|
|
 |
Most agree that the Pug originated in China, dating back to around 700 BC. They were bred to be a companion not a guardian. They were first bred by Royalty and were pampered and spoiled. Sometimes, as a mark of great esteem, they were given to members of the court. Some interesting anecdotal history (not officially verified but worth mentioning) includes an ancient Chinese law whereby only the Emperor was allowed to own a Pug. He could give a Pug to his own selected friends but otherwise it was punishable by death to have a Pug. True or not most Pugs feel quite highly about themselves and will encourage everyone and anyone to treat them like an Emperor's dog!
When the Dutch discovered and started trading with China, the sailors smuggled some Pugs out and took them home to Europe where being a small dog and natural companion, they quickly became popular. Again, they attached themselves to the nobility. Pugs are great opportunists. Legend has it that when William The Silent invaded England, he took his Pug with him. One night, as the Prince lay sleeping, assassins crept up on his tent. His Pug heard them and jumped up barking, thereby saving his master.
Another 'story' involves the 'love affair' between Napoleon and Josephine. It seems Josephine came part and parcel with her dearly beloved Pug. Well her Pug did not want to share a pillow with Napoleon and bit him. Now Napoleon was not known for forgiveness. Josephine made it clear the Pug was there to stay and if she had to choose between the Pug and Napoleon - well, there's the door Napoleon. The Pug and Napoleon worked out a truce. He conquered most of Europe but not a PUG!
|
|
|
|
|  | |
|
|
|
 |
What are Pugs like to live with???
|
Pugs are true companion dogs. As you read in Pug history they have had no other purpose than to love and be loved. For this reason Pugs are very people oriented. They not only thrive on human companionship but also need it to survive. A Pug should not be left alone for long periods of time. They do best with a companion whether canine, feline or human.
Pugs come in fawn (various shades, including apricot and silver) and black. There is little personality difference between the colours, though some say the black Pugs tend to be more active, and we tend to agree with this. Our black girls are like miniature tanks charging around the paddock, while the fawns seem to be a little more genteel!! There is also a little difference in personality between males and females. We find that female Pugs are bossy and domineering, and would always recommend a dog if you want a laid back couch potato!! Saying that, they are not all the same, some are laid back others are more active. They all love people and will follow you and your family throughout your home.
Pugs are shorthaired but they do need a lot of brushing. It has been said that Pugs shed just once a year…for 365 days (!!!) and brushing helps keep the hairs off your clothing, furniture, car etc. The nose wrinkle is the deep one just over the bridge of the nose; it needs to be cleaned with a cotton bud or it will smell. Ears need to be checked and cleaned. The most hated Pug grooming chore (for both Pugs and humans) is nail cutting. For some reason Pugs hate getting their nails cut.
Pugs love to eat. They will eat pretty much anything, whether it is theirs or not. If you drop some food on the floor, be prepared to fight your Pug for it, even if it’s only a potato peeling!!! Care must be taken that your Pug doesn’t become overweight. An overweight Pug will have trouble breathing and walking. Obesity greatly increases the chances of serious health problems. Unfortunately, Pugs also suffer from flatulence, which rivals the biggest dog!!! Our little Daisy smells worse than our two Bullmastiffs when she gets wind!!! Fresh food and plenty of exercise seem to help though, as does going for a walk when it starts so you’re not in an enclosed space with the stench!!!
Some Pugs are great chewers, and will have a munch on anything, edible or not. If you have one like this, the best thing is to provide plenty of safe things to chew, and put away things that are at risk, or move them out of reach. Small plastic toys and things like baby’s dummies can cause an obstruction if swallowed, ending up with emergency surgery, or even worse!
Pugs, although some are happy lying around all day, love to go for walks, and charge about like maniacs when outside off the lead!!! Care must be taken not to let them overheat on hot days, as their conformation makes them prone to heatstroke, and they don’t do well in hot climates. Saying that, they hate rain, and will try anything to get out of going outside. You need to be firm, but be prepared to go out with them, wait for them to do their business and escort them back in, or they will pretend they’ve been!!!! We’ve heard of people getting wet whilst holding their umbrella over their Pug!!!
Pugs have absolutely NO IDEA that they are small dogs, so care must be taken they don’t get in harms way. They have no road sense, so should be kept on a lead where there is traffic. They are stubborn, and wilful, and always want to play with the big dogs, which can lead them into trouble, as some of them can be quite noisy, persistent, and pester large dogs if you don’t watch them!!! They also suffer from selective deafness. Saying that, most Pugs are quite trainable with quiet patience and understanding. They do best with positive reinforcement, total consistency, and of course, food rewards!! Pugs will do just about anything for food, which helps a lot when it comes to training. It’s amazing how biddable they can be when you’re holding a sausage in front of their nose!!!
People say that Pugs are addictive, and we have certainly found them so, they are comical, endearing and very loving. They will do almost anything to please you, as long as it pleases them too…including learning tricks and dressing up. They look up at you with their big expressive eyes as if they really are about to talk to you!!!
The Pug’s motto, ‘Multum in Parvo’ (A big dog in a small space) is the perfect way to describe a Pug…. a cuddly yet feisty, cute yet dignified, small dog with a gigantic personality.
|
|
|
|
|  | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
