Pug

The Pug is a small, funny dog with a serious inquisitive face and is an ancient breed. Their roots go so deep into the centuries that the spirit of legends and lore hangs around their origins. Today, representatives of this breed are great companions, able to get rid of moping and bad moods. So how have they been able to carry their positivity through the ages and remain loyal friends to humans?

History of the origin of the breed

There are a great many versions about where these amazing dogs came from, but it is worth dwelling on the most plausible of them. Although there are mentions of little dogs with shortened faces in the works of ancient Indians, most researchers, however, are inclined to believe that China is the country of origin of the Pug.

Ancient manuscripts have information about “square, low dogs with shortened muzzles. There were two types of similar dogs in that state – “Ha Pa” with long hair, and “Lo Jie” were similar in appearance to Pekingese, but their hair was shorter. However, experts have no definitive proof of whether these animals were the ancestors of modern Pugs, because such qualities of appearance, such as short legs and flat muzzle, can be the result of inbreeding.

If in those days Pekingese were imperial animals and were considered sacred, the Pug-like Lo Jie lived in the homes of the nobility. True, some of them still lived in the emperor’s palace and could not leave it. Naturally, this indicates the privileged position of these dogs.

In ancient times, Pug-like dogs did not have such pronounced wrinkles on their muzzles, but creases in the forehead area were already present. The Chinese regarded them as some semblance of hieroglyphics, a source of mystical meaning. It was an important trait that was preserved during the breeding of these dogs, it was considered a mark of royalty.

It is believed that during the period when trade between the continental and Far Eastern states began to establish, the Lo Tse came to Europe on sailors’ ships. It is not known for certain, but there is evidence that during this period, there was a surge in popularity of Pugs not only among royalty, but also among the common people. By the way, the Dutch called these dogs the Chinese Mastiff.

Formalized as a separate breed, the Pug became by the 16th century. Then they could be met at social events, where they acted as companions of ladies. At that time, it was prestigious to have such exotic-looking dogs; moreover, they lived in the boudoirs of their owners and kept them warm in cold chambers.

During Napoleon’s reign, Pugs became even more popular, as his wife Josephine’s favourite dog, with whom she practically never parted, was a Pug called Fortune. When Napoleon’s empire fell, the Pug was put into disfavor, however, after a while it became popular again among the French.

The first Pugs, which appeared in England, had short, specially trimmed in this way, ears, as well as tails twisted in different directions in females and males. If the dog’s tongue was sticking out, it was a definite advantage. At that time, Pugs had longer muzzles than modern breeds, and the flat noses were the result of selection work. The limbs were not as short, also there was no “square” format, which is present in Pugs today.

In addition, individuals with modern appearance appeared in England, as serious work on improvement of the breed was carried out there. In the 80s, there were three important events in the formation of the breed, which occurred in England. Then appeared the first breed club, 2 years later there was held a Pug Show, and 3 years later official standard requirements for representatives of the breed were established.

Today Pugs are common in many countries, and at international shows these little dogs are found everywhere.

Pug breed description

According to the standard, there are Pugs with different proportions of the head. There are individuals with a convex, rectangular skull, the normal shape of the head, as well as with a wide part of the muzzle and owners of a longitudinal depression.

Puppies should show a somewhat pronounced nose bridge. In the case that it is missing, it is considered a significant disadvantage. But this is due not only to the data specified in the standard, but also to the problems that entails the absence of the bridge of the nose. In this case, the pooch has difficulty breathing, which later becomes the cause of cardiac muscle malfunction.

To the main external characteristics of Pugs can be attributed the presence of specific wrinkles on the muzzle. Among the requirements for them, important is the mandatory symmetry, creating a beautiful pattern. But at the same time, they should not sag like the folds of excessive skin in bulldogs. As for the physique, Pugs are compact, well-proportioned dogs with a developed muscular corset:

• The weight of the dogs varies within 4-8 kg, the height of males is 30.5-32 cm, females – 28-30.5 cm.
• The head is medium-sized, with a flattened facial area and few creases.
• The tail is small, in the form of a tight ring, pressed against the body. If it forms a double ring, this is a definite advantage for the pet.
• The eyes are large, widely spaced, and there is a slight or strongly pronounced bulge. They are located in line with the noselobe, which should be black in color.
• Pugs have a more developed lower jaw, and there is a pronounced overbite in the bite.
• Theauricles are small, well-fitting to the skull, thin with a high fit. The lower part consists of cartilaginous tissue, while the upper part hangs down.
• The neck is thickened, powerful, has a slight curve, the scruff is well developed. The thorax is broad, the ribs have a pronounced curve.
• Thecoat is short, dense, and pleasant to the touch.

There are different colors of Pugs, but more often there are gray-silver and apricot-colored individuals.

See how the Pug looks like a French bulldog.

Character of the Pug

Among the most characteristic features of purebred representatives can be noted their sociability and friendliness, and also a tendency to pranks. They need and very much appreciate the attention of their owners and love to be in the center of events. Having a rather modest size and a pretty face, Pugs can perform security functions and often enough show courage, which is not particularly expected of them. They like to keep everything going on in the house under control and react to any, even minor noise.

Pug owners believe that the temperament of these animals is directly related to their color: Pugs with black hair are excessively energetic, while Pugs with blond hair are more phlegmatic. A common belief is that Pugs are very lazy dogs. But, in spite of the fact that their favorite activity is to lie down near their master, they are happy to go for walks and love active games.

Dogs of this breed can find a common language with almost anyone, and even more so if they are surrounded by affection and love. But here it should be clear to the owners that these little dogs have a well-developed sense of self-esteem, so it will be a mistake to take them as a toy. Pugs are real jealous, which manifests itself if the owner suddenly shows excessive favor to someone else.

These dogs are very patient, which makes it possible for them to interact with small family members. It’s not that they don’t like cats, but they treat them quite calmly, looking down on them somewhat. They also get along quite well with other dogs. The friendliness of Pugs can play a cruel trick on them, as many cases of theft of these dogs have been reported. Therefore, owners should very carefully watch their four-legged friend on walks, so he does not communicate with strangers.

Care and features of keeping Pugs

It is unlikely to classify the Pug as a too fussy breed, but they also need a certain care and have a number of nuances. The eyes of these dogs deserve special attention, since the representatives of this breed suffer from corneal erosion – a chronic disease of a congenital nature. Therefore, it is necessary to watch for any changes to the eyes, and if anything, to give the pet antibacterial agents, of course, after consultation with the veterinarian. It is also important for Pugs to get the right amount of vitamin A.

As you know, Pugs love to spend time next to the owner, lying with him on the bed or couch. However, the pet still needs its own place, where the doggie can rest, tired of fuss and activity. A dog bed should be placed away from drafts and heating units.

You should take your adult pet for two walks in the morning and evening, and more often with a puppy or teenager. On walks, the pet needs to discharge its excess energy, so you should play with it or give commands. And since Pugs belong to decorative breeds, they do not require long walks, in fact, they are not adapted to them at all.

These dogs are intended exclusively for home care, as they have difficulty with low or high temperatures. In addition to the eyes, you should regularly inspect your dog’s ears, skin, and teeth. If there is any discharge from the eyes, you should wipe them gently with a cotton pad soaked in herbal decoction.

Read more: how to care for the Pug.

Features of Pug breeding

This process has its own subtleties, so it is not recommended for beginners to engage in such activities. Incorrect cross-breeding can cause the emergence of offspring with an appearance that is far from the existing standards. But if there is a desire to breed dogs of this breed, it is worth listening to the opinion of professionals:

• Before knitting, you should undergo special preparation – for 3-4 weeks give the pet medication with antihistamine action and take care that the dog gets rid of excess weight, if it has it.
• The earliest age for mating is 10 months.
• Fertilization will occur an average of 10 days after the bitch has started to flow.
• Pugs need time to get to know each other, so you should not try to force the events.
• For 100% mating to occur, the meeting should be repeated after three days.

And most importantly, as well as many decorative females, Pugs may require surgical intervention during delivery, that is, a caesarean section. Therefore, it is important that the pregnancy proceed under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Interesting names for Pugs.

How to feed a Pug

This process has a number of features, with which it is advisable to become familiar before a four-legged friend enters the house. For example, liquid food is not suitable for Pugs because of their special structure of the muzzle and the location of the nostrils.

Owners note the unpretentiousness of these dogs in food. But veterinarians advise introducing 2-3 meals a day for Pugs, while controlling the weight of the pet. Dogs are prone to obesity, and they can gain excess weight even by eating exclusively manufactured food. So you should give your pet food only in accordance with the norm, even if he’s begging for more with his pitiful appearance. And those eyed tricksters can deceive even the most vigilant owner by pretending to be hungry.

It is advisable to consult the breeder about nutrition and at first feed the pet the way it was used to before it got to the owner. This will make the process of getting used to a new home more comfortable. When natural feeding, it is advisable to give Pug puppies food containing milk – porridge, cottage cheese, steamed omelet. You can also give soup. But all these dishes are excluded from the dog’s diet by the 3rd month.

It is desirable to feed the pets of this breed mixed, combining premium and super-premium food with meat dishes and adding vegetables, giving sour-milk products. Although it is possible to stick to one type of diet – dry rations or natural food. It is important not to experiment especially by changing types and brands of food for no particular reason, or by giving not very healthy products to your pet. When feeding a natural diet, there are a number of rules to follow:

• The pet’s menu should consist of 70-80% of the meat portion, this also includes fish, poultry, and by-products.
• 2-3 times a week, it is recommended to give the Pug a chicken yolk, in boiled or raw form.
• The daily diet must necessarily include vegetables and fermented foods.

The main thing is to strive to ensure that the pet receives a balanced diet in the required amount. In some cases, the dog will need additional sources of vitamins and minerals, but they should be given only after consulting a specialist.

Read more: what to feed the pug.

Pug photo

Pug video

Pug puppy cost

As with representatives of other breeds, an important factor here is the purpose of acquiring a doggie. A pet for later exhibitions and breeding will cost a little more than a puppy for the role of a soulful companion. The average price of puppies is $1000 – $3000.

It is worth noting that through the Internet sites you can buy a Pug puppy even cheaper, and even from well-known breeders. But in any case, it is important that the baby is healthy, without defects and the availability of necessary documentation. But it is not recommended to buy a pet without veterinary passport from random breeders, as there is a great risk to purchase a dog with physical defects, which may manifest themselves over time.

Pugs are amazing tiny pets with a brave heart. They are capable not only of brightening up their owners’ leisure time, but also of being guards, raising their voice at the slightest danger.

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