Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with their roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Here’s a quick timeline-style rundown:
- Ancient China (around 400 BCE):
Pugs were originally bred in China to be companions for royalty. They were highly prized by Chinese emperors and lived luxurious lives, often having their own guards and even tiny palaces! Along with breeds like the Pekingese and Shih Tzu, pugs were part of the royal court. - Name Origins:
In ancient China, they were sometimes called “Lo-Sze”. The word “pug” likely came much later from the Latin word pugnus, meaning “fist,” because the dog’s wrinkled face looks a bit like a clenched fist. - Arrival in Europe (16th–17th Century):
Dutch traders with the East India Company brought pugs to Europe in the 1500s. They became instant favorites among European nobility.- In the Netherlands, they were called “Mopshond” (which means “to grumble” — a nod to their snuffly breathing).
- The pug even became the official dog of the House of Orange after a pug supposedly saved the life of Prince William the Silent by barking to warn him of assassins!
- Spread Across Europe:
Pugs were super popular in France, Italy, and the UK.- In France, Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, had a pug named Fortune.
- In England, Queen Victoria adored pugs, and thanks to her, they became a well-established breed in Britain.
- 19th–20th Century:
During this time, pugs were selectively bred in Europe to have certain features, like the shorter nose, curlier tail, and more compact body that we recognize today. - Today:
Pugs are beloved all over the world for their charming personalities, comic expressions, and loving nature. They’re often called “shadows” because they like to follow their owners everywhere.
🐾 They were bred to have wrinkles — on purpose!
In ancient China, the wrinkles on a pug’s face were considered a sign of good luck, especially if they resembled the Chinese character for “prince” (王).
🐾 Pugs are known as “multum in parvo.”
This is Latin for “a lot in a little” — basically saying that pugs have HUGE personalities packed into their small bodies!
🐾 They have a signature curly tail.
A pug’s tail ideally curls into a tight “double curl,” which is highly prized in dog shows.
🐾 Napoleon’s wife smuggled messages with her pug!
Josephine Bonaparte hid secret notes under her pug Fortune’s collar while she was imprisoned before she married Napoleon.
🐾 Pugs snore — loudly.
Because of their short noses (brachycephalic structure), most pugs are champion snorers. It’s adorable… until you’re trying to sleep.
🐾 They were mascots in paintings.
In the 18th century, pugs often appeared in European paintings alongside noble families, symbolizing loyalty and trust.
🐾 Pugs come in three main colors.
The most common is fawn with a black mask, but there are also black pugs and rarer colors like apricot fawn and silver.
🐾 They’re little clowns at heart.
Pugs were specifically bred to be companion dogs — their whole purpose was to entertain and love their humans. Their silly antics and expressive faces are no accident!
