“A life without a pug is possible. But pointless,” said Loriot. With good reason: The pug is a lively charmer and loyal companion, yet loving and affectionate. You can’t resist his crumpled face and big eyes. But don’t be fooled: Pugs know what stops they have to pull out to wrap their humans around their paws.

The Emperor’s Puppy

The pug is an aristocratic dog. Its origins go back 2000 years to China, where it was only allowed to be kept by monarchs as an “imperial dog”. Pugs came to Europe from the Far East in the 16th century via Dutch traders. Here they were soon also extremely popular in aristocratic circles – Queen Victoria, for example, kept an entire pack of pugs. When the queen decided to add pugs to her pack of dogs in 1857, it was not easy to find any. She even sent an English envoy to Germany. But even there, the search was difficult. The first pug that the queen finally took in was called Bosco. He was followed by 37 other pugs.

At that time, pugs were quickly en vogue as fashion animals in fine women’s circles. At the same time, however, the breed began to degenerate, as the pug as a living accessory in the salons did not lead a species-appropriate dog life. At the end of the 19th century, interest in the pug faded; currently, however, it is experiencing a revival. There are many stories and legends about the pug. For example, the pug Pompey is said to have saved the life of its owner William I of Orange by barking loudly. By barking, the prince is said to have escaped an assassin in time.

What temperament does the pug have?

The Pug is considered a cheerful, balanced and lively dog breed. It may be small, but it is brash: Compared to other dogs of the same species, Pugs tend to delusions of grandeur and a great temperament. They quickly underestimate dangers. Pugs grope through the world with basic trust and react sensitively to moods. The Pug does not tolerate loneliness, it wants to get involved everywhere. It is therefore not suitable for kennel keeping and should definitely be integrated into everyday life and, as a family dog, into family life. If it feels neglected, it shows this clearly: With facial expressions, gestures and its vocal repertoire of grunts, panting and growling, it communicates with its humans. Pugs are intelligent dogs, but also headstrong and occasionally stubborn companions. Consistent training is therefore indispensable even with a pug puppy.

Is the Pug a beginner dog?

With a size of up to 32 cm shoulder height, the pug is one of the so-called mini molossers. It was not born to be a sports or guard dog, but it is making a career in other areas: It is an ideal companion dog, especially for seniors. Its attachment and its need for physical contact predestine it for this. Due to its small format, it is well suited as a city and apartment dog. The pug is also a good choice for dog beginners and gets along with children and other pets. Pugs like water, balancing and fetching games, but are by no means sports cannons. Jogging or running on a bike is not for them. Dog fun close to the ground such as extensive digging and romping around are better. The pug loves to climb sofas and elevated points. However, climbing stairs is unhealthy; it’s better to hold your darling in your arms.

How much exercise does a pug need?

Every dog needs a certain amount of exercise to stay fit and feel comfortable. This also applies to the pug, although he is not a sports fan. Because: Effort and heat do not suit him. If you want to jog with your dog or he should run along on the bike, the pug is therefore not the suitable companion for you. More suitable for this dog breed are dog pleasures close to the ground, such as extensive digging and romping. Pugs also like water, balancing and retrieving games. He also loves to climb sofas and elevated points. However, climbing stairs is unhealthy for him; it’s better to take your darling in your arms and don’t let him climb the steps on his own.

What does a pug look like?

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale assigns the pug to the companion and companion dogs, section 11 “small mastiff-like dogs”. It usually reaches a shoulder height of up to 32 centimeters and a weight of 6.5 to nine kilograms.

The pug has a stocky stature, appears square and extremely compact with a wide chest. The pug carries its tail rolled up over its hips. Its head appears quite large in relation to the rest of its body, its nose is short, while the pug’s eyes are large, round and dark in color. The ears are small and velvety soft. There are two types: the rose ear and the button ear, with the button ear being preferred. In the case of the button ear, the tip of the ear lies close to the head so that you cannot see the inside of the ear. The rose ear is small and folded at the sides as well as backwards, so that the auricle is visible. Its coat is short, shiny and smooth. Until 1877, only the light-colored pug was known in this country, until finally a black pair was introduced from the Orient. In the meantime, the pug is available in silver, apricot, light colored and black.

What does an Old German Pug look like?

The breeding of Old German Pugs is aimed at the old Pug type as it existed at the beginning of the 20th century. For example, an Old German Pug has a longer nose to prevent possible health problems that can be associated with a shortened nose. In contrast to the Retro Pug, however, breeders refrain from crossing in other dog breeds for the Old German Pug.

What is a retro pug?

The Retro Pug is a cross between Pug and another dog breed such as the Parson Russell Terrier, Pinscher or Beagle. By the way, the mixture of a Pug and a Beagle is called a “Puggle”. On closer inspection, it is a Pug mix. The goal of Retropug breeders is to breed a dog typical of Pugs, but one that does not suffer from extreme shortness of breath and other health problems due to an unnatural head shape. If you want to buy a Retro Pug, however, you should be aware that a Retro Pug is not automatically healthier than purebred Pugs. Retro Pugs are considered lively, playful and persistent. Depending on the breed with which the pug is mated and which parent the retro pug finally comes after, it usually reaches a shoulder height of 32 to 38 centimeters and a weight of eight to twelve kilograms. However, this is not a dog breed recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Profile Mops

Health and care of the pug

The care of this dog breed is demanding. The coat, usually in the pug colors beige or black, is easy to care for. Regular brushing is necessary, however, because the pug tends to shed. The face needs elaborate care: The skin folds must be kept clean and supple, and the veterinarian has special care products for the ears. Regular cleaning of the eyes and nose is also mandatory. Also pay attention to a balanced diet: Pugs tend to be overweight, which they cannot compensate for through exercise.

Due to the short nose, the animals have a breeding-related predisposition to respiratory diseases. Breeders today try to give the pug a little more “nose” again. The protruding eyes cause problems with the cornea. About one in a hundred pugs suffers from Pug Dog encephalitis, an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. If you want to buy a Pug, you should therefore definitely inquire with a reputable breeder and also find out about the parents from him! If you decide to buy a Pug puppy, it is also advisable to visit him at the breeder a few times before the Pug puppy moves in with you.

How much does a pug cost?

How much a pug costs cannot be said in general and ultimately depends on which breeder you choose. The price for a pug puppy can be between 1,000 and 3,000 euros. It is always important that you only get your dog from a reputable source, regardless of whether you want to buy a purebred pug or buy a retro pug puppy. You can recognize a reputable breeder, for example, by the fact that he shows you all the dogs including the mother and is available to advise you on questions about the breed. Of course, a reputable breeder only wants to give his dogs into responsible hands. Therefore, he will probably ask you some questions.

Important note on the breeding form

The “Torture Breeding Report”, prepared in 1999 on behalf of the Federal Government and with the participation of the German Animal Welfare Association, recommends a breeding ban for hairless, extremely short-headed breeding forms (so-called brachycephalic breeds) and others in which extremes in the physique (very long back, severely bent legs, spinal changes, excessive fur growth, etc.) make a healthy life impossible.

As a responsible pet owner, who of course attaches great importance to a healthy, unimpaired life for his four-legged friend, these tips should definitely be taken into account when deciding on a suitable breed, as well as the question of excellent character traits.

Meet these great, lesser-known family dogs:

• Chinook: The Chinook is a special dog: Every day he wants to discover the world outside – but also enjoys pleasant breaks with his family on the sofa.
• Puggle: The Puggle is one of the “designer dogs” and is a mixture of pug and beagle. The handy puggles are very popular as family dogs and are lovable companions for people of all generations.
• Elo: The Elo is considered a relaxed and friendly family dog. Its appearance is very diverse due to the crossbreeding of different dog breeds. Ideally, it has no hunting instinct and is therefore a relaxed partner on walks.
• Kromfohrlaender: The rather lesser-known Kromfohrlaender has a wonderful nature, is fond of children, easy to train and has only a low hunting instinct. The “Kromi” is an ideal family dog, also ideal for first-time dog owners.
• Lhasa Apso: The Lhasa Apso is a playful and people-friendly dog, but it has an independent nature. It needs good socialization and education so that it does not assert its occasional stubbornness. The intelligent animals are well suited as companion and family dogs.
• Kokoni: The kokoni comes from Greece and was already a popular house dog there in ancient times. With its friendly, bright and playful nature, it conquers the hearts of its owners. Cocoons are rather small, but their energy level is all the higher.