The History of the Pug Dog

The pug dog, with his flattened dark snout and diminutive size, has been domesticated since before 400 B.C. Today, he continues on and is a familiar breed in homes around the world. Who would believe that this lovable dog once lived in palaces instead?

  1. Chinese Background

    • The pug dog originated in the Orient in Tibet. There, the breed was a treasured pet in Buddhist monasteries.

    Holland Background

    • In Europe, the pug dog became the official pet of the House of Orange in Holland. He won this honor by warning William, Prince of Orange, of attacking Spaniards. When William II became King of England in 1572, his pug pets went with him.

    French Background

    • In 1790, the pug's royal history continued as he became a favorite of Josephine, wife of Napoleon. She sent her husband messages under her pug's collar while in prison in Les Carmes.

    English Background

    • Meanwhile, back in China, the British army attacked the Imperial Palace in Peking in 1860. When they returned to England, pugs traveled with them for the first time since the 16th century.

    American Background

    • Pugs eventually made their way to America where they were registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885. They became a family dog beloved by children especially instead of royalty.