Article Title: The Pug: A Breed Of Antiquity
Author: Jenny A Donaldson
Pugs are little dogs with a big history. It is generally
believed they originated in China sometime from 700 BCE to 400
BCE. Due to trade and wars, Pugs spread from the Imperial courts
of China to the Royal courts of Europe. William, Prince of
Orange was saved from an assassin by the timely warning of his
Pug. Other famous Pug owners include Napoleon's wife Josephine
and painter William Hogarth. The Pug used to be a lot taller and
slimmer than they are today.
For such a small dog, the Pug has a very large history. They
have gone through many changes over the centuries, but one fact
has always been the same – they love being with people. Many
famous people owned Pugs throughout history, which helped to
spread their popularity among the fashionable of the world.
Looking at their history shows us a glimpse of what living with
a Pug is like.
The origins of the Pug are shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Some say there is written proof that they existed in 400 BCE,
but some insist that there was proof they existed as far back as
700 BCE. It is generally believed that Pugs were originally from
Asia, most likely China. This is logical, since all other breeds
of snubbed-faced dogs originated in China, in particular, the
Pekingese. There is some thought that the snub-nosed dogs
mentioned in Chinese writings around 700 BCE were actually
Pekingese and not Pugs.
Small snub-nosed dogs in China were considered Imperial
property. Chinese Emperor Ling To (168 – 190 CE) is reported to
have any Pug-nappers be put to death. However, his Pugs had
Imperial guards around them, so they were most likely safe. Back
then it is thought Pugs came in both long and short coats, again
suggesting a Pekingese influence. Pugs were also seen in many
colors, not just the three colors recognized today (fawn, black
and silver).
Pugs were seen and highly coveted by the first European
explorers and traders with China. Gradually, they became the dog
of the Royal courts of Europe. One of the most notable Pug
owners was Dutch King William the Silent of the House of
Oranges. His pet Pug was a masterful watchdog and warned his
royal master in time to escape an assassin. The Pug then became
the official dog of the House of Orange.
The Pug as we know it didn't come into being until the
formation of a breed standard in the 1800's. Although Pugs had
been longhaired, they now had to come in short haired coats in
order to be shown. Pugs used to come in many different colors,
but for some reason only three official colors are allowed in
both the show rings of Europe and America.
Pugs quickly conquered the hearts and homes of the New World,
where they were one of the first breeds to be approved by the
American Kennel Club in 1885. A renewed interest in Pugs
occurred after the release of the hit movie "Men In Black",
featuring Frank the Pug, who played an alien on Earth. Pugs have
always loved people and always will, as long as the breed
survives. Hopefully, there will be an emphasis on breeding
healthy dogs rather than show-winning dogs in the future. It's
the least we owe the Pug.
About The Author: Jenny Donaldson has met Pugs and their owners
on both sides of the Atlantic. A
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a great family pet.. Ensuring that the breed is the right one
for your family can be accomplished by studying basic
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