The Pug was believed to have originated in the Far East. There is very little doubt that the country was China and dates back to the pre-Christian era. Pugs were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a most luxurious atmosphere, at times even guarded by soldiers. Records show that three types of short nosed dogs were bred by the Chinese - the Lion dog, the Pekinese and the Lo-sze. The Lo-sze or "Foo Dog" was the ancient Pug. Almost all short nose dogs came from the Orient except the Bulldog. The Pug is not a small version of the Mastiff as some people thought, He is his own breed.

The Pug is one of the oldest breed's and has been true to his breed down through the ages from before 400 B.C. His earliest known source was as a pet of Buddhist monks in Tibet. [The Pug's forehead wrinkles would be checked for the formation of the "W" shape, which resembles the Chinese character for "Prince." The development of the Pug as a breed is shrouded in oriental mystery and speculation. What is known is that the Pug became beloved companions of royalty.]* Short-nosed dogs seem to have been known in China many years before the Christian era, since short-mouthed dogs are mentioned by Confucius (b. 551 B.C.). Records from the first century A.D. mention dogs, referred to as Pai, which translated appears to mean a short-legged and short-headed dog whose place was under the table. From this period onwards a number of the Emperors appear to have taken an interest in small dogs -often at the expense of their imperial duties. Later he appeared in Holland, then in Europe where he became the favorite for royal courts.

A story published in 1618, in Sir Roger William's "Action in the Low Countries", tells of an incident involving a beloved Pug belonging to William the Silent of Holland's House of Orange. It is believed the incident occurred sometime between 1571 and 1573, during a time of war between the Dutch and the Spaniards. The occasion was a suprise Spanish attack on the Dutch camp. The Pug, whose name is believed to be Pompey, awakened his master, before any of his men realized the Spaniards were attacking, by scratching, crying and leaping on Prince William the Silent's face. The Prince avoided capture and the Pug was revered throughout the kingdom. This proud little dog became the symbol of Holland's House of Orange.

One hundred years after Prince William the Silent's adventure, his great-grandson, William III and Mary II, ascended the throne of Great Britain (1688). They brought with them the family pets, the symbols of the House of Orange, the beloved Pugs. Each with an orange ribbon tied about its neck.

In the 1860's British soldiers invaded the Imperial Palace in Peking and brought back dogs of the Pug and Pekinese breed. This was the first time since the 16th century that dogs in great numbers had been brought out of China. Black Pugs were imported out of China and shown for the first time in England in 1886.

Pugs first came to America shortly after the American Civil War and were accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1885, so you can see he has been around for a while. The Pug is small, but doesn't need a lot of coddling, and his rough face wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially kids, who he seems to have a special love for. He has been described as 'a lot of dog in a small space'. That sums up the Pug completely! Never has such a small dog been so loyal, faithful and giving of love and companionship than the Pug.

"He looks like he ran into a Door."

The word Pug comes from the Latin word 'Pugnus' meaning fist. However in history the Pug has been called: "Ha Ba Gou (Old Chinese), Mops Hond (Dutch), Mops (Swedish), Mopsi (Finnish, Mops Hund (German), Carlin, Doguin (Old French), Carlino (Italian),Doguillo (Spanish), Dutch Mastiff (English), Smutmhadra (Irish Gaelic, Goblin (Old English) - which literally means 'stumpy dog.'" Some of my favorites are Spazie, Spud, Spudnik, Snots, Puggie, Doggy, Bake Potato, Hot Potato, Yoooda, and Baby Boy.

Sources:

http://www.pughouse.com/pug_history.htm

http://www.barkbytes.com/history/pug.htm

http://www.geocities.com/loveatfirstpug/aboutpugs.htm

http://www.pugs.org/

http://www.mumm.ac.be/~serge/www-pug/history.html

http://members.fortunecity.com/zoesworld/history.html

http://www.pugzone.com

Why does everyone always make fun of me?

My PUG Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student!