Pug
(Pug dog, Carlino, Mops, Mopshond, Mops hund)
The Pug resembles a miniature mastiff, with boxy head, wrinkled skin and square body. This may explain why it was called the Dutch Mastiff or Dwarf Mastiff when it first appeared in Holland.
The Pug probably originated from the Orient but was brought to Europe as soon as the 16th century, probably by the Dutch East India Company.
Another theory is that the Pug was introduced to Holland by the Portugese soon after they opened sea trading routes with China around 1550.
The original Pug may have been larger with a more discernible muzzle, according to 18th and 19th century paintings and engravings.
In Holland pugs became the symbol of the royalists (the Orangists) after a Pug, Pompey, saved the life of William the silent, Duke of Orange by alerting him in the middle of the night to the approaching Spanish troops in 1572 at the duke's camp.
Oil painting by Richand Ramsey Reinagle.
The Pug is much taller than present day examples, and has a much more discernible muzzle. Photo: W. Secord
The Pug's original color was fawn with a black mask and saddle mark and until the late 1800s the breed was only seen in this color. More about the Pug's colors.
Although classified as a toy breed by the AKC the Pug is more solid and resistant than many other breeds in this group. Like all small molosser breeds, pugs are usually less yappy than some other small dogs.
The most likely explanation for ithe breed's name is the dog's facial resemblance to that of the marmoset monkeys that were popular pets of the early 1700s and were known as Pugs. More about the etymology of the breed's name (external link).
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Engraving from The Sportsman's Cabinet
Philip Reinagle, 1803
Photo courtesy: William Secord
SMALL MOLOSSERS
( Small Molossians)
This curly-tailed and flat-faced compact little dog with great sense of humor is a perfect family companion, patient, good-natured and very tolerant with children. If is referred to as Multum in Parvo , "a lot of dog in a small space."
Pugs for Dummies
by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz
The Pug Handbook
Brenda Belmonte
Living with a Pug
Alison Mount
The Tao of Pugs
Wilson the Pug
Photos & Quotes
Pugs in Public
Kendall Far
A small coffee table book with some lovely anecdotes about Pugs
The Complete Pug
Ellen S. Brown
Book of the Pug
Joan Brearley
Ivy the pug puppy
photo by Peter Hamza,
Hungary
Its only weakness is a tendency to enjoy its meals and treats too much and become overweight.
One major drawback of the breed is that Pugs tend to shed all year round, especially fawn-colored pugs.
Another (minor) downside of this breed is that pugs tend to be too exclusive in their relationships. They sometimes have difficulties in sharing their owner's affection and attention with anyone else.
Female Pug Gin Gin, Italy
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Temperament, Morphology and Colors
A nice website for Pug lovers, where they can find everything related to pugs: pug history and origins, pug colors, pug stuff, pug health tips and much more.
