Our canine pals come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they’re big, small, sleek, or fluffy, we love them all! One of the most endearing and unique-looking pooches is the pug. Fido’s cute face and expressive eyes have definitely earned him a slew of fans! Here, a local vet discusses the pug.
History
Chinese nobles, including several Emperors, originally bred pugs as companion dogs. As you can imagine, being the Emperor’s favorite pet is a pretty sweet gig. Those lucky dogs lived the good life of doggy luxury, and even had their own guards. Pugs were also beloved by Buddhist monks in Tibet, who kept them as cherished pets. The pug was brought to Europe in the 16th century, where he soon charmed … pretty much everyone. Goya, the famous painter, used pugs in several paintings. Often dressed in tiny replicas of the coachmen’s outfits, Italian pugs were allowed to ride in the front seats of private carriages, often dressed in tiny replicas of the coachmen’s uniforms. Another fan? Queen Victoria. Pugs are even known to save lives. After one pooch alerted his owner, the Prince of Orange, to approaching assassins, Fido became the family’s official breed.
America
The pug made it over to the United States in the 19th century, with the AKC welcoming him into their ranks in 1885. In 1931, The Pug Dog Club Of America was founded. In 1981, one pug, Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck, even won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Care
Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs, have very short airways, and can easily get out of breath. Don’t overexert your pup, as this can cause respiratory distress. But, you also shouldn’t let FIdo become a total couch potato. That can contribute to obesity, which in itself can lead to severe health issues. Ask your veterinarian for specific care tips.
Temperament
Friendly and cuddly, pugs have often been referred to by the ‘pug Latin’ phrase Multum in parvo, which translates to ‘a lot of dog in a small space’. Although these dog’s can be stubborn, they’re rarely aggressive, and are remarkably good with children. They love to play, but also take their naps very seriously. Since they stick so close to their humans, these cute pooches are also often called shadows.
Do you have any questions about how to take care of pugs? Contact your local animal clinic!
