A robust breed that is full of character.
Adaptable and intelligent, they are friends for both old and young alike
as they are tolerant and good tempered.
Description & History
The Pug originated in China. The breed,
which can be traced back many centuries, was probably brought to the
west by Portuguese traders in the sixteenth century. It first became
popular in Holland before being introduced to Britain.
The Pug is kind, gentle and trustworthy
especially with children. Because of this, the Dutch called them "nursery
dogs" and would leave them in the nursery to watch over the children.
Also, it is considered to be a people's dog, as it likes to be close
to, or even touching, its owner.
It reached the height of its popularity
in the Victorian era and, perhaps more than any other breed, it has
been owned by people from all stations in life. European and English
royalty, aristocracy and ordinary working people, all favoured the Pug.
Henry II of France, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon's wife, the Empress Josephine
and William Hogarth all kept Pugs. It was William III and Queen Mary
who first brought the breed to England from Holland, when ascending
The English throne in 1689. George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, kept
Pugs.
These dogs were of German origin. Queen
Victoria, who loved all dogs, was particularly fond of Bully, a fawn
Pug, who was given to her by Prince Albert and lived many happy years
with his mistress. In more recent times the breed found favour with
Duke and Duchess of Windsor and were their constant companions for many
years. During her lifetime the Duchess owned twelve of these dogs.