Ledger

It is hard not to notice the fascination people have with pugs in America. They have become the new pot-bellied pigs of our society. As a pug owner myself, it is very rare that my pug Billy is not the center of attention when we are in public. I've never seen an animal with an uglier mug, that at the same time is regarded as unbearably cute. The pugs' size is perfect for small apartment dwellers and dorm residents, and they don’t have some of the annoying traits of the other small dog breeds.

Besides their scrunched face, a pug’s temperament is both engaging and comical. Even the most tightly wound person can not resist their charms. In their younger years, a pug can practically eat you alive with affection. Also, their erratic behavior can entertain guests for hours on end. My pug used to go into frenzies, racing around with restless energy. He would rocket from room to room, only to fall asleep instantly at a moment’s notice. I remember my veterinarian telling me that pugs are like a "light switch."

Historically, their charm has had a great deal of significance. Although shrouded in some mystery, the history of the pug dates back to China, where they were known by the name Ha Ba Gou and were a favorite pet of ancient Chinese royalty.

"Multo in Parvo," is a saying that was frequently applied to the pug, meaning a lot of dog in a small package. As any pug owner can attest, a pug has the bravado and temperament of a much larger dog. They are obviously unaware of their small size in relation to other objects like large dogs, bears and automobiles.

The breed eventually spread through Europe and entered the United States after the Civil War. With the American public focused on larger breeds, the pug was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the early twentieth century. In 1931, a group of east coast breeders formed a Pug Dog Club of America. Then, after putting on some shows, pugs were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Pugs truly are the perfect pet, small in size, but large in stature. They are manlier than your typical small breeds, yet very manageable in a compact muscular package. A pug pup can run anywhere from $250 - $1,500. With proper care and nutrition, they can live for a good 12 years.

For information on adopting a pug in your community, you can visit www.pugvillage.com which contains links and helpful insight on owning your first pug.