Pug
Carlin, Chinese Pug, Dutch Bulldog, Dutch Mastiff, Lo-sze, Mopshond
Like many toy dogs, the Pug has always been kept solely as a companion. There are several theories regarding the origin of its name. It may come from the Latin word ‘pungus’ meaning ‘fist’ or the old English word ‘pug’, meaning ‘anything tenderly loved’. ‘Pug’ has also in turn meant ‘monkey’ or ‘hobgoblin/imp’.
Pug Standards
- 10-11"
- 14-18 lbs
- small, thin ears can be button or rose
- tightly curled tail is carried over hip
- fine, smooth, soft coat
- black
- fawn with black markings
History of the Pug
The Pug is a dog full of mysteries and few answers. There are many theories on its origins, but the most logical is explored here. Most often classified as a Chinese breed, it is thought to have existed since at least 700 BC, where it was known as the Lo-chiang-sze (later Lo-sze). It may be that their ancestors were the Happa Dog. One of their closest relatives is almost certainly the Pekingese, and some authors also tie them to the Tibetan Spaniel and the Japanese Chin.
However it came to be, the Pug spread across continental Europe, finding favor in both Holland and England. It is hotly argued over which country it arrived in first, and indeed some have stated that the breed is not Chinese in origin at all, but Dutch. This theory is extremely unlikely, as the breed has been known in China since ancient times.
In 1572 it became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland for saving a prince's life. A Pug was also used by Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, to sneak letters to her husband while he was imprisoned by hiding messages under its collar. During the 1860s when France and England took control of the Forbidden City the western world was reintroduced to true Chinese Pug. These dogs had shorter legs and muzzles and were returned to Europe to breed with their existing dogs. It was during this time that solid black Pugs were obtained, prior to that almost all Pugs outside China were fawn with black markings.
Related Breeds: