In our illustrated series presenting the development history of various dog breeds, the next breed we focus on is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, the pug.
The pug is one of the oldest breeds, originating around 400 BC. The breed was developed in China to entertain emperors, and their duties also included guarding temples. The first specimens of the breed were brought to the Netherlands by traders, from where their spread in Europe began. Over many centuries, the pug was a favorite companion of Buddhist monks, French revolutionaries, and members of the English royal family. Among the well-known rulers in history, Maria Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte also kept pugs.
One of the most famous pugs in history was the dog of Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, named Fortune, who always slept in the same bed with Josephine. When Josephine and Napoleon married, Napoleon had to choose whether to accept the pug in their shared bed alongside Josephine or to sleep alone elsewhere. Napoleon agreed and accepted Fortune’s company in the marital bed, but luck was not on his side, as on their wedding night the pug expressed its displeasure by biting his lower leg…
Pugs are cheerful, energetic, and at the same time calm. They can be perfect companions in families and are recommended alongside children as well. The breed’s characteristics can also be viewed, which, thanks to the breeders of the Black Jade Pakony kennel, presents this cheerful breed from another perspective >>
The archival photos, drawings, and paintings faithfully illustrate the breed’s changes from the mid-1700s to the second half of the 1900s.
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- 1895 – Winning Pug – Primrose Knight
