The Pug Dog

The pug is an incredibly charming small dog breed known to spread joy and happiness to those lucky enough to have them. I've yet to meet a pug owner that wasn't 100% devoted to spending as much time as possible in the company of their pet pug. The pug is one of those breeds that is said to "own the owner" more than the "owner owns the pug". Their playful nature, happy go lucky demeanor and sense of humor is hard to resist. They are eager to please and only ask for their owner's love and attention in return. The Pug's heritage can be traced back to China before 400 B.C., where they were often the prize possession of the Chinese emperors. Eventually, european traders brought the pug to europe where they quickly gained popularity. Once again, the pug became a popular choice among royalty and aristocracy including King William II of England and Josephine Napoleon. The pug was accepted for AKC registration in the United States as long ago as 1885. It is unsure exactly where the name "Pug" came from but it is believed it's origins may come from the marmoset monkeys who were popular pets in the 1700's and who were sometimes nicknamed "pugs". The "dog" was added to distinguish them from the monkeys, hence "Pug Dogs". As wonderful as pugs are, however, they are not for everyone. Bred to be companion animals they do not do well when left alone without company. They also do best as inside dogs as their physical characteristics do not make them good at exercise or allow them to do well in extreme heat or cold. They are also known to shed, snort and snore excessively. The pugs bulging eyes also make them more vulnerable to injury than most and their wrinkles will need cleaning too.