit a bunny hop with their hind legs. [23]
This breed, along with other brachycephalic dogs (e.g., boxers, bulldogs), are also prone to hemivertebrae.[24] The screwtail is an example of a hemivertebrae, but when it occurs in other areas of the spine it can be devastating, causing such severe paralysis that euthanasia is a serious recommendation. The condition occurs when two parts of the spinal vertebrae do not fuse properly whilst a young Pug is still growing, resulting in pressure being placed on the spine.[25]
As they have many wrinkles in their faces, owners normally take special care to clean inside the creases, as irritation and infection can result from improper care.[26] Hip Dysplasia is a major problem for the breed, with 63.8% of pugs being affected according to a survey performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and they were ranked 2nd worst affected by the condition out of 157 breeds tested.[27]
The Pug, like other short-snouted breeds, has an elongated palate. When excited, they are prone to "reverse sneezing," where the dog will quickly, and seemingly laboriously, gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is Pharyngeal Gag Reflex. This is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. "Reverse sneezing" episodes are usually not harmful to the Pug and resolve themselves. Massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten episodes.[28]
Pugs are one of several breeds that are more susceptible to Demodectic mange, also known as Demodex. This condition is caused by a weakened immune system, and it is a minor problem for many young Pugs. This causes them to catch diseases much more easily than regular dogs do. It is easily treatable although some are especially susceptible and will present with a systemic form of the condition. This vulnerability is thought to be genetic, and breeders avoid breeding dogs who have had this condition. Inbreeding is also a known cause for these problems.[29]
The breed have been featured on television and film, including Frank the Pug in Men in Black film, its sequel, and its animated series. Other films featuring the Pug breed include The Adventures of Milo and Otis[30], Disney's Pocahontas[31], 12 Rounds[32] and the 2006 film Marie Antoinette.[33] On television, they have appeared in shows such as The King of Queens, Spin City, Legend of the Dragon, The West Wing and the British soap opera Eastenders.[34]
Pugs have also appeared in a variety of fictional print media, including the hypnotic Petula in the Molly Moon series[35], Lady Bertram's Pug in Mansfield Park[36] and in the book "Pugs: God's Little Weirdos", a spin off from the Sheldon web comic.[37] They also featured in Nintendogs for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console[38] and a "Perky Pug" pet can be accessed in Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft.[39]
Celebrity Pug owners include broadcaster Jonathan Ross, actress Jessica Alba, actor Hugh Laurie, fashion designer Valentino Garavani, footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic[40], actor Gerard Butler[41], actress Jenna Elfman[42] and musician Rob Zombie.[43]
In a May 23, 2007, web issue of The Onion, the breed were lampooned in a fake news article titled Dog Breeders Issue Massive Recall Of '07 Pugs.[44] The piece satirized Pugs and their breeders by speaking of the dog and its characteristics as a faulty product, "evidenced" by a fictional quote from the American Pug Breeders Association director, "While pug owners are accustomed to dog malfunction, the latest animals are prone to more problems than just the usual joint failures, overheating, seizures, chronic respiratory defects, and inability to breed without assistance. The latest model Pug is simply not in any way a viable dog."[44]
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pug (plural pugs)
| File:Mops-Pug Felix vom Mä A pug | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other names | Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country of origin | China[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The pug is a type of dog with a wrinkly face. It also has a curled tail, and pug puppies are called puglets.[2] The pug has a square, muscular body with a large head, big eyes, and small ears.[3] They have often been described as multum in parvo, which means "much in little", referring to the pug's character and size.[1] Pugs came originally from China, but they became popular in England, Ireland, and Scotland. They can get sick easily.
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Pugs are often liked most for their curly tails, compact body, a deep chest, and strong muscles.[4] There are two different types of a Pug's ears, "rose" and "button". "Rose" ears are smaller than the "button" ears and are folded up instead of on the side of the head. Most people prefer "button" style Pugs.[5] Pugs have strong, straight legs and laid back shoulders. Their feet are not as large as a hare's foot, but they are not as round as that of a cat, either. They have toes that are split up perfectly, and their nails are all black.[4] The lower teeth normally grow farther out than the upper teeth, so they meet in an under-bite.[1]
Pugs can be a lot of different colors, including fawn, the color of an apricot, silver, or black. A very rare pug is white. The fur color may be white due to albinism.[6] A silver pug has a very dark head and dark forelegs. The tail usually curls at the hip.
Different coat types shed differently, but they all shed year-round. The pug who has a fawn color sheds the most. Grooming their fur helps prevent too much shedding.[7]
The pug is very strong-willed, but does not act aggressively unless provoked to a high degree. Pugs are well kept for families with children. They can be quiet and nice but also funny according to the owner's mood. They are also good at guarding the house.[8]
Pugs came from China, as most high people of China kept them as pets during the Shang Dynasty (before 400 BCE).[9]
In East China, they were known as the "Lo-Chiang-Sze" or "Foo".[9][10] In the early 551 BCE, Confucius described the pug as a "short mouthed dog".[11] After that, pugs became popular in Tibet, especially for monks. Then, pugs became known toward Japan and then Europe.[9] The pug's origin is unknown because the first Emperor of China destroyed everything related to the pug in his reign.[12]
Chinese Fu-Dogs, also called Lion-Dogs or Fo-Dogs, were thought of as brave dogs who were skilled at guarding, so statues of them were placed outside the temples.[13]
The Dutch East India Company imported the pug first in the late 16th and 17th centuries. Later, in 1572, a pug named Pompey saved the Prince of Orange by warning him when the Spaniards came.[1] William III and Mary II also took a pug with them when they were going from Netherlands to England for the seat of the throne in 1688.[9]
The pug was also becoming famous in other European countries as well. The Spanish painter, Goya, painted pugs in Spain and Italy sitting beside the coachmen of the rich. They were used as guard dogs and to find animals or people.[9]
After that, pugs began to become popular in France. A pug named Fortune was a messenger between Joséphine de Beauharnais and her family while she was in prison.[14] In Italy, the pug was becoming famous also. A Mrs. Piozzi wrote in her journal that "every carriage I meet here has a pug in it".[12]
In 19th century England, Queen Victoria was a very sincere lover of pugs.[15] She had many pet pugs, such as Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima, and Venus.[9]
The pug finally arrived in the United States during the 19th century and soon became popular there as well.[9] Many pugs won dog shows, and soon the Pug Dog Club was founded in 1931.[16]
Because pugs do not have long snouts, they can get eye diseases.[9] They also cannot breathe well, because passages for oxygen are very small and they cannot regulate their temperature with their tongue well. A pug's normal body temperature is between Template:Convert/°F and Template:Convert/°F. If the temperature rises to Template:Convert/°F, they need to cool down immediately because they cannot cool themselves enough. Should the temperature reach Template:Convert/°F, their insides begin to break down, possibly leading to serious health issues or even death.[17]
Pugs that live by themselves can have the problem of overweight, although this can be helped by exercising and eating healthy food.[18]
Pugs can also be hurt by necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME). NME is an inflammation of the brain and meninges. It is also known as pug dog encephalitis (PDE). There is no known cure or explanation for NME, although most people believe it is a disease that dogs may inherit from their mother or father.[19] All dogs usually die within a few months after this disease, which usually happens from 6 months to 7 years of age.[20]
Pugs can also get a serious disease in their spine.[21]
Because pugs have wrinkles on their faces, owners must clean the folded part of their skin.[22] Hip dysplasia is another major problem for pugs. About 63.8% of pugs were caught with hip dysplasia.[23]
When pugs get excited, they begin to "reverse sneeze", in which they will breathe in short, quick breaths. "Reverse sneezing" is usually not harmful to the pug. It can be helped by massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose to make it breathe instead with its mouth.[24]
Pugs have come out in television and film, such as Frank the Pug in the film Men in Black and the follow-up series. Other films that have pugs include 12 Rounds,[25], Marie Antoinette (2006 film), and Disney's film about Pocahontas.[26] They have also appeared on television, in shows like the The West Wing.[27]
Pugs have also appeared in many fictional books, like Lady Bertram's pug in Mansfield Park[28] and in the book Pugs: God's Little Weirdos.[29]
Famous people who own pugs include broadcaster Jonathan Ross[30] and actress Jessica Alba.[31]
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   | Stds - NZKC - Breed Standard - Pug - Toy |
| | Stds - Pug Breed Standard |
| | Stds - American Kennel Club - Pug |
| | Pug Dog Club of America - Pug Dog Club of America |
| | American Kennel Club - Pug History - American Kennel Club - Pug History |
| | American Kennel Club - Pug - American Kennel Club - Pug |
| | AKC - American Kennel Club - Pug |
| | Pugs.com - PugsCom » The Best Pug Information on the Net |
| | Wilson the Pug - Welcome to Wilson the Pug |
| | Dog Breed Info Centre - Pug Information and Pictures, Pugs, Carlin, Mops |
| | link title - Example Web Page |
| | USA Today - USATODAY.com - Pug has been one for the (comfort of the) road |
| | Bringing Up Shelby - Go Pug Yourself |
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