Dogs are different. Big and small, serious and funny. And there are absolutely wonderful. Small plush creatures that are distinguished by excellent mood, cheerful disposition and inexhaustible energy. Today we will talk about pugs. The history of the origin of the breed and some features of these dogs will help you make the right choice and really find your pet in spirit.
Oldest breed
Of all the dogs that exist today, no one deserves such a title as a pug. Myths and legends surround these dogs. At one time they were privileged representatives of their family and lived only in noble houses. It was pugs who won the love of the imperial dynasty. Each dog had its own servants. As you can see, the history of the pug breed dates back centuries. So long ago these funny dogs go hand in hand with a man.
Pug ancestors
As it became clear, the breed was born in China and gained great popularity at the court of the emperor, and then the whole nobility. They are also mentioned in the treatises of Confucius. He described small, flat-faced dogs that were created around 400 BC. e. There are preserved images of animals in collars with bells. The history of the pug breed was experiencing peaks of fame and oblivion, like many others.
As far as one can judge, its unprecedented popularity falls on the XVII century. At this time, images of the ancestors of modern pugs appear on engravings and figurines, many of which have survived to this day. In those days, dogs did not yet have such deep wrinkles as modern dogs. But the drawing was already clearly visible. Experts believe that from the XVI century they can be considered fully developed dogs, although the history of the pug breed begins long before that.
Around the XVI - XVII centuries, these pets became the favorites of women from high society. It was considered good form to keep at home this creature with a cute face that resembles an exotic monkey and sets off the beauty of the hostess. They warmed the mistress in her chambers, therefore they received the name of the boudoir dog.
Spread around the world
Despite all the data that has been collected to date, we still know very little about the origin of these animals. The history of the pug breed goes too far back centuries to answer all questions. They have similarities with the Pekingese. But here everything is obvious: both of them lived at the imperial palace.
You need to stop here, because the question is very interesting. Initially, it was believed that the pug was first selected, and only then, as a result of crossing with long-haired dogs, the Pekingese appeared. But recent studies show that Pekingese is an old breed that originates from Tibetan dogs that were originally introduced to China. Genetic studies also confirm that this breed is older than a pug. That is, most likely, he was removed from the line of the shortest-haired Pekingese or was obtained by crossing them with other short-haired dogs.
Presumably they appeared three thousand years ago. Pugs lived in wealthy families and followed their masters everywhere. In 1553, they were first brought to France as a gift to local aristocrats. It was from here that they began to spread throughout Western Europe, and then around the world. The cute pug has repeatedly inspired artists and sculptors to create masterpieces. They came to Russia in the 20th century, around the 1920s. Of course, here they have taken root and now live in many families.
Pugs in world history
These dogs live so close to humans for so long that a lot of events in which they appeared have accumulated. Stories about the dog pug breed can be enumerated indefinitely, but we will try to limit ourselves to only the most interesting:
- Puppies were distributed only in circles of nobility. A simple person could not have such a dog. Soon they began to appear in large monasteries.
- Emperor Lin put the pug females in the same important position as their wives. They could move around in all chambers, and fed them the best meat.
- Around 1250, Marco Polo, while traveling in the East, became one of the first Europeans to see pugs at the exhibition.
- After a couple of centuries, they began to be delivered to Holland.
- There is a version that during an attempt on the Dutch king he was awakened by a loyal pug. Since then, this breed has become the official dog of the House of Orange.
Further adventures
This is a long and very interesting history of the pug breed. How its name appeared is another interesting question that does not have a clear answer. It is believed that it consists of two Latin words - pugnus and pugnaces. The first means "fist", which quite plausibly describes the dog's face.
The British made a significant contribution to the development of the breed, and also continued breeding work, which allowed the dog to acquire modern features. It still remained accessible only to the higher circles of Spain, Italy, and France. Many artists depicted these dogs on their canvases.
The history of the origin of pugs is replete with noble names. There are emperors, monks, kings and queens. Around 1736, these dogs became the secret symbol of the secret society of the Order of the Pug, which was headed by Magister Masonov. Of course, the dog became one of the most beloved among the European nobility.
Napoleon's wife and Queen of England Victoria loved these charming animals very much. They took them to bed with them and enjoyed them in their free minutes. It should be noted that almost until the end of the XVIII century, dogs were somewhat different from our usual ones. They were taller, thinner, with longer snouts.
But the story of the appearance of the pug breed in a modern format did not end there. In 1860, French and English troops captured the Chinese city during the Opium Wars. Among the loot were pugs and Pekingese with shortened legs and muzzles. They also went to their new homeland, where they crossed with already existing English pugs. Prior to this, the color of the breed was yellowish or fawn. But from that moment on, pure black representatives appeared.
Public acceptance
The reaction to new breeds is always different. Someone admires her, while others, on the contrary, consider her caricature. But the case with pugs is unique. There is no country where they would not find their most passionate admirers. The pug was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. A little later, in 1918, it was recognized by the joint cynological club. Since that time, the breed's popularity in America has only grown.
This also applies to other countries. One after another, all cynological associations recognized the breed. Breeding clubs were opened within countries. This was another milestone in the history of the pug breed. Its origin has been lost for centuries, but even today these charming creatures captivate with their appearance and character.
It is widely believed that the main reason for their popularity is the compact size, which is acceptable for women, but also a courageous image to be recognized as a strong half of humanity.
Today and always
For more than 2500 years, these dogs have been bred as companions and perfectly perform the tasks assigned to them. The breed has a very large and ever-growing number of fans. True, there has recently been a tendency to cross them with other dogs, such as beagles. It turns out interesting creatures known as "pagles." While any incest is a one-time brood that does not go further into reproduction, these are considered purebred dogs.
It should be noted that great popularity has a bad effect on the purity of the breed. In view of the demand for offspring, unscrupulous breeders create entire puppy factories without caring for the health of mothers and babies. The main thing is the quantity. Of course, choosing a future family member, it is better to get to know the breeder better.
Best for your home
A pug is a perfect creature that is made for love and affection. A smile settles in the house with him. These are funny and very lively creatures, despite sad eyes. They are ready to play and caress at any time of the day or night. A pug will happily become the second or third dog in your home. Oh perfectly coexists with all four-legged and two-legged inhabitants. Not for nothing that the history of the origin of the pug dog has so many centuries. People liked them at all times.
Habits
While the owner is not at home, his favorite is mainly sleeping. But as soon as you return home, he begins to jump with happiness, climb into his arms. When the whole family is assembled, he likes to take a nap on his master's lap. Pug is a charming plush miracle that is created for love and adoration. But if a door knocked in the hallway, then he would surely rush there with a bark. No, he will not bite anyone, but he will fulfill his duty and warn the owner.