History of Pugs
Pugs have a very rich and amazing history that can be traced way back to 700 BC at the time of Confucius when they were known as lo-sze. The breed is considered one of the oldest canine breeds today.
Aside from Tibetan monasteries, only members of the Chinese imperial household were allowed to own these small-nosed dogs who always stayed by their master’s side even during royal occasions when foreign guests were present. It is said that female pugs were held in high esteem so much so that they had the same rank with the wives of the emperor.
During the 16-17th centuries, Pugs became highly popular and were imported to Europe with the aid of the Dutch East India Company. Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Josephine, had a Pug named “Fortune”. On the night that they were wed, Josephine refused to sleep in their bed unless her Pug was allowed to sleep with them.
Queen Victoria took a liking to the breed and she played an active role in their breeding. In fact she had a couple of Pugs that were named Minka, Venus, Fatima, Olga, and Pedro among others. It was Queen Victoria’s active involvement in the breeding of Pugs that helped established the Kennel Club in 1873.
It was in 1885 when the pug breed was first recognized by the AKC. Pugs were soon members of homes of many American families and participated in shows and competitions. In 1981, a pug named Dhandy’s Favorite Woodchuck became the only pug to win the Westminster Kennel Club show since it first started in 1877. In 2004, a pug named Double D Cinoblu’s Masterpiece became the World Champion of the World Dog Show held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
Quick Facts
About Pugs
- Pugs are an ancient breed.
- They were treated like royalty.
- A group of pugs is called a grumble!
- The perfect pug tail has two curls.
- Pugs are bred to be companion dogs.
Click below to see more pug facts!
The pug is the official breed of the House of Orange
In 1572, the Dutch were in the middle of the Eighty Years’ War against the Spanish. The Prince of Orange, William the Silent, led the Dutch forces into battle. According to Dutch legend, while the prince was sleeping in his tent one night, Spanish assassins closed in on him. Luckily, William’s pug, Pompey, was there to bark wildly and jump on his owner’s face. The Prince woke up and had his would-be assassins apprehended. Because of this, the pug was considered the official dog of the House of Orange. The effigy of Prince William I above his tomb also features Pompey at his feet.
Later, when Prince William III came to England to rule with his wife Mary II, he brought his pugs, who wore little orange ribbons to their master’s 1689 coronation.
Their short noses can cause some issues
Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning their noses are pushed in more than other breeds. While cute, these faces can cause some severe breathing problems. Their face makes taking deep breaths difficult, which is why you might hear a pug snorting and snuffling while running around. Pugs are very energetic dogs but don’t do well swimming.
There was a secret organization called the "Order of the Pug"
In the 18th century Roman Catholics formed the secret group named after the breed. At the time, the Pope forbad Catholics from joining the Freemasons so this group was a substitute. They chose the pug as their symbol because the dogs are known to be loyal and trustworthy.
In order to join, members were required to prove their devotion by kissing the rear of the Grand Pug. Luckily the Grand Pug was a porcelain statue!
The breed gets its name from a monkey
In the 18th century, Marmosets were kept as pets and called “pugs.” The name most likely made the jump to the dog breed due to their shared facial features.
Josephine Bonaparte had a pug named Fortune
Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, had a pug named Fortune who she treated like royalty. She refused to let the dog sleep anywhere except in her bed. It’s rumored that Napoleon was bitten the first time he tried to sleep in bed with his new wife!
