available give you the opportunity to express your Pug’s unique personality through his wardrobe.
Obesity and age can predispose a Pug to upper respiratory problems such as a collapsing trachea, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. For those Pugs that have been diagnosed with a respiratory problem, a harness should be used. A harness should also be considered if a Pug has a history of pulling or slipping out of a collar.
2 The History of the Pug
From the Beginning
The Pug is one of the world’s oldest recorded breeds with a history that can be traced back as far as 551 B.C. The Pug is of Chinese origin and its early ancestor is believed to have been the Lo-Sze, or Chinese Foo Dog. The Lo-Sze was a dog of small size, and many of the characteristics of the Lo-Sze are still found in the Pug today.
The wrinkling in the forehead of the Pug was one of the hallmarks of the ancient Lo-Sze. The wrinkles of prized specimens formed a “W,” or “Prince Mark,” the Chinese character for “Prince.” Although commonly docked, the tail of the Lo-Sze was also reported to have been curled before the procedure. The Lo-Sze’s two distinct ear types are today known as the “button” and “rose” ears in the Pug and both breeds share a close-fitting, short coat.
Oriental Influences
The ancestors of the early Pug were worshipped by Chinese Emperors. The breed was considered one of their most prized possessions and many enjoyed the luxury of guarded rooms and servants who attended to their every need. As early as the 1800s, the Lo-Sze was being developed into the blueprint for the modern Pug. Breeding records describe short-coated Lo-Szes in a variety of colors. Black puppies were considered a symbol of bad luck and were often destroyed, while puppies of other colors were kept as treasured companions.
Royal Treatment
The love affair with the Pug did not end with the emperors in the Far East. The Pug’s royal history dates back many centuries and is widely recorded throughout Europe. From Prince William of Orange in the late 1500s to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the early twentieth century, the Pug has been adored by many of Europe’s royalty. Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, adored her Pug, Fortune. Queen Victoria was also smitten by the “Pug Bug.” Pugs have also been a part of the royal families in Russia and Holland.
The Pug’s purpose as a lapdog and faithful companion has also made her a favorite of artists. William Hogarth’s Pug, Trump, appeared in one of his paintings of 1730, and a Pug was included in one of Spanish painter Francisco Goya’s portraits of the late 1700s. French and German sculptors have immortalized the breed in their works, and the love affair with the Pug has continued into the modern era.
The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs.
Popularity Concerns
The Pug has always enjoyed a favorite place in the hearts of its admirers. Celebrities of today continue to show off their Pugs, and Pug ownership is relished by everyone from actors and recording artists to race car drivers. Modern technology has made it even easier for the Pug to enjoy a steady rise in popularity and for Pug owners to share their Pug’s antics with other Pug lovers. The Internet today is full of home videos of Pugs doing everything from praying to singing. There are Pugs who “talk” and Pugs who can play dead. Each video demonstrates the Pug’s gift of captivating her owner, as well as her aptitude for learning.
The Pug’s popularity also has its disadvantages. Individuals who fall in love with the Pug’s looks or antics as they are portrayed in the media often rush to own a Pug without really researching the breed or giving thought to whether they should be adding a dog to their life at all. The increased demand for Pug puppies has made them an easy target for unscrupulous breeders, who have little concern for producing healthy puppies or the care of those puppies after they are sold, and are simply interested in making money off of the popularity of the breed. The increasing number of Pugs who are seemingly difficult to train are a result of poor opportunities for socialization and poor training by owners who lack the time and commitment to work with their pets.
PUG POINTER
The Pug’s likeable nature and unique personality have made it a favorite breed to include in television and movies. From the animated character, Percy, in Walt Disney’s Pocahontas to the sarcastic Frank the Puq in Men in Black and Men in Black II, the Puq is fittingly portrayed as a companion doq that sometimes has a mind of its own.
3 Selecting the Right Pug
Good Dogs, Good Choices
The addition of a Pug to your family can be a wonderful event. The breed is known for longevity and it is not uncommon for a Pug to live to be 14 to 16 years of age. If your Pug is to become a well-behaved family member for years to come, selecting just the right Pug for your family is an important first step in promoting a healthy, happy relationship.
Make a Commitment
Purchasing a Pug should never be a spontaneous decision. That adorable “puppy in the window,” purchased on a whim, will grow up quickly. On his journey to adulthood he will demand your undivided attention, interrupt your full night of sleep, and, at times, test your patience.
The addition of a Pug to your household can be compared to living with a new baby. Your daily routine will change dramatically. No more staying out late after work or long days of shopping. Your new Pug requires a firm schedule that provides for his need to sleep, play, and eliminate. You will need to plan for accommodations for your Pug when you schedule family vacations or long weekend getaways.
You must decide what his boundaries will be, and be patient while he learns about his new family and home. Your family must work together to accomplish goals that everyone understands, and everyone must be willing to pitch in and be a part of the training process.
Your personal belongings will be subjected to puppy’s teeth and paws. Housebreaking takes time and your expensive Oriental rug may become your Pug’s favorite indoor potty spot if you can’t commit the time to supervising him.
You must also be able to afford your Pug’s medical care, food, toys, and other necessities. Pugs are plagued with their fair share of medical problems. The expense of treating health issues, such as recurrent eye and ear problems, can be great. Yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and medications all add up. You must ask yourself whether or not you can realistically afford to care for your Pug now—and in the future.
Is the Timing Right?
If you are considering a new Pug puppy, first ask yourself if you really have the time to devote to making him a well-behaved dog. A well-mannered adult Pug starts out as a silly, curious puppy. The metamorphosis to respectful companion can only happen if you can afford to spend the time teaching your Pug puppy the behaviors that you want him to learn.
Adding a young to adolescent Pug to your life also requires a significant amount of dedicated time. A fully house-broken Pug
