Did You Know This About The Pug Dog Breed?

One could argue that they most lovable and expressive face of any breed of dog is the expression found on pug dogs. They have the epitome of puppy dog eyes, large and nearly perfectly round, and a little button for a nose. One look from a pug seems to indicate the weight of all the world's trouble on it shoulders as well as an endless yearning to be loved.

Today's pug can be traced back nearly 1000 years to China. In China, the people wrote descriptions of the dog referring to it as the one with short legs and a short head. The pug did not reach Europe until the early 1500's when China started trading with nations like Spain and England. Once it found its way to Europe, however, it became a very popular breed especially among the nobles.

An adult pug typically weighs between 14 and 18 pounds. Its most known feature is its wrinkly little face. They also have easily identifiable tails- a high, tight curled loop, like a piglet, and often a double loop. Pugs come in either black or the more common color fawn. Lifespan is generally 12-15 years.

The phrase "personality is everything" can certainly apply to a little pug. They are playful and love attention. Pugs are also very affectionate towards their owners. Their nature is such that they are not only charming creatures but also give off an aura of dignity.

If you are considering adopting a pug, you should know a few things about the breed. Though they have short hair, they do shed a lot seasonally. Its small size and sweet nature make them inadequate guard dogs. They are very sensitive to heat and thus should not be kept outside in hot weather nor exercised too heavily. The construction of the pugs' faces makes them prone to snoring and snorting.

The short legs and face of a pug make this breed susceptible to a few health problems. Problems caused by the short legs are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (a dislocation of the knees.) Facial trouble can include pinched nostrils, an elongated soft palette, encephalitis and corneal ulcers.

According to Webster's the Latin phrase "multum in parvo" translates into "much in little." Perhaps no dog other than the pug can so completely capture the spirit of that saying. He brings into the home a lot of bang for the buck.

Next, learn more about the pug dog breed and get care and training tips from the Pug Guide.