7 Facts About Pugs You Probably Didn’t Know

Pugs, with their wrinkled faces, expressive eyes, and affectionate natures, are a breed that effortlessly wins hearts. But beyond their unmistakable appearance and endearing personalities, there’s a wealth of lesser-known and surprising facts about these small dogs. Here are seven facts about Pugs that might astound even the most avid fans of the breed.

1. Pugs Have a Royal History

Pugs boast a royal lineage that’s hard to compete with. Their ancestry dates back to ancient China, where they were the favored pets of emperors in the Tang Dynasty. They were treated with royal dignity, lived in luxurious accommodations, and were even guarded by soldiers. Their royal favoritism didn’t stop in China; they were also popular among European royalty, including Queen Victoria, who had a particular fondness for the breed.

2. They’re One of the Oldest Breeds

Pugs are among the oldest dog breeds in the world, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. The breed was initially bred to sit on the laps of Chinese emperors, indicating that they have been companion dogs for centuries. This long history adds a unique richness to the breed and explains their strong bond with humans.

3. The Breed Has Its Own Motto

The Pug breed has an official motto: “Multum in Parvo,” a Latin phrase meaning “a lot in a little.” This phrase perfectly encapsulates the Pug’s character – they may be small in size, but they have an enormous personality. Their charismatic, playful, and loving nature combined with their compact size makes this motto apt indeed.

4. Their Wrinkles Have Meaning

The wrinkles on a Pug’s face are not just a cute characteristic – they have historical significance too. Chinese breeders manipulated the wrinkles to resemble symbols in the Chinese language. The most prized pugs had wrinkles that seemed to spell out the Chinese character for “prince.”

5. A Pug Was the Mascot of Holland’s Royal House

Pugs have been deeply embedded in royal history. A Pug named Pompey is said to have saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by alerting him to approaching assassins. Following this, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland. To this day, Pugs remain a symbol of Dutch royal history.

6. They Have Two Distinct Tail Shapes

While Pugs are known for their curled tails, there are two distinct shapes that are considered breed standards: the double curl and the single curl. The double curl, which loops around twice, is particularly desirable according to breed standards. Both types contribute to the Pug’s distinctive and adorable silhouette.

7. Pugs Can Change their Color

Pugs can undergo a fascinating color change during their lifetime. Some Pugs are born a darker shade and gradually lighten over time, while others may develop more pronounced color patterns in their coat as they grow. This fascinating trait adds yet another layer of intrigue to the breed.

Pugs are much more than their wrinkled faces and comedic personalities; they are a breed with a rich history and a myriad of surprising facts. From their status as royal favorites to their linguistic wrinkles, these intriguing facts give us a deeper appreciation of Pugs and their unique charm. Despite their small size, Pugs indeed embody “Multum in Parvo” — a whole lot of character in a little dog.