Page 271 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

COMPANION DOGS

Pug CHANGING FACES

The appearance of Pugs has changed radically
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Silver since the 19th century, as can be seen in the 1893
10–11in 13–18lb Over 10 years Apricot etching below. Pugs at this time had a longer
(25–28 cm) (6–8kg) Black muzzle and lacked the flat face and upturned
nose of today’s dogs. Their legs were also longer
and their bodies more muscular and less square.
This playful, even-tempered, and intelligent dog loves The features seen in modern Pugs started to
people but can sometimes be stubborn appear toward the end of the 19th century.
Both of the Pugs below have clipped ears, a
common practice that was banned in the UK
Small, stocky, puglike dogs have existed William and Mary of Orange when
by Queen Victoria, who considered it cruel.
for many hundreds of years, but the ancestry they acceded the British throne in 1689.
and origin of the Pug breed remain uncertain. During the 18th century the dogs’
Genetic evidence suggests the Pug is most popularity increased further and they
closely related to the Brussels Griffon and in appeared in paintings by Francisco Goya
particular to the smooth-haired Petit (1746–1828) and William Hogarth (1697–
Brabançon (p.266). It also has a shared 1764) (see p.22).
ancestry with both the Pekingese (p.270) In the 19th century Pugs were imported
and the Shih Tzu (p.272). It is likely that the to the US, where the breed was officially
Pug is linked with these dogs through the recognized in 1885. Imports of dogs from
extinct Chinese Happa Dog (see box p.270). China to the UK in 1877 introduced a third
Puglike dogs were brought to Europe in color—black—which the Kennel Club
the 16th century by recognized in 1896.
the Dutch East India The Pug’s wrinkled, sad-looking, little face
Company traders. belies its cheerful, and often mischievous,
The dogs became very outgoing character. Highly intelligent, loving,
popular with the Dutch and loyal, it is good with children and other
aristocracy and were pets. The breed thrives on regular exercise
brought to Britain by but does not need a great deal of space.

Highly wrinkled,
PUPPY
Dark, button Upturned nose flat, face
ears
Fawn

High-set,
tightly
curled tail
Large, dark,
round eyes

Short, thick
neck
Black
mask

Smooth, Broad chest
glossy coat

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