What's up with PUGS?

Pugs are smushy, idiosyncratic and immediately adorable!

Believed to be bred originally in China as companion dogs (and in their own minds, fierce guard dogs!), they capture the hearts of anyone who sets eyes on them!

Chinese Emperors kept pugs as lapdogs and were treated like royalty. All the way to being pampered with their own guards and mini palaces! Since those days are over for most pugs, it’s no wonder they look so sulky now!

In the Netherlands, a pug is called a Mops-hond which translates roughly to “Grumbly dog”. Thus, a collective group of Pugs is called a grumble!

The connection with the Dutch and Pugs goes even deeper. In 1572, in the midst of war, the Prince of Orange led forces into battle. Legend has it that the Prince was sleeping in his tent when Spanish assassins lurked outside. Williams’s pug Pompey barked wildly, jumping on the Prince’s face thus alerting William to danger and the assassins were apprehended!

Because of Pompey’s bravery, pugs are considered the official dog of the House of Orange!

Pugs noses are heavily recessed (brachycephalic), which can confuse and confound other dogs. While cute, these smushed faces often come with some breathing problems. Their facial structure makes it difficult to take long and deep breaths, or even amounts to grunting fits when they get upset or sulky! Pugs are still very energetic and lively , but they won’t be competing in canine sports at an Olympics level any time soon!