The Pug - "Much In Little"
The pug has certainly put its pawprint on history as a toy dog. It was originally bred to adorn the laps of Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty (before 400 BC). Its popularity spread to Tibet where it was kept by Buddhist monks then onto Japan and Europe.
The pug was said to be the official dog of the House of Orange, was painted with royalty in Spain and was dressed up and rode up front with coachmen in Italy. Queen Victoria's love of the breed helped it to flourish in the 19th century. It was then that the breed then moved on to the United States of America.
Pugs have featured in television and film including the much loved talking dog Frank in Men in Black and also the Adventures of Milo and Otis.
Pugs are great as family pets as they are generally good with children. They can be quiet and docile but also cheeky and playful. They are a compact package, square and muscular. Their most distinguishing feature is the short nose, creased face and large eyes. It is these features however that can lead to several health problems.
They are susceptible to eye injuries and overheating due to compact air passages. Improper care can lead to infection in the face creases. The short nose and elongated palate make them prone to ‘reverse sneezing'.
Hip dysplasia is a major problem for the breed while in relation a more minor problem demodectic mange is also thought to be genetically based.
More serious issues include Necrotising Meningioencephalitis (NME), an inflammation of the brain and meninges from which dogs usually die, and also hemivertebrae which is evidence of their screw tail occurring in other areas of the spine. This can cause severe paralysis.
Those that remain healthy may live 12 - 14 years.
