GROUP 1 - TOYS

Brief History
The Pug is of ancient lineage and indeed his history can be traced back to 700 BC, the time of Confucius. Pugs were imported into Europe from China in the 1500’s with Dutch traders and soon became a favourite of royal households throughout Europe.  In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in 1572. When his grandson, William III, and his wife, Mary II, later travelled to England in 1688 to take the throne from James II, they took their Pugs with them. By 1790 the Pug’s popularity spread to France where Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, depended on her Pug (called Fortune) to carry secret messages under its collar to her husband while she was imprisoned.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 10 to 14 years.

Temperament
Pugs have an enormous personality which belies their small size. They ooze great charm, dignity and intelligence.  As a companion they are affectionate, even tempered and happy with a lively disposition. Although they can be stubborn, they should never be mean spirited or spiteful.

General Breed Description
The Pug’s motto is the Latin phrase “multum in parvo” which translates as, “a lot in a little,” providing the perfect description of this small but thickset breed. He is a compact dog, with a well-developed ribcage, a tail curled over his back and a lustrous, short coat. The large round head, the sparkling eyes, and the wrinkled brow give Pugs a range of human-like expressions. Pugs are either Black, Fawn, Silver or Apricot, all with a black face mask.

Coat and Care Requirements
Pugs have a short coat and in general they shed quite lot.  As a minimum, weekly brushing helps keep the amount of hair shed under control. Pugs have facial folds which need to be cleaned every other day. Their nails grow very fast and need to be trimmed routinely. Their beautiful black ears need to be cleaned weekly.  Many Pugs will default to a state of laziness if left to their own devices, so a brisk walk or an enjoyable game of ball every day is needed. Do not allow strenuous exercise in hot weather or just after meals. 

Size
Weight: 6.3 to 8.1kgs

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Pug is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef). For the latter three DNA tests are available. Pugs may also experience eye problems, particularly as the shape of the face means they are prone to eye injury.

Suitability
Pugs are excellent companion dogs and love to be with people, therefore are perfect for families. They have a natural love and affinity with families, but as with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when together. As they are such social creatures, the ideal home is when someone is about most of the day.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.  With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular, the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard:  https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/31