Pug: Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

The Pug belongs to the group of companion and companion dogs and although it is considered an absolute fashion dog, its history goes back a long way. It is a lovable, happy, and easy-to-care-for dog whose main job is to please and keep its owner company. However, the Pug also has a strong personality and is not always submissive. With a loving and consistent upbringing, however, he is also an ideal companion in a densely populated city.

Origin and history

There is much speculation about the origin of this breed. What is certain is that it hails from East Asia, primarily China, where small, snub-nosed dogs have always been popular. It is believed that it found its way to Europe with the businessmen of the Dutch East India Company. In any case, Pugs have existed in Europe for several centuries, first as the lap dogs of the European nobility, then they found their way into the upper bourgeoisie. Until 1877 the breed was only known here in light fawn, but then a black pair was introduced from the Orient.

Appearance

The pug is a stocky little dog, its body is square and stocky. In appearance, it resembles the mastiff-like Molosser breeds – only in a small format. The relatively large, round, and wrinkled head, the flat, wide mouth, and the deep black “mask” are particularly typical of the breed. The curly tail worn over the back is also characteristic. Its crumpled face with big googly eyes often awakens the caregiving instinct of its owners, who forget the “robust” dog and coddle and belittle him.

Nature

Compared to other breeds, the Pug was never trained or bred for any specific “job”. Its sole purpose was to be a lovable companion for humans, to keep them company, and to entertain them. As a pronounced family or companion dog, it is also completely free of aggression and also has no hunting instinct. Therefore, it is also ideal for living together with people. No city apartment is too small for it, and no family is too big to feel comfortable. It gets along well with other dogs. It is extremely intelligent, adaptable, and always in a good mood. However, the Pug also has a strong nature, is self-confident, and is not necessarily willing to submit. With a loving and consistent upbringing, the Pug is easy to handle.

The Pug is not exactly one of the top athletes among the dogs, so it will not spend hours walking next to the bike. Nevertheless, he is not a couch potato, but full of energy and love of life and loves to go for walks. The extremely short-bred nose and skull formation cause shortness of breath, rattling, and snoring as well as increased sensitivity to heat. In the hot season, you shouldn’t ask too much of it. Since Pugs tend to be overweight, a balanced diet is extremely important.