BREED STANDARD
THE PUG from the PDCA Illustrated Standard
While the exact origin of the Pug is lost to antiquity it is certain that the Pug is of Chinese origin and was known in the Orient as early as 700 BC.
Developed from the Lo-sze (one of the three short faced dogs bred in China for the Imperial Court) it is believed the Pug found his way to the Western world via conquest and Dutch merchant traders.
A favorite of monarchs throughout Europe there is no doubt royal patronage helped to establish the popularity of the breed, especi in Enfgland in the late 1600s.
The immense popularity of pugs during the Victorian era allows us to visually follow him in history as he was a favorite subject depicted in many forms of art from early paintings, sculptures and porcelains.
It is said with his Chinese ancestry he inherits an Oriental courtesy combined with his good temper, making him the ideal companion.
Admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1885, today the largest of the toy breeds, the Pug is full of mischief and fun. Dignified, loving and trusting of all.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Square and cobby.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE:
Compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of developed muscle. Weight from 14 to 18 lbs. (dog or bitch) desirable. Proportions square.
THE HEAD:
Large, massive, round not apple-headed, with no indentation of skull.
THE NOSE:
Black, wide, lies flat in profile. Top bisects the center of the eyes. The stop is concealEd by an over-the-nose wrinkle. An unbroken wrinkle set on the nose unifies the face.
BREED STANDARD
THE EYES
Dark in color, very large, bold and prominent, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire.
THE EARS:
Thin, small, soft like velvet. There are two kinds- the “rose” and the “button”. Preference is given to the “button”.
THE HEAD WRINKLES:
The wrinkles are large and deep.
THE MUZZLE:
The muzzle is short, blunt, square but not upfaced.
THE BITE:
A Pug’s bite should be slightly undershot.
THE NECK:
The neck is slightly arched. It is strong, thick, and with enough length to carry the head proudly.
THE TOPLINE, BODY
The short back is level from the withers to the high tail set. The body is short and cobby, wide in chest and well rubbed up.
THE TAIL:
The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.
THE FOREQUARTERS - LEGS AND SHOULDERS
Fourquarters: The legs are very strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. The elbows should be directly under the withers when viewed from the side. The shoulders are moderately laid back.
THE FOREQUARTERS - PASTERNS AND FEET
The pasterns are strong, neither steep nor down. The feet are neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of a cat; well split up toes, and the nails black. Dewclaws are generally removed.
HINDQUARTERS
The strong, powerful hindquarters have moderate bend of stifle and short hocks perpendicular to the ground. The legs are parallel when viewed from behind. The hindquarters are in balance with the FOREQUARTERS. The thighs and buttocks are full and muscular. Feet as in front.
THE COAT
The coat is fine, smooth, short, and glossy., neither hard nor woolly.
COLOR
The colors are fawn and black. The fawn color should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and trace and mask. Disqualification- any color other than fawn or black.
MARKINGS
The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark on forehead, and the black trace should be as black as possible. The mask should be black.The more intense and well defined it is, the better. The trace is a black line extending from the occipital to the tail.
GAIT
Viewed from the front, the forelegs should be carried well forward, showing no weakness in the pasterns, the paws landing squarely with the central toes straight ahead. The rear action should be strong and free through hocks and stifles, with no twisting or turning in or out at the joints. The hind legs should follow in line with the front. There is a slight natural convergence of the limbs both fore and aft. A slight roll of the hindquarters typifies the gait which should be free, self assured and jaunty.
TEMPERAMENT
This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm, dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition.
DOGS AND BITCHES
Although the Pug Standard does not explore the differences in appearance between dogs and bitches, it should be well defined. Dogs should appear masculine and bitches feminine. The male Pug is, on average, somewhat larger than his female counterpart. Both sexes should always exhibit balance and proportion. While breed characteristics are more pronounced in the male they should not be overdone or coarse. The bitch should be feminine without weakness or refinement.
Equal consideration should be afforded both sexes.
DRAWINGS
