The History of the Pug
Experts generally agree that the Pug's origins lie within the Orient and are traced back as far as 400 BC. These dogs were bred to be the lapdogs of royalty. It was considered a great honour to be given a Pug as a gift.
The greatly wrinkled face of the pug is attributed to the Chinese. When selecting breeding stock the Chinese would look for wrinkle patterns that formed a "W" shape, which resembles the Chinese character for Prince.
The pug has also been found to have been a greatly adored pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Skeletal remains which are believed to be those of the pug's ancestors have been discovered and are believed to have developed from a genealogical branch of the Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog.
Dutch traders are normally attributed for bringing the Pug to Europe, where they once again became associated with the upper echelon of society.
The Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange through the heroism of one little dog. In 1572, William the Silent slept soundly in his tent at Hermingny while on military campaign. His Pug, Pompey, heard the approach of Spanish invaders and barked, growled and nipped at his master in an effort to wake his sleeping master, thus protecting William's life.
William II included pugs, festooned in orange ribbons, in his procession when he ascended the throne. Later, in 1688, his son William III brought his pugs to England, where they quickly became a court favourite, and were considered highly fashionable.
The popularity of the pug spread across Europe and were featured in many paintings of the period. One especially well-known piece is William Hogarth's House of Cards featuring a black pug.
Among the famous pugs of the period looms Fortune, the beloved pet of Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. As legend tells it on Josephine and Napoleon's wedding night Fortune, bent on having his mistress to himself, delivered several bites to Napoleon's leg. An outraged Napoleon demanded that the dog be sent from the bed. Josephine's reply came quick - if Fortune was not to stay in the bed, than neither would she!
Two bloodlines became prominent in the first half of the 19th century. The earlier of the two is the Morrison line, which is believed to be founded on the blood of royal dogs, presumably those of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The second lineage is that of Lord & Lady Willoughby d'Eresby. The Willoughby d'Eresby's brought in dogs from either Russia or Hungary to bring about badly needed improvements in type.
These two lines were of great importance from the years of 1840 onwards, and are still referred to today. It is common to distinguish a Willoughby pug as a cold fawn colour, or a Morrison pug as a golden apricot shade.
In 1860, British soldiers raided the Imperial Palace at Peking and brought back to England Pugs and Pekingese. This was the first time since the 16th century that dogs had been taken out of China in any great number. Soon after this Pugs landed in the Americas following the conclusion of the American Civil War.
In 1883 the first Pug Club was formed in the United Kingdom. Three years later black Pugs were taken from China and shown in England.
The Pug was recognized as an official breed with the American Kennel Club in 1885, The Kennel Club in 1918, and with the Canadian Kennel Club shortly thereafter. The popularity of the Pug saw a decline during the turn of the century as other imported breeds gained recognition. The AKC Stud books show that between 1900-1920 only a small number of breeders were registering their pugs, and many shows had no Pug entries at all.
In 1931 a group of East Coast breeders formed the Pug Dog Club of America. On December 1, 1931 it was formally recognized by the AKC.
Today the Pug has regained its past popularity and renown. It ranks 13th in the 2006 American Kennel Club registrations and has been featured in many movies, television shows, and commercials. The Pug Dog Club of America has seemed to the nail on the head when they stated "He is not so popular as to be common, nor so unknown as to be rare."
Bide Awhile's
Golfing for Critters 2008
September 20, 2008
Sherwood Golf Course
Registration: 9:00 AM
Click Here for your Registration Package.
Ceilidh for Critters
September 28, 2008
The Westin
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Admission: $20
Ceilidh for Critters is an independent annual fundraiser to benefit homeless dogs and cats in the HRM.
Come on out & Party your Tail Off!
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