Pugs
The pug is thought to have originated in China. During the 1500's and 1600's,
China began trading with European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Holland,
and England. These short nosed little dogs were offered as gifts to the traders
and were thus introduced and became popular in Europe. At that time these
short nose dogs were a mix of three different dogs. Some of them were short
haired and some long.  It was not until the 1900's that the short haired "Pug"
became recognized as an individual breed. The longer haired dogs became
recognized by the name Pekingese.
Do to the short hair of the Pugs, the wrinkles on the forehead were more
noticeable. The Chinese looked for certain patterns in the wrinkles that
resembled Chinese letter characters. The most highly favored character was
the three wrinkles that together formed the symbol for "Prince".
Many of these first dogs had a great deal of white on their bodies, some
almost entirely white. These white and pinto spotted pugs are documented in
Europe as late as the end of the 1800's, but the lines that produced them were
eventually lost as the breed characteristics were refined. The Pug became
more standardized as a breed with colors separating and settling into the
contemporary "fawn" and black colors.
Do to their short noses, Pugs cannot tolerate high heat and humidity for very
long. Dogs cool off by panting and their long tongues and noses give them
more cooling area. Pugs have virtually no cooling area for their bodies, so they
can (and will) literally over heat and die in less than 30 minutes outdoors in high
heat and/or humidity. Some pugs have lived their lives out of doors, but the
build of the breed makes this an exception. The average life span for a healthy
pug is 10-14 years.
In general terms, males are more laid back, loving and people oriented than
females tend to be. Females, on the other hand, make better alert dogs (they
watch for strange things going on at "their" house) and can be more aloof and
independent. If you're looking for a couch-potato type dog, then a male would
normally be better suited, although both genders get pretty laid back as older
dogs. Young puppies are rarely laid back, and often have more energy than a
family expects. If you're wanting a dog who's pretty independent and not as
demanding, then a female is probably better. These are generalities, of
course. There are some males who are independent and some females who
are more people oriented - but for the most part the characterizations hold true.
The Pug is keen, with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Animated, peppy and spirited,
they are loyal, loving and affectionate with their families. Playful, lively and
rambunctious, they are sure to keep you laughing. Highly intelligent, it bores
easily without variety in their training. They can be a bit willful if they sense
they are stronger minded than the humans around them. Pugs are sensitive to
the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. They need an
owner who is calm, yet firm, confident and consistent with the rules. The dog is
neither excitable nor dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted and are not
yappers. Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave
impeccably with both children and visitors.
Height:  Dogs 12-14 inches (30-36 cm.) Bitches
10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 13-20 pounds (6-9kg.) Bitches 13-18
pounds (6-8kg.)
Meet the Pugs
Chuck
A true couch potato! He is a gorgeous Fawn with
a great fun loving disposition. Loves chilling and
watching T.V.
Oscar
The newest member of the family. Looking
forward to the rare white coloring he will pass to
future generations.
Gidget
what a sweet girl. Very quiet and loves
to cuddle. Her favorite pastime is
snuggling in bed.
Ginger
Very curious little girl. She loves to
help me feed the chickens. Has also
been a great nanny for all the puppies.