| Multo en Parvo - a lot of dog in a small space. This | | | | to be the more desirable of the two forms. Lastly, one |
| Latin phrase is often used to describe the playful | | | | of the most playful and recognizable features of this |
| clown of the dog world, the irrepressible Pug. A tiny | | | | unique breed is his curly tail. The tail of the pug winds |
| package of bundled energy, the pug's bulldog-like | | | | into a tight curl slightly to one side and over his hip. The |
| stance belies his classification as a 'toy' sized breed. | | | | more tightly curled the tail is, the better and the rare |
| Even with his overtly distinctive looks, it is the pug's | | | | double curl is considered perfect. Bobbing slightly with |
| amazing personality that sets him apart from other | | | | his perky stride, the tail wags freely but only uncurls |
| breeds. | | | | when the dog is sleeping or distressed. |
| Delightfully friendly, pugs have an aesthetic quality that | | | | Regardless of the physical specifics of the pug, it is this |
| is uniquely their own. Their wrinkled faces, short snouts, | | | | breed's personality that ultimately wins over so many |
| curled tails and solid bodies have helped earn the Pug | | | | owners. The breed engenders tremendous breed |
| instant recognition on the street. Few breeds of dog | | | | loyalty among owners. Not ranked among the more |
| are as distinctive as the pug; the common use of the | | | | intelligent breeds, the pug is none the less lovable. His |
| term "pug ugly" suggests how recognizable the pug | | | | enthusiasm and eagerness to please are remarkable. |
| truly is. Even within the breed, however, variations on | | | | Truly a lover of human company, the pug will usually |
| appearance exist. While some of these variations are | | | | insist on being as close as possible to owners, friends, |
| plainly visible to the casual observer, true Pug | | | | or even total strangers - even becoming somewhat |
| enthusiasts will often notice the more subtle | | | | pushy if resisted. |
| differences. | | | | Of course, this quality in combination with the |
| The Pug is most commonly "fawn" (sometimes | | | | infrequency of his bark limits the pug's effectiveness |
| referred to as apricot) in color; a shade resembling a | | | | as a watchdog. Bred as lap dogs, pugs can easily |
| creamy tan. Fawn pugs have black faces and a single | | | | become anxious if left alone too frequently or for too |
| black band running the length of their backs. Pug which | | | | long. They require considerable attention to satisfy their |
| are entirely black are less common than their fawn | | | | appetite for company. Their appetites are not limited to |
| counterparts, but are hardly rare. The infrequency of | | | | company however. Pugs love to eat. In fact, for many |
| silver colored pugs leads many non-enthusiasts to | | | | pugs, there is very little they love more. For this reason |
| believe that the pug is limited in shade to fawn or black. | | | | and perhaps because of their irresistible buggy eyes, it |
| Apart from the color of his coat, a pug may be single | | | | is common for pet pugs to be overweight. |
| or double coated. Double coated pugs have both a | | | | A lot of dog in a small space, truly the pug has won a |
| silky outer coat and a downy undercoat. In both cases, | | | | place in the heart of dog-lovers and casual observers |
| the hair is short and the dog sheds year-round, | | | | alike. The unique physical characteristics are only |
| requiring frequent brushing. | | | | outmatched by his childlike personality and affectionate |
| Even closer inspection of the dog will reveal either | | | | manner. While upkeep of a pug can be challenging, the |
| "rose" or "button" shaped ears, the latter being | | | | rewards seem to more than offset the extra effort. |
| described as gently folded over and generally consider | | | | |