Meet The Pug

Have you ever met a pug? If so, you have likely noticed that these pups are super cute! Our canine companions come in all shapes and sizes, and we love them all! That said, these little pooches with the squished faces and expressive eyes are really charming, and have earned some very loyal fans! A veterinarian discusses the pug below.

History

Pug dogs were originally bred as companion dogs for ancient Chinese nobles, including several Emperors. As one would expect, being the Emperor’s favorite pet was a pretty sweet deal. Those lucky pooches lived lives of complete doggy luxury, and even had their own guards. Fido was also beloved in Tibet. Many Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets. 

Fido was brought to Europe in the 16th century, where he soon charmed … well, basically everyone. Goya, the famous painter, was apparently a fan, as he painted several pugs. Italian pugs were allowed to ride in the front seats of private carriages, and were often dressed in tiny replicas of the coachmen’s outfits. England’s Queen Victoria was also a big fan. Pugs even became the official dog of the House Of Orange, after one loyal dog alerted his owner, the Prince of Orange, to approaching assassins, thereby saving his life.

America

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

Care

Pugs are brachycephalic. Like other brachys, they have very short airways, and can easily get out of breath. You don’t want to overexert your canine pal, as this can cause respiratory distress. However, you also shouldn’t let him become a complete couch potato: that can contribute to obesity, which in itself can cause or contribute to some very serious health issues. 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 advice

Temperament

Friendly and lovable, this beloved pup is often referred to by the phrase Multum in parvo, which translates to ‘a lot of dog in a small space’ in ‘pug’ Latin.These dogs can be stubborn, but are rarely aggressive, and are remarkably patient with children. Fido is also equally fond of naps and playtime. Pugs are very loyal, and often called shadows, because they stick so close to their humans.

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