BREED HIGHLIGHT: THE PUG

For more information on the Pug breed, visit: www.pug-rc.com
And watcht the Pug video here: http://www.petclubindia.com/royalcanin/videos.html

History

The Pug is a very ancient breed believed to be from China and thought to have the same origins as the Tibetan Mastiff.

He arrived in Europe via Holland in the sixteenth century and was developed in England during the seventeenth century. The British created two varieties—the fawn-coated Morisson Pug and the black-and-coffee-brown Willoughby Pug. These two varieties became one in 1866, and the breed was crossed with small spaniels to produce the now extinct Alicante Dog.

In the eighteenth century, Pugs were brought to France, where Marie Antoinette and later Joséphine de Beauharnais (the first wife of Napoleon I) kept them as pets.

The Pug is named so because of his stubby nose. He is known in Germany as the Mops (from the German word meaning «to grumble») and in France as the Carlin (after the eighteenth-century Italian actor Carlo «Carlino» Bertinazzi, who wore a black mask when playing the part of Harlequin). After a period of decline, and later of notoriety thanks to the Duke of Windsor, the breed is gaining popularity again.

Description    

Affectionate, intelligent, and gentle, this little lap dog is a good-natured pet but can be exclusive and touchy. He does not tolerate children well. The rambunctious Pug puppy becomes a calm, poised adult. He seldom barks and is not a watchdog, despite being reserved toward strangers. He needs firm, very early training.

Advice    

The Pug is perfectly suited to apartment life. Not being very athletic, short walks suffice. He hates being left alone or separated from his owner. He should be kept out of intense heat since, like all brachycephalic dogs, he is susceptible to respiratory blockage. His eyes are sensitive to dust and need regular checking, as do the wrinkles on his face. He must be brushed twice or three times a week.

Source: The Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia

The best nutritional answer for the Pug

From 2 to 10 months: Mini Junior 33 – A specific formula to help build the puppy’s natural defences.

After 10 months: Pug 25
With its broad head and very short muzzle the pug is said to be “brachycephalic”. The size, shape and texture of PUG 25 kibbles make them easier to grip and encourage the dog to chew. Finally calcium chelaters help to slow tartar formation and ensures optimal oral and dental hygiene.

The nutrients formula helps limiting the risk of skin irritation and strengthens the barrier effect of skin. It also maintains a pug’s muscle tone and helps to keep its ideal weight.
A special combination of polyphenols of grape and green tea and vitamins E & C helps maintaining vitality in older pug.