The pug is of ancient Chinese origin, named the Lo-sze or “Foo Dog.” They were prized possessions of the emperors of China and lived in a luxurious atmosphere, at times guarded by soldiers. Records show that three types of short-nosed dogs were bred by the Chinese.
Dutch traders brought the pugs from China to Holland and then to England. The more refined pug that we know today can be credited to the English. This happy little dog was enjoyed by many monarchs of Europe and to this day is a favorite with royalty and discerning people all over the world.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1885. At first wildly popular, pug aficionados dwindled by the turn of the century. A few dedicated individuals kept the breed going, and slowly the pug reappeared on the American scene. The Pug Dog Club of America was founded in 1931 and recognized by the American Kennel Club that same year. Under the PDCA’s leadership, the pug is enjoying a steady rate of growth in popularity.
A breed standard is a written description of the ideal characteristics of a dog breed. It includes details about the breed's appearance, temperament, and function. Breed standards are used by breeders, judges and others to assess and improve the breed. The breed standard for the pug was created by the Pug Dog Club of America.
General Appearance: Symmetry and general appearance are decidedly square and cobby. A lean, leggy Pug and a dog with short legs and a long body are equally objectionable.
Size, Proportion, Substance: The Pug should be multum in parvo, and this condensation (if the word may be used) is shown by compactness of form, well knit proportions, and hardness of developed muscle. Weight from 14 to 18 pounds (male or female) desirable. Proportion
Head: The head is large, massive, round - not apple-headed, with no indentation of the skull. The eyes are dark in color, very large, bold and prominent, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and, when excited, full of fire. The ears are thin, small, soft, like black velvet. There are two kinds - the "rose" and the "button." Preference is given to the latter. The wrinkles are large and deep. The muzzle is short, blunt, square, but not upfaced. Bite - A Pug's bite should be very slightly undershot.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is slightly arched. It is strong, thick, and with enough length to carry the head proudly. The short back is level from the withers to the high tail set. The body is short and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed up. The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.
Forequarters: The legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. The elbows should be directly under the withers when viewed from the side. The shoulders are moderately laid back. The pasterns are strong, neither steep nor down. The feet are neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split-up toes, and the nails black. Dewclaws are generally removed.
Hindquarters: The strong, powerful hindquarters have moderate bend of stifle and short hocks perpendicular to the ground. The legs are parallel when viewed from behind. The hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs and buttocks are full and muscular. Feet as in front.
Coat: The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither hard nor woolly.
Color: The colors are fawn or black. The fawn color should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and the trace and mask.
Markings: The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead, and the back trace should be as black as possible. The mask should be black. The more intense and well defined it is, the better. The trace is a black line extending from the occiput to the tail.
Gait: Viewed from the front, the forelegs should be carried well forward, showing no weakness in the pasterns, the paws landing squarely with the central toes straight ahead. The rear action should be strong and free through hocks and stifles, with no twisting or turning in or out at the joints. The hind legs should follow in line with the front. There is a slight natural convergence of the limbs both fore and aft. A slight roll of the hindquarters typifies the gait which should be free, self-assured, and jaunty.
Temperament: This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition.
Disqualification - Any color other than fawn or black.
The Breeder Directory represents current Old Dominion Pug Dog Club members in good standing who have completed at least one American Kennel Club title on their pug and agree to breed to the pug standard (the ideal for which all reputable breeders strive). These breeders must agree to follow our Code of Ethics.
Our Club is pleased to provide this list as a convenience to you, but we cannot warrant or guarantee any services provided by our members.
How do I know if my breeder is reputable?
Reputable pug breeders adhere to the pug breed standard that is approved by the American Kennel Club. The breed standard outlines which characteristics are desirable and which are considered disqualifications in our breed. A reputable breeder will not breed or sell dogs with disqualifying colors such as a brindle. This is not a “rare” color but rather signifies that non-pug breeds are mixed in with the pug genes.
How should the process work?
A reputable pug breeder will want to talk to you at length to determine if a pug is right for you. They’ll also want to understand the characteristics that will make a successful placement in your home. Many will want to meet with you – and some will require multiple visits to ensure that their pugs are going to the right homes. For any transaction involving pugs, you should have a written contract. Why? Purchasing a dog is a business transaction and a contract is a means of laying out the terms of the purchase. Contracts generally include a health guarantee, return policy, identification of the dog being purchased, information on American Kennel Club registration and a pedigree going back at least three generations.
Larry & Jutta Beard & Natalie & Chuck Sweeney |
Rebecca (Becky) Harrison |
If you have one or more pugs that you cannot keep for reasons such as illness, family changes or financial changes, please reach out to our Club rescue contacts instead of turning the dog(s) in to a shelter. The Rescue Committee will act quickly to find a new, suitable, home for your dog, regardless of age.
If you are interested in providing a new forever home to a pug, reach out to the contact below, and they will see if they can make a match.
Questions? Fill out the form on our Contact Page for more information.