Pugs are far from being genetic mutants. In fact, they make wonderful companions and are loyal, loving, and can also act as a great alert dogs too. Despite their wonderful trains, some still wonder what their appeal is. Read more about them below:
Pugmania is sweeping Britain. Pug dogs are everywhere – waddling down high streets, peering bulgy-eyed out of handbags, lolling fatly on sofas, snuffling loudly in supermarket checkout queues and lounging in state in the back of limousines.
More than 300 years after they first arrived in Britain, courtesy of William of Orange, pugs have become one of our top ten best-loved dogs — more popular than boxers, whippets, poodles, beagles or bulldogs.
Image Source: Photo by Rotello/MCP / Rex Features ( 1082185f )
Pugs — named after the old word for goblin, or small monkey — are friendly, outgoing, fiercely loyal and wonderfully comical in a wheezy, snuffly, bug-eyed, squashed-face, wrinkly-bodied way.
Gushing owners rave about their ¬wonderful character, their confidence, their lack of aggression and the megawat ‘pug love’ they emit.
But there are also a good many reasons not to love them. Because pugs are also one of the most inbred of all dog breeds — all 10,000-plus of Britain’s pugs are descended from just 50 animals. And it shows.
They suffer from dislocated knees, chronic stomach problems, collapsed larynxes, curvature of the spine, obesity, infected skin folds, elongated soft palates and terrible respiratory problems — hence the wheezing and rasping — bought about because of their genetically flattened faces.
If it’s not one thing, it’s another with pugs.
Duke and Duchess of Windsor — Home Life and Pets: July 5, 1959. The Duke of Windsor and his wife's pug dog Impy which was entered in an international dog show at Deaville, France, on July 5th, 1959.
As professor Steve Jones, professor of genetics at University College London, puts it: ‘People talk about birth defects from inbreeding, but just being a pug is a birth defect.
The love went both ways. When the Duke died in May 1972, his remaining pug, James, reportedly pined until he eventually died of a broken heart.
And when, later, the Duchess suffered a bad fall, it was one of her beloved pugs who alerted the servants.
But, thanks to their recent renaissance, they are fast becoming classless.
They are the beloved pets of anyone willing to pay the £1,000-£1,400 price tag and the inevitable vet’s bills, doesn’t mind the constant wheezing and isn’t looking for the brightest dog — pugs come just 104th in the list of intelligent breeds.
‘The rise in popularity has led to the increase of puppy farmers who tend to churn out puppies with little thought to health or breeding conditions. I would never buy a pug off the internet rather than a reputable dealer. Ever. You’re just asking for trouble.’
Professor Steve Jones is rather more prosaic.
Though there is, he says, one silver lining. ‘Large dogs die much, much younger, often at half the age of small dogs. So your pug may be horrible and deformed, but it will live a long time.’
Goodness. Queen Victoria and the Duke of Windsor will be turning in their graves.
So despite what many may think of a Pug's fat body and flat nose as discussed on Daily Mail, you have to admit that Pugs make wonderful pets and loyal companions. People will always have an opinion about any breed, but as a pet parent you can treat your pooch well, hence allowing your Pug to have a long and happy life.
Pugs are wonderful doggies that should be appreciated for the quirky and lovable animals that they are. It's important to know that no matter what anyone says, a Pug will always love and protect you!
