Meet The Pug

Do you have a pug? If so, you’ve got an extra adorable pet. Our canine companions come in all shapes and sizes. Big, small, sleek, fluffy, we love them all! However, the pug is definitely one of the most beloved and unique-looking breeds. Fido’s adorable face and expressive eyes have definitely earned him some fans! A veterinarian discusses the pug below.

History

The first pugs were companion dogs for ancient Chinese nobles. Some became beloved pets of emperors. As one might expect, being the Emperor’s cherished pup is a pretty sweet deal. Those lucky pugs lived in complete doggy luxury, and even had their own guards. Pugs were also beloved in Tibet, where Buddhist monks kept them as pets.

Travels

This adorable pooch was brought over to Europe in the 16th century, where he soon charmed … well, pretty much everyone, including Goya, the famous painter, who painted several pugs. Italian pugs were allowed to ride in the front seats of carriages, and were often dressed in tiny replicas of the coachmen’s outfits. The pug even became the official dog breed of the House Of Orange, after one pup alerted his owner, the Prince of Orange, to approaching assassins, thereby saving his life.

Fido made it over to the US in the 19th century. The AKC officially welcomed the pug into their ranks in 1885. In 1931, pugs got their own club: The Pug Dog Club Of America. One special pug, Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck, won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1981.

Care

Pugs are brachycephalic, which means they have very short airways, and can easily lose their breath. You don’t want to overexert Fido, as this can cause him to go into respiratory distress. However, you also shouldn’t let him become a complete couch potato, either, as that can lead to obesity, which is also bad for his health. Walks and gentle play are typically the best activities for these guys. You’ll also need to be careful with your pet’s eyes, as those bulging ‘bug eyes’ can be prone to injuries. Ask your vet for specific care tips.

Temperament

Friendly and lovable, pug dogs have often been referred to by the phrase Multum in parvo, which loosely translates to ‘a lot of dog in a small space’ in pug Latin.They can be stubborn, but are rarely aggressive. They’re also very patient with children, and, as you may have noticed, are very fond of naps, treats, and cuddles. They’re often called shadows, because they stick so close to their humans.

Do you have questions about pugs? Contact us, your animal clinic!