The Basic Breed History Of The Pug
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For such a small dog, the Pug has a very large history. They have gone through many changes over the centuries, but one fact has always been the same - they love being with people. Many famous people owned Pugs throughout history, which helped to spread their popularity among the fashionable of the world. Looking at their history shows us a glimpse of what living with a Pug is like.
Pugs were bred to be the companions and protectors of royalty. Although the Pug was to go through many changes physically, the basic temperament seems to have been the same. Pugs have always been noted for their abilities as a watchdog, for their even temperament, and their devotion to their people. Fortunately, these qualities have not been bred out, although some physical features, like a longhaired coat, have.
Although various Chinese Emperors tried to keep Pugs all to themselves, the Pugs apparently wanted to see the world. Through trade and wars, they spread to Europe. They were especially popular in the Royal courts of Holland, where the official animal of the Dutch royal family was a Pug.
If Hogarth’s representations of his Pug were accurate, then Pugs in his day (1697 - 1764) were probably barely recognizable as Pugs. They had longer legs, a slimmer body and a longer nose. They were bred in a variety of colors like fawn, black and silver. There were a limited number of Pugs brought to Holland, and then they spread out to other countries. It is commonly thought that Pugs were bred to small Bulldogs or an extinct small Mastiff in order to continue the breed.
Other Pug owners of note throughout history include Josephine, the infamous wife of Napoleon and the English painter William Hogarth, who included his Pug “Trump” in several paintings. If Hogarth was accurate, then Pugs in the sixteenth century had much longer legs, leaner frames and slightly longer noses than they do today.
However, the nose has gotten flatter over the centuries and the jaw undershot. Pugs were one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Pug as we know today came about in the 1800’s, when the first organized dog shows began in Europe. It didn’t take long for the idea of dog shows to cross the Atlantic. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1885.
Pugs have always loved people and always will, as long as the breed survives. Hopefully, there will be an emphasis on breeding healthy dogs rather than show-winning dogs in the future. It’s the least we owe the Pug.
