by Judy Evans

Created on: August 14, 2009

'Multum in parvo' a lot of dog in a small space just about sums up the adorable Pug. The stocky, thickset Pug loves everybody and has a special affinity with children although children should be warned against rough play because of the danger of damaging the Pug's protruding eyes. He is also the ideal companion for the elderly as he is great company but also undemanding.

The inquisitive Pug loves attention and is great fun to have around. They are hopeless as guard dogs although they may announce a stranger's arrival by barking. They are little charmers and best suited to people with plenty of time and love to devote to them. They will reciprocate in full measure. In fact, the Pug really just wants to be a person.

Pugs were developed to be companion dogs and just want to be as close as possible to their masters at all times. They have stable dispositions and are not highly strung. They are playful and outgoing.

The Pug has been around for centuries. He has his origins in the Orient and has some basic similarities to the Pekingese. The first records of him are in China where the Buddhist monks in Tibet had Pugs as pets. Somehow he made his way to Japan then to Europe where he was a favourite in many a royal court.

Some varieties found their way to Holland where they are known as 'Mopshond' from the Dutch 'to grumble'. This most likely pertains to the snuffling which is characteristic of the Pug. There is certainly nothing in their nature that relates to 'grumbling'.

Pugs became the official dog of the House of Orange after one saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by waking him at the approach of the invading Spaniards. When William II became King of England the breed became fashionable among the elite into the reign of George III. By 1790, France was under the spell of the Pug. Josephine was able to communicate with Napoleon by hiding messages under her Pug's collar. In 1860 the Imperial Palace in Peking was sacked by British soldiers and Pugs and Pekingese were brought back to England. Pugs probably came to Australia in the 1860s and were first shown at the Sydney Royal Show in 1870. The Pug was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Black Pugs were exhibited for the first time in 1886. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor owned many Pugs over the years and acquired a massive collection of memorabilia all celebrating the little dog.

The Pug is adaptable to small apartments or country living but he should not live outdoors. He doesn't cope well

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