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Most agree that the Pug originated in China. They were bred to be a companion not a guardian. They were bred by the royalty and were pampered and spoiled. They have not lost this characteristic. Sometimes, as a mark of great esteem, they were given to members of the court.
When the Dutch discovered and started trading with China, the sailors smuggled some out and took them home to Europe. Being a small dog and natural companion, they quickly became popular. Again, they attached themselves to the nobility. Pugs are great opportunists.
The legend has it that when William The Silent invaded England, he took his Pug with him. One night, as the Prince lay sleeping, assasins crept up on his tent. His Pug heard them and jumped up barking, thereby saving his master. All Pug owners know that the Pug was joyfully greeting new playmates and possible food providers.
Pugs are the most exasperating, stubborn, charming, entertaining, loving creatures on the earth. They are always under foot, always think they know better than you, ignore your calls when involved in other things, look at you and then go their own way regardless, hard to housebreak. In other words, very much like a two year old child. They have no idea that they are "dogs". They are royalty and we exist to cater to them. Pugs cannot open the fridge or use the can opener. Should they aquire this ability, I fear for the human race. Maybe they will keep us around to sit on.
Pugs love everybody and everything. They will go with anyone. They must be kept on lead and their yard must be fenced. One of the first things Pugs do when let out in the yard is search the perimeters for a way out. They love to visit. They think that everyone loves them also. This tendancy gets them into trouble as some dogs don't like small dogs. BE WARNED. If the pug is attacked, he will NOT back down. He will defend himself and/or his master. The Pug is not bred for fighting. His mouth is not shaped for fighting. He will lose. But he WON'T back down. You can see why they should be on lead.
Pugs MUST be a companion. They cannot be put out in the yard and left. They have an insatiable need to be with you. They don't care what you are doing as long as you are doing it with them. They will even take a mouthful of food, come to where you are and then eat it while sitting on your foot. They love children and will let children do almost anything to them. They are natural clowns and even seem to enjoy being "dressed up" and riding in the baby buggy. You must be careful with young children around Pug puppies. Pug puppies will play until they drop and neither young children or puppies know when to stop. Puppies wiggle out of small arms and their eyes are large and "pokable". A Pug puppy would be in severe agony before it would purposefully bite, however, it can get over-excited and nip.
Pugs get along well with other animals. They really seem to enjoy having a lot of "pets".
In short, Pugs are a joy. I have talked to a lot of people and whether they have had other breeds of dogs or never had a dog before, they all say the same thing "I can't imagine not having a Pug".
