that the Pug’s short face came about because puppies’ nasal bones were deliberately crushed. However, this is a fallacy. This breed’s shortened foreface has been developed through centuries of selective breeding.
Head: The head is large, massive, round—not apple-headed, with no indentation of the skull. The eyes are dark in color, very large, bold and prominent, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and, when excited, full of fire. The ears are thin, small, soft, like black velvet. There are two kinds—the “rose” and the “button.” Preference is given to the latter. The wrinkles are large and deep. The muzzle is short, blunt, square, but not upfaced. Bite: A Pug’s bite should be very slightly undershot.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is slightly arched. It is strong, thick and with enough length to carry the head proudly. The short back is level from the withers to the high tail set. The body is short and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed up. The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.
Forequarters: The legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. The elbows should be directly under the withers when viewed from the side. The shoulders are moderately laid back. The pasterns are strong, neither steep nor down. The feet are neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split-up toes, and the nails black. Dewclaws are generally removed.
Hindquarters: The strong, powerful hindquarters have moderate bend of stifle and short hocks perpendicular to the ground. The legs are parallel when viewed from behind. The hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs and buttocks are full and muscular. Feet as in front.
Coat: The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither hard nor woolly.
PEDIGREE VS. REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Too often new owners are confused between these two important documents. Your puppy’s pedigree, essentially a family tree, is a written record of a dog’s genealogy of three generations or more. The pedigree will show you the names as well as performance titles of all dogs in your pup’s background. Your breeder must provide you with a registration application, with his part properly filled out. You must complete the application and send it to the AKC with the proper fee.
The seller must provide you with complete records to identify the puppy. The AKC requires that the seller provide the buyer with the following: breed; sex, color and markings; date of birth; litter number (when available); names and registration numbers of the parents; breeder’s name; and date sold or delivered.
Color: The colors are silver, apricot-fawn, or black. The silver or apricot-fawn colors should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and the trace and the mask.
Markings: The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead, and the back trace should be as black as possible. The mask should be black. The more intense and well defined it is, the better. The trace is a black line extending from the occiput to the tail.
Gait: Viewed from the front, the forelegs should be carried well forward, showing no weakness in the pasterns, the paws landing squarely with the central toes straight ahead. The rear action should be strong and free through hocks and stifles, with no twisting or turning in or out at the joints. The hind legs should follow in line with the front. There is a slight natural convergence of the limbs both fore and aft. A slight roll of the hindquarters typifies the gait which should be free, selfassured and jaunty.
Temperament: This is an eventempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing, loving disposition.
Locating a breeder of quality Pugs and selecting a healthy, friendly, typical Pug puppy are the primary goals of the new Pug owner.
YOUR PUPPY PUG
Before deciding to look for a puppy, it is essential that you are fully clear in your mind that a Pug is the right breed for you and your family. The Pug is a small breed, but is quite a tough little character, in both body and personality. The short coat should not present any problems, but if you have anyone in your family who is prone to allergies, be sure that he will not be affected by a Pug’s coat before you make your purchase. Even dogs with short coats shed hair to a certain extent. Regular brushing will limit the amount of hair floating around your home or on your carpets and furniture.
YOUR SCHEDULE ...
If you lead an erratic, unpredictable life, with daily or weekly changes in your work requirements, consider the problems of owning a puppy. The new puppy has to be fed regularly, socialized (loved, petted, handled, introduced to other people) and, most importantly, allowed to go outdoors for house-training. As the dog gets older, it can be more tolerant of deviations in its feeding and relief schedule.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
If you are convinced that the Pug is the ideal dog for you, it’s time to learn about where to find a puppy and what to look for. Locating a litter of Pugs should not present a problem for the new owner. You should inquire about breeders in your area who enjoy a good reputation in the breed. You are looking for an established breeder with outstanding dog ethics and a strong commitment to the breed. New owners should have as many questions as they have doubts. An established breeder is indeed the one to answer your four million questions and make you comfortable with your choice of the Pug. An established breeder will sell you a puppy at a fair price if, and only if, he determines that you are a suitable, worthy owner of his dogs. An established breeder can be relied upon for advice, no matter what time of day or night. A reputable breeder will accept a puppy back, without questions, should you decide that this is not the right dog for you.
When choosing a breeder, reputation is much more important than convenience of location. Do not be overly impressed by breeders who run brag advertisements in the dog periodicals about their stupendous champions. The real quality breeders are quiet and unassuming. You hear about them at the dog shows and seminars, by word of mouth.
Choosing a breeder is an important first step in dog ownership. Fortunately, the majority of Pug breeders is devoted to the breed and its well-being. New owners should have little problem finding a reputable breeder who doesn’t live in a different state or on the other side of the country.
HOW TO SELECT A PUG PUP
Once you have contacted and met a breeder or two and made your choice about which breeder is better suited to your needs, it’s time to visit the litter. Keep in mind that many top breeders have waiting lists. Sometimes new owners have to wait as long as two years for a puppy. If you are really committed to the breeder whom you’ve selected, then you will wait (and hope for an early arrival!). If not, you may have to resort to your second- or third-choice
