All About Pugs
Did you know that a group of Pugs is called a ‘Grumble’? how cute is that?
Here we take a look at the breed and point out some interesting facts which may be helpful to anyone thinking of owning a Pug.
In the last three years the Pug breed has been gaining in popularity and according to the Kennel Club of UK. it has consistently been in the top ten most registered breeds.
For me personally, I love dogs that make me laugh and this breed is sure to do that. Even without their mischievous antics that face is bound to bring on a smile! Good breeding cannot be stressed enough and also, a good vacuum cleaner and a pair of earplugs are highly advised.
Pros
Pugs have a great sense of humour. They are known as the clowns of the canine world and love to show off.
They thrive on human companionship.
Pugs are intelligent dogs.
They are loyal and charming pets.
They get on well with children and other animals.
They are not ‘yappy’ dogs.
Pugs are mischievous.
They are a good choice for people who live in flats or apartments.
A good choice for elderly people because they are low maintenance.
Cons
Pugs can be stubborn making training difficult.
They are companion dogs and demand attention.
They snore, snort and wheeze.
They shed profusely.
They love to eat and can gain weight easily.
They have a tendency to overheat.
They may refuse to go out to toilet if the weather is cold or wet.
Pugs can have specific health problems.
Size
A pug should weigh between 14 – 18 pounds.
They are between 10-14 inches tall.
History
Pugs originated from China
It is believed that the Pug’s name comes from the Latin for ‘fist’ because his face resembles a human fist.
Emperors of China kept Pugs as lapdogs.They were given their own palaces and guards.
The Chinese believed that the wrinkles around the face resembled symbols of good luck.
Marie Antoinette had a pug called ‘Mops’.
Josephine Bonaparte had a pug called ‘Fortune’.
In England, Pugs were very popular in the Victorian era.
Queen Victoria bred Pugs, she preferred the apricot/ fawn coats.
Health Problems
Pugs can suffer from eye and skin complaints, epilepsy, nerve damage, allergies, encephalitis and joint and muscular problems so it is paramount that a good, reputable breeder is found and you can see necessary health clearances from both parents.
Lifespan is 12 -15 years.
In General
Black Pugs are more energetic, with more attitude.
Males are more laid back than females.
They are reverse sneezers.
They can have a single or double curled tail.
But of course, there are always exceptions!
A mixed breed of Pug and Beagle is gaining popularity, it is called a Puggle.
Percy is homeless, abandoned by his owner at an animal rescue centre on a cold winter’s night. So when he finds a loving new home with Gail and her family, his deepest wish is that this time, it’s forever.
Gail hopes that Percy will be the little miracle that her family so desperately needs. Her young daughter, Jenny, is in and out of hospital and she’s only just holding things together with her husband, Simon.
With the family at breaking point, and Christmas just around the corner, is Percy the furry friend they’ve all been waiting for?
A Puppy Called Hugo
Following hot on the paws from the bestselling A Pug Like Percy, the nation’s favourite pug is back! And this time, Percy has puppies…
Percy the pug has found a loving home with Gail, Simon and their daughter Jenny. But now it’s time for Percy’s new puppies to fly the dog bed, and become a companion to someone in need – which turns out to be closer to home than the family first think…
On a visit to Gail’s parents, Percy begins to suspect that all is not well with Eric, Gail’s father. And when he suffers a nasty fall and is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Percy knows just who to send to the rescue – adorable pup Hugo.
Can Hugo help Eric through the tough times, and grow into the kind of Pug to make Percy proud?
About the Author
Fiona Harrison is a dog lover and writer from the West Country who lives with her husband and their menagerie of pets. Lucky enough to have a family who always supported her creative writing attempts, as a child, Fiona routinely entertained them with a variety of stories covering everything from Margaret Thatcher to Roland Rat.
Eventually Fiona realised there was not much of a market for Mrs T stories, and moved to London, spending her days working as a journalist and her evenings sleeping in cramped flats, missing her beloved family pets.
After several years, she decided a life without dogs or cats was no life at all and after getting married to a fellow animal lover, she moved out of the big city to concentrate on her two passions; animals and writing.
Now, living in a house rather than a shoebox, Fiona happily spends her days writing, often with a pet on her lap for company and inspiration.
My Thoughts
Both books are written from the dogs’ point of view and show the Pug breed in all of its cheeky glory. Children will love these books (adults too!) a true feel-good read for all dog lovers.
Leave a Reply