The Wonderfully Delightful Pug!

The Pug breed originated in Ancient China, a favorite of royalty. The breed made it's way to Europe by sailors on cargo ships. Holland is believed to be the first European country that rose the Pug to popularity. The life of William The Silent, Duke Of Orange, was saved by his Pug, Pompey. When William traveled from Holland to Great Britain in the 1600s to assume the throne, his entourage consisted of a group of Pugs with orange ribbons tied around their necks!

This royal endorsement did much to increase the Pugs' popularity in England. Queen Victoria favored a black Pug. The overall feeling of black pugs during this era was negative. They didn't become popular until the late 1800s.

Pug Characteristics and Benefits include:
1) Black mask with 'moles'
2) Black velvety button ears
3) Curly tail
4) Strong, sturdy, compact body
5) Large round eyes
6) Outstanding personality
7) Extremely intelligent
8) Great with kids or the elderly
9) Protective and alert
10) Run like a rabbit or curl up in your lap

Pugs also have a non-drooling bulldog-like face and short, soft, easy to groom hair. Pug breed colors are Apricot Fawn, Silver, Black and a rare Albino.

I became intrigued with Pugs after I saw the movies, 'Milo and Otis' and 'Men In Black'. I researched Pugs, and nothing I read prepared me for the reality of owning one!

Allow me to introduce Turbo Diesel Barron. He was so tiny and sweet that I instantly fell in love with him! He house trained very fast and exhibits extreme intelligence.

When I first got Diesel, I was working full time. He knew when I was about to leave for work. He looked so sad, and I swear he had tears in his eyes! I would toss a treat to him on my way out. Would you believe that when I got home from work, he was still sitting by his treat from that morning? As soon as I walked in the door, he would spin and dance, then run over to his treat and eat it!

Diesel also loves music! His favorites are the theme to 'Becker', piano, opera and he sings with J-Lo on 'Get It Right'! He's also extremely serious about bedtime! If I don't go to bed at my usual time, he'll sit with his favorite toy in his mouth and stare at me with those big, teary eyes until I give in! He's so amazing I forget he's a dog!

In summary, the Pug is the perfect addition to any home. Before you decide to get your own, make sure you are a true lover of dogs! Pugs thrive on your love and companionship, and they give it back 10 fold! I now have three Pugs, Diesel, LuLu and Peter (the offspring of Diesel and LuLu!)

I can't imagine life without my little companions!