Pug dog - A small dog breed.

The ancestors of the Pug dog were probably early Mastiffs, miniaturized over centuries in the Orient, kept by Tibetan monks and favored in Chinese royal courts. Dutch traders brought them to Holland where they became the official dog of the Dutch House of Orange, after a Pug sounded the alarm of approaching Spanish soldiers at Hermingny thereby saving the life of Prince William in 1572. The Dutch called them "Mopshond" referring to small grumbling noises they make. They were called Mops in Germany, Carlin in France. Pugs and Pekinese dogs were brought to England after the British sacked the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860. Years later, the black Pug was imported from China and exhibited in England, for the first time in 1886. They were admitted to the AKC registry in 1885.

The Pug dog is described as being "multum in parvo" a concise Latin construction, loosely meaning, a lot of dog in a little package. A Pug dog is compact, square and cobby with well developed muscles. Its smooth, short, glossy, coat is always immaculate. The head of the Pug dog is distinctively large, massive and round and its muzzle or mask is black. Its large, prominent, dark eyes gives its face a soft, solicitous and roguish expression, and it wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children for whom it has a special affinity. A Pug dogs are adaptable, calm, even-tempered little dogs, super affectionate, charming, outgoing, and playful, making them excellent family pets for either the city or country. A Pug dog should be groomed once a week. Its exercise needs are minimal - 15 minutes 3 times a day. A Pug puppy makes a good sturdy household addition well suited for children. There is lots of recommended Pug information available, on caring for, and training a Pug puppy. See the Pug breed books.