Originally from China, this ancient breed dates back to around 700 BC, when Pugs were kept by emperors, and owned only by royal families and not the general public. Pugs were served the finest foods and human guards were placed to protect them; anyone attempting to steal or harm the dogs were punished by death. As it was, most citizens struggled to eat well and could only dream of such luxuries that Pugs received. Later, the breed was kept by Buddhist monks in Tibet.

This ‘over-protectiveness’ and high regard of dogs by a few various Chinese emperors could be one of the reasons communist leader Mao Zedong, banned pet dog ownership in the 1960’s. He encouraged inhuman and cruel treatment of dogs, and their consumption as food. Dogs are eaten in many parts of China, most Asian countries and some African countries. The Yulin dog meat festival (started only
30 or so years ago) is still celebrated every June in the city of Yulin, however, many Chinese want this barbaric practice stopped. Dogs were never domesticated as food but for hunting, herding, guarding and companions, even in China.
By the 1500’s, the popularity of the Pug dog began to spread all through Europe. Traders from Portugal and the Netherlands were so enamoured of the Chinese Pug dogs that they brought them back to Europe. There, they became favoured members of the European courts and were bred by the wealthy. King William the 3rd of England in 1688 had a beloved Pug. Before Josephine married Napolean Bonaparte, she had a Pug. The breed was still popular in the 19th century, due in part to the English Queen Victoria’s devotion to the breed – she owned and bred many. That love of Pugs was passed on to her grandsons, King George the 5th and King Edward 8th.
What makes the Pug breed so popular and enduring? Well, the most obvious is their small size, big eyes, short muzzled and wrinkled face. They have a fine, short glossy coat in a variety of colours, with square compact bodies and thick muscles; they live for 12-15 years. Bred to be a companion and lap dog they have an even, stable temperament and are very loyal to their owners. Because of those traits they are generally easy to train, yet their feelings are easily hurt, so harsh training methods should never be used.
Pros of owning a Pug – their affectionate character, low maintenance, good with children and other animals and they need minimal exercise.
Cons – notorious for health issues, they snore and are noisy. Pugs are not good at regulating their body temperature. They are prone to obesity, fart a lot, and they are moderate shedders all year-round. Good, ethical breeders do not produce offspring with extremely
short muzzles.
Pam Brandis
Dip. Canine.Prac.