Pug: The little companion dog from the Chinese court

The pug is a breed with real history: it originated in China, where it was once treasured in the imperial court. A round face, big eyes, a mass of wrinkles and a curled tail make it look wonderfully comical. Gentle and affectionate, it is a "little sweetheart" to many people. Let's meet it.

Its body

The pug is a small dog with a sturdy body, short legs, visible wrinkles on the face and a curled tail. Its face is flat and its nose short, and this "brachycephalic" build makes its breathing less efficient — so it overheats very easily in summer, walks should avoid the hottest hours, and exercise must be moderate, never exhausting. Its eyes are fairly prominent and need extra protection from knocks.

Its origins and personality

The pug is an ancient Chinese breed that was once favoured in the imperial court, later reaching Europe and becoming a popular small companion dog. It is gentle, people-loving and affectionate, happiest beside its human — a classic companion.

What you need to know to keep one

Caring for a pug involves a few daily tasks: first, weight control — it gains weight easily, so measured meals and few treats matter; second, cleaning the wrinkles — the folds on its face collect moisture and grime, so they need regular wiping and drying; third, watching the temperature — it needs a cool place in summer. Do these, and it will stay healthy and comfortable beside you.

A note for grown-ups

You could clean a pug's face wrinkles together with a child (if you have one), letting them feel what "caring" really means. Helping a child see that behind a cute pet lies daily, careful effort is a valuable lesson.