The Pug
Its small size and suitability for indoor living make the Pug a great family pet for people living in small houses or flats. Although this Toy breed is sociable and good with children, it is not recommended for families with small children, more to protect the dog from being hurt than the children.
History
Although its origins are still a matter of debate, it is commonly believed that the Pug originated around 400 BC in China. It was brought to Europe around the 16th century by Dutch traders but only became popular after it was included in dog shows in England in the late 19th century. There are various interesting stories of the bond between the Pug and various members of the royalty, such as William, Prince of Orange. Napolean’s wife, Josephine, is also said have sent her husband secret messages through her Pug.
The name comes from the Latin word “Pugnes,” meaning fist. This name is likely to be a reference to the punched in look of the Pug’s face.
Appearance
The Pug has a compact, thickset body, with a short, glossy, smooth coat. This breed comes in four colors – fawn, apricot, silver and black. Of these, the black Pug is the most difficult to come by. The most outstanding feature of the Pug is its head and face, especially its short muzzle, which is always black. The ears are set wide apart and are either rose-shaped or button-shaped, folding over at the top of the head. The eyes are dark, round and prominent.
The other distinguishing feature of this breed is its tail, which lies in a tight curl on the back. Some might have a double curled tail.
The Pug grows to about 27-30 cms in height and weighs about 14-18 pounds at adulthood.
Temperament
The Pug is a big dog in a small dog’s body. Playful and charming, with a happy disposition, this breed gets along with everyone. Pugs are devoted to their family and are not timid, which makes them great watchdogs. On the other hand, they are non-aggressive and cheerful, and therefore great companions for children.
Pugs, however, need their owner to show proper leadership. In the absence of a strong human leader, this breed tends to become jealous and display guarding behaviors. Being both intelligent and mischievous, they get bored of repetitive activities.
Health
The most common health problems stem from the sensitivity of the Pug to hot and cold weather. They tend to overheat due to their short muzzle, which also is a cause of chronic breathing problems. Eye problems are also seen in many Pugs, especially inflammation of or ulcers on the cornea.
Since this breed is prone to skin infections, it is important to keep the folds of skin clean and dry. The life expectancy of this breed is 12-15 years.
Source:ezinearticles.com
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