Pug

PUG

History There are various theories regarding the origin of the Pug breed, but the most generally accepted is that they originated in the Orient and are a smooth-coated, longer-legged type of Pekingese. They have been well known in Europe since at least the 16th century. After gaining favor with Royalty, the breed became very popular and even more well known. The Pug was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1918. General Appearance Decidedly square and cobby in symmetry. Serious faults: Equally objectionable are dogs that are lean and leggy and dogs that have a long body and short legs. Characteristics The essence of the Pug is covered in the phrase, "Multum in parvo" (Much encompassed in little.); exemplified by a compactness of form, well-knit proportions and hardness of developed muscle. Head and Skull The round head is large and massive. There is no indentation of the skull. The short muzzle is blunt and square, but not upturned. Fault: Apple-headed. EYES - The very large, prominent, bold eyes are globular in shape. They are dark in color and very lustrous. Solicitous in expression; when excited, full of fire. EARS - The small thin ears are soft, like black velvet. Of the two kinds of ears found in the Pug: Rose (drop ears that fold over and back), and Button (semi-erect). Preference is given to the button ear. Forequarters FORELEGS - The strong, straight forelegs are of moderate length. They are placed well under the body. Body The body is short and cobby. The chest is wide; well ribbed up. Hindquarters HIND LEGS - The strong, straight hind legs are of moderate length. Feet The feet are not as long as a hare foot, nor so round as to be cat footed. The toes are well split up. Nails are black. Tail The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with the double curl considered the ideal. Coat The fine, smooth, soft coat is short and glossy. Wrinkles are large and deep. Faults: Hard coat; woolly coat. Color Acceptable colors include silver or apricot-fawn, and black. The silver or apricot-fawn is well defined to make the contrast with the markings pronounced. MARKINGS - Markings are to be well defined and as black and intense as possible. Markings are found: on the muzzle, to include the mask; on the ears; as moles on the cheeks; as thumb marks or diamonds on the forehead; as a back-trace, which is a line extending from the occiput to the tail. Weight The desirable weight range, for dogs or bitches, is from 14 to 18 pounds. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.