History of the pug breed: how these cute dogs appeared

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Dogs are different. Big and small, serious and funny. And there are absolutely wonderful ones. Small plush creatures that are distinguished by a wonderful mood, cheerful disposition and inexhaustible energy. Today we will talk about pugs. The history of the origin of the breed and some of the features of these dogs will help you make the right choice and find a truly soulful pet.

Ancient breed

Of all the dogs that exist today, none deserves such a title like a pug. Myths and legends surround these dogs. At one time they were privileged representatives of their family and lived only in noble houses. It was pugs who won the love of the imperial dynasty. Each dog had its servants. As you can see, the history of the pug breed dates back centuries. So long ago these funny dogs go hand in hand with man.

Pug Ancestors

As it became clear, the breed originated inChina and gained great popularity at the court of the emperor, and then all the nobility. They are also mentioned in the treatises of Confucius. He described small, flat-faced dogs that were created around 400 BC. e. There are preserved images of animals wearing collars with bells. The history of the pug breed has experienced peaks of fame and oblivion, like many others.

As far as one can judge, its unprecedented popularity falls on the 17th century. At this time, images of the ancestors of modern pugs appear on engravings and figurines, many of which have survived to this day. In those days, dogs did not yet have such deep wrinkles as modern dogs. But the pattern was already clearly visible. Experts believe that from the 16th century they can be considered fully developed dogs, although the history of the pug breed begins long before that.

Around the 16th and 17th centuries, these pets became the favorites of women from high society. It was considered good form to keep this creature at home with a cute face that resembles an exotic monkey and sets off the beauty of the hostess. They warmed the mistress in her chambers, so they were called boudoir dogs.

Distribution around the world

Despite all the data that has been collected to date, we still know very little about the origin of these animals. The history of the pug breed goes too far back into the depths of centuries to answer all questions. They have a resemblance to the Pekingese. But here everything is obvious: both of them lived at the imperial palace.

You have to stop here becauseas a very interesting question. Initially, it was believed that the pug was the first to be selected, and only then, as a result of crossing with long-haired dogs, the Pekingese appeared. But recent research shows that the Pekingese is an ancient breed that originates from Tibetan dogs that were originally brought to China. Genetic studies also confirm that this breed is older than the pug. That is, most likely, he was bred from the line of the shortest-haired Pekingese or obtained by crossing them with other short-haired dogs.

Supposedly they appeared three thousand years ago. Pugs lived in we althy families and followed their owners everywhere. In 1553, they were first brought to France as a gift to local aristocrats. It was from here that they began to spread throughout Western Europe, and then throughout the world. The cute pug has repeatedly inspired artists and sculptors to create masterpieces. They came to Russia already in the 20th century, approximately in the 20s. Of course, they have taken root here and now live in many families.

Pugs in world history

These dogs have been living next to humans for so long that many events have accumulated in which they appeared. Stories about the pug dog breed can be listed indefinitely, but we will try to limit ourselves to only the most interesting ones:

• Puppies were distributed only in the circles of the nobility. A simple person could not have such a dog. Soon they began to appear in large monasteries.
• Emperor Lingput female pugs in the same important position as his wives. They could move around all the chambers, and fed them with the best meat.
• About 1250, Marco Polo, while traveling in the East, became one of the first Europeans to see pugs at an exhibition.
• After a couple of centuries they were delivered to Holland.
• There is a version that during the assassination attempt on the Dutch king, he was awakened by a devoted pug. This breed has since become the official dog of the House of Orange.

Further adventures

Such is the long and very interesting history of the pug breed. How its name came about is another interesting question that does not have a clear answer. It is believed that it consists of two Latin words - pugnus and pugnaces. The first means "fist", which quite plausibly describes the muzzle of a dog.

The British made a significant contribution to the development of the breed, and also continued the selection work, which allowed the dog to acquire modern features. It still remained available only to the highest circles of Spain, Italy, and France. Many artists have depicted these dogs on their canvases.

The history of the origin of pugs is replete with noble names. There are emperors, monks, kings and queens. Around 1736, these dogs became the secret symbol of the secret society of the Order of the Pug, which was led by the Master Masons. Of course, the dog became one of the most beloved among the European nobility as well.

Napoleon's wife and Queen Victoria of England are verylove these adorable animals. They took them to bed with them and enjoyed doing them in their free minutes. It should be noted that almost until the end of the 18th century, dogs were somewhat different from those familiar to us. They were taller, thinner, with longer muzzles.

But the story of the appearance of the pug breed in the modern format did not end there. In 1860, French and British troops took the Chinese city during the Opium Wars. Among the loot were pugs and Pekingese with short legs and muzzles. They also went to their new homeland, where they continued to cross with existing English pugs. Prior to this, the color of the breed was yellowish or fawn. But from that moment on, pure black representatives appeared.

Public recognition

Reaction to new breeds is always different. For some, she is admired, while others, on the contrary, consider her a caricature. But the case of pugs is unique. There is not a single country where they would not find their most passionate admirers. The Pug was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. A little later, in 1918, she was recognized by the United Kennel Club. Since that time, the popularity of the breed in America has only grown.

This also applies to other countries. One by one, all cynological associations recognized the breed. Breeding clubs opened within countries. This was another milestone in the history of the pug breed. Its origin has been lost for centuries, but even today these charming creatures captivate with their appearance and character.

It is widely believed that the main reason for their popularity is their compact size, which is acceptable for women, but also masculine enough to be recognized by the strong half of humanity.

Today and always

For over 2500 years, these dogs have been bred as companions and perform their tasks admirably. The breed has a very large and ever-growing fan base. True, in recent years there has been a tendency to cross them with other dogs, such as beagles. Interesting creatures are obtained, known as "puggle". While any inbreedings are one off broods that do not breed any further, these are considered purebred dogs.

It should be noted that great popularity has a bad effect on the purity of the breed. In view of the demand for offspring, unscrupulous breeders create entire factories of puppies, not caring about the he alth of the mother and babies. The main thing is quantity. Of course, when choosing a future family member, it is better to get to know the breeder better.

The best for your home

Pug is a perfect creature that was created for love and affection. With him, a smile settles in the house. These are funny and very lively creatures, despite the sad eyes. They are ready to play and caress at any time of the day or night. The pug will gladly become the second or third dog in your home. O gets along well with all four-legged and two-legged inhabitants. No wonder the storyThe origin of the pug dog dates back so many centuries. People liked them at all times.

Behaviors

While the owner is not at home, his pet mostly sleeps. But as soon as you return home, he starts jumping for happiness, climbing into his arms. When the whole family is together, he likes to take a nap on his master's lap. The Pug is an adorable plush wonder that is made to be loved and adored. But if the door knocks in the hallway, then he will definitely rush there with barking. No, it won't bite anyone, but it will do its duty and warn its owner.