Pugs are known for their distinctive large eyes, snub-nosed appearance, and face wrinkles. They also tend to be friendly, loving, and playful. They love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. Here are a few more facts about Pugs:

1. The Pug is an Ancient Dog Breed

The Pug’s origins stretch back into China to over 2,000 years ago. This makes them one of the ancient dog breeds. Much like the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu, the Pug was bred by the Chinese royalty and was a prized pet among them.

Pugs were considered one of China’s national treasures. Although other royal Chinese breeds were kept isolated to the country for most of their history, there were a few instances of Pugs being gifted to outsiders. This was the only way outsiders could access the breed.

2. Dutch Traders Brought the Pug Outside of China

During the 1500s, Dutch traders were gifted a few Pugs and brought them back to Europe. They are credited with bringing the Pug outside of China and starting to get it on the world stage. Pugs remained a companion to nobles and even became the mascot of Holland’s Royal House of Orange.

As Dutch nobility traveled to England, they brought Pugs along with them and introduced the breed. From there, the Pug continued to gain popularity and spread around the world. They made their way into the United States in the 1800s and have continued to rise in popularity ever since.

3. They Are Quintessential Companion Dogs

Pugs are quintessential companion dogs and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They tend to have a playful, social, and charming personality along with a gentle nature and sweet disposition. They get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs, and tend to be very loving towards them.

They thrive on attention and being around their favorite humans. They tend to be fans of napping and cuddling and will be one of the laziest dog breeds if you let them. Pugs also tend to shadow their owners and will follow them from room to room to stay nearby.

4. Pugs Overheat Easily

Pugs are known for their squished, wrinkly faces and large eyes. This makes them a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed or flat-faced, dog breed and makes them particularly sensitive to heat. Their short snouts mean they overheat easily and cannot cool themselves off as quickly or regulate their body temperature as well as other dogs.

Because of this, you need to be careful and keep a close eye on your Pug while out in hot or cold temperatures. You also need to be careful about your Pug overexerting themselves and becoming overheated. These are important things to know about flat-faced dogs.

This doesn’t mean your Pug can’t run around; in fact, there are Pugs that train to compete in dog sports. It just means you need to find safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and help them keep their temperature within a normal, manageable range.

5. They Got Their Name From Their Facial Expressions

Have you ever wondered how Pugs got their name? There are a few different theories, but the most popular one relates to a monkey called the marmoset monkey. These monkeys are sometimes known as the pug monkey.

These monkeys were very popular pets in the 1700s. Pugs and the marmoset monkey share very similar facial expressions so this could be the origin of their name.

6. Napoleon’s Wife Had a Pug

Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, had a feisty Pug named Fortune. Fortune was such a loyal and protective Pug that they were most known for biting Napoleon after Josephine wouldn’t put Fortune outside the room on their wedding night.

Fortune also served as a courier when Josephine was in prison. Before Josephine and Napoleon were married, Josephine was imprisoned during the Reign of Terror. Fortune would carry messages back and forth between Josephine and her first husband, allowing them to communicate even while she was in prison.

7. A Group of Pugs Has the Cutest Name

Sometimes, a group of certain animals has a funny or interesting name. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. A group of jellyfish is called a smack and a group of cats is called a clowder, clutter, or glaring.

However, a group of pugs has one of the cutest names. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Named for their adorable snuffling and grunting noises (that sometimes sound like grumbling), a grumble of pugs sounds like a bucket of fun!

8. Pugs Have Had Famous Owners

Not only are Pugs considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners, but they have also had several famous owners. A good amount of well-known people have had Pugs. Plenty of celebrities, historical figures, and Royals have had their love affair with Pugs. Queen Victoria was known for her love of Pugs as was Harriet Beecher Stowe. Stowe had two Pugs named Missy and Punch.

Other famous pug owners include Gerard Butler, Hugh Laurie, Tori Spelling, and Paris Hilton. The famous Italian fashion designer, Valentino, was known for taking his Pugs on his lavish vacations, complete with yachts and private jets.

9. One Pug Saved Their Master’s Life

Many dogs have saved human lives, including Pugs. One instance was so notable that it became part of the Pug’s breed history. In the 1500s, Prince William of Orange successfully led the Dutch rebellion against the Spaniards.

One night, the Spaniards try to assassinate Prince William in his tent. However, they were thwarted by his loyal Pug. His Pug, Pompey, heard the Spaniards sneaking up to their tent and began barking. After this, the Pug became the official breed of the House of Orange.

10. They Are Not Related to Bulldogs

Due to their facial wrinkles, some might think Pugs may be related to English Bulldogs. This misconception may also be because Pugs are also sometimes called Dutch Bulldogs in Holland. Despite sharing a similar stocky build, face wrinkles, and flat noses, DNA testing proves Pugs are not related to Bulldogs. In fact, Pugs share their origins with the Pekingese breed.

Is a Pug Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about Pugs. If this dog breed sounds like the right fit for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Pug puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family and your new best friend!