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Pugs As Pets
Pugs are believed to have originated in Asia before 400 BC, making this one of the older canine breeds. The exact origins are a little sketchy with several theories abounding. Some have the Pug descending from short-haired Pekinese while others have them coming from a rare French Mastiff. It is known that the Pug was a fashion accessory for European courts during Victorian Times, and was also a favorite pet for Tibetan monasteries.
In 1885 the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Pug as a breed and set the standard for its preferred characteristics. Overall the Pug should have a square, thick, stocky body with a weight range of fourteen to eighteen pounds. The head should be large in proportion to the body and rounded with prominent round eyes.
The neck should be thick to attach the larger head to the stout body. This should all be followed up by a tail curled up over the hip. A double curl in the tail is an exceptional specimen!
Overall the legs of the Pug should be not too short and definitely not too long. The dog should be low to the ground, but not nearly as low as the Dachshund.
The coat of the Pug is smooth, soft, and fine with a glossy sheen. The accepted colorings are silver, apricot, and black with the black mask being dark and well defined.
The Pug is a very perky, playful breed capable of great loyalty and affection. Overall the Pug is an even tempered breed which does very well with other pets, children, and visitors in your home. As far as a potential watchdog the dog is one of the best. Some dogs bark incessantly without cause, while the Pug usually only becomes vocal when there is a cause. The Pug is a very sensitive dog though and will become upset if you do not give them lots of time and attention.
A Pug will do very well within and apartment lifestyle provided he is taken on daily walks to receive regular exercise. The breed is extremely prone to temperature changes and does not do well in really hot or really cold weather. Do to their short snout Pugs are susceptible to wheezing and allergies which creates chronic breathing problems and potential snoring. The large bulbous eyes of the Pug are prone to weeping and there is a slight history of ulcers on the cornea. Overall the Pug is a very dog to keep as a pet though, requiring very little space and providing lots of love in return. Do be very careful not to overfeed your Pug as they enjoy eating, and will happily eat all the food provided becoming quite fat.
