Pugs have been around for thousands of years in one form or another. It is generally thought that the Pug originated in China, although there is no way to confirm this. The first writings that mentioned very short-nosed little dogs did refer to Chinese dogs. Sometimes, it is not sure if these dogs were Pugs or Pekingese. It is also unknown what the Pug's parent breeds were, but Pekingese had to have played a role somewhere.



The origins of the Pug are shrouded in mystery and controversy. Some say there is written proof that they existed in 400 BCE, but some insist that there was proof they existed as far back as 700 BCE. It is generally believed that Pugs were originally from Asia, most likely China. This is logical, since all other breeds of snubbed-faced dogs originated in China, in particular, the Pekingese. There is some thought that the snub-nosed dogs mentioned in Chinese writings around 700 BCE were actually Pekingese and not Pugs.

Small snub-nosed dogs in China were considered Imperial property. Chinese Emperor Ling To (168 - 190 CE) is reported to have any Pug-nappers be put to death. However, his Pugs had Imperial guards around them, so they were most likely safe. Back then it is thought Pugs came in both long and short coats, again suggesting a Pekingese influence. Pugs were also seen in many colors, not just the three colors recognized today (fawn, black and silver).

Pugs were seen and highly coveted by the first European explorers and traders with China. Gradually, they became the dog of the Royal courts of Europe. One of the most notable Pug owners was Dutch King William the Silent of the House of Oranges. His pet Pug was a masterful watchdog and warned his royal master in time to escape an assassin. The Pug then became the official dog of the House of Orange.

His Pug, "Trump", appears in several paintings. There was not that many Pugs available for breeding, so they were most likely crossed with small Bulldogs in order to produce Pug-like puppies. Hogarth's Pug was slimmer, longer-legged and longer-nosed than a modern Pug. Trump also lacked the black mask of most modern Pugs.

The Pug as we know it didn't come into being until the formation of a breed standard in the 1800's. Although Pugs had been longhaired, they now had to come in short haired coats in order to be shown. Pugs used to come in many different colors, but for some reason only three official colors are allowed in both the show rings of Europe and America.

Pugs are now entirely dependent on people for survival. Because of their flat, wrinkly faces, they cannot clean themselves properly. They cannot live for very long out of doors. One of the reasons Pugs have become more popular in the last twenty years is seen to the Pug who plays an alien on Earth in the hit movie "Men In Black".

The AKC, incidentally, was founded in 1884. Pugs have been consistently one of the top twenty most registered dog breeds in America for decades. Their plan to take over the world is nearly complete.