The parent breed club, rather than the American Kennel Club (AKC), which acts in other ways in the dog show world, determines the breed standard for any dog breed in America. In the case of Pugs the Pug Dog Club of America determined the breed standard. It is only that club, as well as the efforts of ethical breeders, that can get any changes done for future Pugs. Pugs are small dogs with pushed-in faces and very curly tails.
There is controversy that a breed of dog like the Pug should no longer be bred because they are totally dependent on people for survival. Because of their short noses and wrinkly faces, they are often unable to even clean themselves. Many Pugs also have great breathing problems. But currently, the following is the current breed standard for all Pugs, whether they are dependent on their people for survival or not.
The controversial but magnetically adorable head of the Pug should be round and solid, not apple-shaped. Ideally, the face should be flat, but there are many Pugs with longer noses than the breed standard allows. The eyes are large, bright and always black. The face and head should be covered in wrinkles. The nose should be button or sometime rose shaped. The ears are smooth, small for the head, thin and feel like velvet. The lower jaw should be longer than the upper jaw (called an undershot bite). The tongue is usually sticking out of the mouth.
The Pug’s body should be sturdy, cobby and a bit on the round side. It should be proportional to the head. The legs look just a little too small for the body, but not short like a Dachshund’s. Many pet Pugs will have longer legs than the breed standard allows. They should stand about ten or eleven inches high at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from fourteen to seventeen pounds.
Another important aspect about Pugs featured in their breed standard is about their temperaments. This was a breed bred to be a companion pet, so they must get along very well with people and other dogs. Pugs are to be outgoing, even-tempered and full of charm. They love attention and often will move metaphorical mountains in order to be the center of everything. Although they are playful, they are not to get too carried away with silliness.
The breed standard is based on a fictional ideal Pug, so almost every Pug you meet is going to come up short in one point or more. Common faults include too long a nose, too tall or heavy a dog, an overshot or even bite instead of the preferred undershot bite, dewclaws, not enough curl in the tail, and not the right color or the right amount of colors in proportion to the desired body part. These Pugs, although not being able to win show trophies, still can win your heart as a pet.
A Pug makes a great family pet and is reasonably easy to care for. It is a necessity to learn as much Pug information as you can before getting one for your family.
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