The Pug
Fri, June 15, 2012,Pugs are pretty hard to resist, with their smooshed faces and their little curly tails, and that makes sense since they were bred as lap-dogs for Chinese sovereigns in the Shang dynasty. They were imported to Europe in the 16th century where their popularity continued to spread; many European nobles were painted with a pug adorning their lap. In the 19th century the pug made its way to the Unites States, where in 1885 the Westminster Kennel Club recognized the breed.
Caring for this dog is similar to caring for any other dog but with a couple of extra very important tasks. While the folds on a pug’s face are absolutely adorable they will need to be cleaned regularly. They frequently are pressing their faces into the ground or food bowl and stuff can get caught in there. It is advised that you clean the folds every week (minimum) and start early so that the puppy gets used to it. You also want to keep the ears clean since the fold-over ears are also a great hiding place for dirt.
Due to their history as lap dogs pugs are also prime candidates for obesity; so be sure to give them exercise. They are smaller dogs, though, so the exercise doesn’t have to be extensive. You also want to keep an eye on the heat. Pugs are prone to overheating, so if left indoors in the summer it should be in an air-conditioned place and they should be left plenty of water (both indoor and outdoor).
These dogs have long been popular, and with their unique look and endearing personalities it’s easy to see why. They have been portrayed onscreen in “Men In Black”, “Milo & Otis”, “Spin City” and “The West Wing” among other places.