PUG
Companion Dog Group
View Registration Requirements

Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised May 1, 2007


HISTORY

There are various theories regarding the origin of the Pug breed, but the most generally accepted is that they originated in the Orient and are a smooth-coated, longer-legged type of Pekingese. They have been well known in Europe since at least the 16th century. After gaining favor with Royalty, the breed became very popular and even more well known.

The Pug was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1918.

Decidedly square and cobby in symmetry, firmly knit, and with hard muscles, the Pug is often referred to as a ‘lot of dog in a small package’.

Serious Faults: Equally objectionable are dogs that are lean and leggy and dogs that have a long body and short legs.

A charming and dignified breed, the Pug is intelligent and lively and makes a happy, even-tempered companion.

The head is massive and round, but not apple shaped.

SKULL - The large, round skull has no indentation. It is covered with wrinkles.

MUZZLE - The muzzle is short, blunt and square. The bottom jaw is wide, and does not turn upright.

TEETH - A full complement of large, white teeth meet in a slightly undershot bite.

Faults: Wry mouth. Teeth or tongue showing when the mouth is closed.

NOSE - Black.

EYES - The very large, prominent, bold eyes are globular in shape. They are dark in color and very lustrous. Solicitous in expression; when excited, full of fire.

EARS - The small thin ears are soft, like black velvet. Of the two kinds of ears found in the Pug, rose (drop ears that fold over and back), and button (semi-erect), preference is given to the button ear.

Strong and thick, slightly arched at the crest and long enough to allow for proud head carriage.

The shoulders are sloping.

FORELEGS - The strong, straight forelegs are of moderate length. They are placed well under the body. Dewclaws may be removed.

The body is short and cobby with a wide chest and well-sprung ribs. The topline is level.

Strong and powerful to balance with the forequarters.

HIND LEGS - Well under the body. Strong, straight and parallel when viewed from the rear, with good angulation at the stifle joint.

The feet are not as long as a hare foot, nor so round as to be cat footed. The toes are well split up. Nails are black.

The high-set tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with the double curl considered the ideal.

The fine, smooth, soft coat is short and glossy.

Faults: Hard coat; woolly coat.

Acceptable colors include silver or apricot, fawn and black. The colors are clearly defined for strong contrast.

MARKINGS - Markings are to be well defined, and as black and intense as possible. Markings are found on the muzzle, to include the mask; on the ears; as moles on the cheeks; as thumb marks or diamonds on the forehead; as a back-trace, which is a line extending from the occiput to the tail.

The desirable weight range, for dogs or bitches, is from 14 to 18 pounds.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.