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"10 Fascinating Facts to Know and Love About "Pugs"

Dogs of This "Toy" Breed Have Big Personalities and Are Good with Children

       Story at a glance

• According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “The Pug is well described by the phrase ‘multum in parvo’ which means ‘a lot of dog in a small space.’"
• Pugs have a number of other names, the strangest of which is “Mops.” The breed originated in China, and is thought to have contributed genes to the English Bulldog, the Pekingese, and the King Charles Spaniel.
• Pugs belong to the toy breed group, and enjoy the distinction of being the biggest “toy” in the category.
• Unfortunately, due to the construction of their heads and faces, Pugs are susceptible to a variety of eye problems and breathing difficulties. They also often have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
• The collective noun for a pack of Pugs is, of all things, a “grumble.”

"Pugs are also called Mops"

        Pugs go by a number of different names, including Chinese pug, Dutch bulldog, Dutch mastiff, Mini mastiff, Carlin, and for some strange reason, Mops. Pugs originated in China, and were brought to Europe in the 16th century. They are thought to have contributed to the breeding of the English Bulldog, the Pekingese, and the King Charles Spaniel.

"Pugs have small bodies and massive heads"

          Mr. Pug is small, stocky, and square-shaped. His round head is huge with a short, square-shaped muzzle. His teeth are slightly undershot, and his big dark eyes protrude a bit. He has small ears that are either rose or button shaped. His face has large, deep wrinkles, and the moles on his cheeks are considered beauty marks.  The Pug tail is high-set and curled – sometimes twice -- over the back. The short coat is soft, fine, and smooth, and comes in apricot, fawn, black, and silver colors.

        Adult Pugs range in height from 10 to 14 inches, and weigh from 13 to 20 pounds. Average lifespan is 12 to 15 years

"Pugs are strong-minded"

          Pugs are small in size but have big personalities. They are known to be strong-willed, but not aggressive. Most Pugs are good with children, and are rugged enough for a serious romp. They can be quiet and passive, or outgoing and rascally depending on their owner's mood. Pugs tend to follow their owners around to insure they don't miss out on anything. Another favorite Pug pastime is napping.

"Pugs Are the Biggest Small Dogs"

        Kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), place Pugs in the toy group, which consists of the smallest breeds of dogs. In this group, Ms. Pug stands tall as the largest "toy" dog in the category.

"Pugs need regular exercise"

       Your Pug needs daily walks, and will be optimally healthy with regular aerobic exercise. This breed enjoys burning off energy, but must be be carefully monitored for wheezing or other signs of overexertion.

"Pugs can't tolerate extremes in weather"

       Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature. You should dry your Pug thoroughly after baths to prevent him from becoming chilled.

"Pugs are seasonally heavy shedders"

      That's the not-so-good news. The good news is that your Pug's smooth, short coat is easy to care for. Just brush or comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo when necessary. The creases on his face should be cleaned regularly.

"The Pug is a brachycephalic breed"

       This means they have a short muzzle and pushed in face. Due to the construction of their heads and faces, Pugs are susceptible to a variety of eye problems and breathing difficulties. They are also often unable to efficiently regulate their body temperature by panting.

      Your Pug's body temperature should stay between 101°F and 102°F. If her temp rises to 105°F, immediate cooling is required so that she can breathe properly. At 108°F, organ failure can occur. Your Pug's breathing and cooling issues must always be considered in any situation that may involve high temperatures or other stressors.

"A Pug named Fortune ruined Napoleon's wedding night"

        Napoleon Bonaparte's new wife Josephine had a Pug named Fortune. On their wedding night, Napoleon objected to the dog sleeping in their bed. Josephine told Napoleon, "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I!" We assume Fortune slept all night with the Bonapartes (snicker).

"A group of Pugs is called a grumble"

A grumble?!