Pug. Juliette Cunliffe

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       CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PUG

      Described by some breed enthusiasts as “the perfect blend of dog appeal and wistfulness,” a Pug will readily keep his owners amused and entertained for hours on end with his clown-like personality. Ownership of Pugs often runs in human families, with several generations having happily owned the breed. This is a personality dog, one just as comfortable living in a small home as he is in a spacious one. Some Pug dog owners call their Pugs “little people,” and, when you know the breed, it is easy to understand why!

      The Pug’s bark is a surprisingly deep one for the breed’s size. Indeed, a Pug is usually rather a good watchdog, ready to bark when the doorbell rings or when someone approaches the house. If you are a light sleeper, it might also be worth bearing in mind that although not all Pugs snore, many do!

      An exceptionally clean little dog, the Pug is remarkably free from doggy odors. Some consider the Pug a very suitable breed for elderly and disabled people, though you should not forget that Pugs, like all other dogs, require some exercise. All things considered, a Pug usually seems happy to be whatever his owners need. He can be content to roll up in a ball at your feet while you are knitting or watching TV, he will enjoy a lively ball game or he can just be a friendly clown, providing entertainment for his audience at home.

      Although the origin of the breed lies in China, the Pug differs considerably in personality from many other breeds from the Far East in that he does not display the usual reserved air of superiority. The Pug is a unique breed in many ways and has numerous admirers, in part because of his puckish sense of humor and irresistible, engaging ways.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

      Small, squarely built and cobby, the Pug has well-knit proportions and a certain hardness of muscle, making him a strong little animal and quite different from the majority of breeds falling into the Toy Group. Ideal weight is 14–18 lbs, but certainly some are rather heavier, and there are probably few males weighing under 18 lbs. Although the breed standard does not differentiate between the size of dogs and bitches, generally Pug dogs are somewhat larger than their female counterparts.

      You should always remember that Pugs usually enjoy their food and might be considered rather greedy. Hence, it is necessary to keep strict control of your Pug’s diet so that the dog does not become overweight. Once a Pug has reached the stage when he carries too much weight, it is extremely difficult to get the weight off again!

      The chest of the Pug is wide and the body is set on strong legs. The large, round, wrinkled head with dark, globular eyes is offset at the rear by a high-set tail, curled tightly over the hip, with a double curl being highly desirable.