What many people don’t realize, however, is that this somewhat goofy-looking breed also has a long and illustrious history that intertwines with human royalty around the world. The pug originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It was a common pet of the royal families in China and Buddhist monks in Tibet. The pug was then brought from China to Europe in the 16th century and became the official dog of the House of Orange, the ruling family of the Netherlands.
According to the American Kennel Club, the pug is the 28th most popular breed in the United States. This is perhaps because it has many appealing qualities that make it a good companion, including its expressive face, its gentle nature, and its friendly demeanor. It comes in several distinct variations: fawn, silver, apricot, and all black. The ears can be either rose style, meaning small and folded against the head, or the standard button style.
The pug’s unique square appearance is one of the most attractive and appealing qualities of this breed, but it is also the source of its greatest health liability. The prominent brow ridge makes it vulnerable to bulging eyes and scratched corneas, while the flat snout sometimes causes breathing problems and airway obstructions.
Because the pug has some difficulty panting, the airway problems make it very difficult for this breed to regulate high body temperatures. That means when it’s particularly hot out, the pug may not be able to work off the excess heat, putting its health in danger. This is why you should strive to keep the pug cool and comfortable at all times, especially in warmer climates.