PunkRockPudel

by Sandra Grimm

Never before have dogs held such an important place in our society as they do today. They are not just guardians of the estate, herders of livestock, or hunting companions. They have, unfortunately, often become a status symbol. One sad and unfortunate example of this development is the pug.

1. Dangerous Popularity of Pugs & Co.
2. A Small Dog With A Long History
3. A Shift in Dog Breeding Occurs
4. Prejudice Concerning Pugs
5. A New Chance for Pugs

Dangerous Popularity of Pugs & Co.

You stroll through the city, and they are everywhere. Not just alive, but also on billboards, mugs, T-shirts, in literature, and on television. Dog trainers are becoming media stars. Celebrities are photographed with their four-legged companions. Dogs have become substitutes for partners and children. The variety of breeds has never been larger, and never has the choice of breed led to such divisions in society.

The breeders of so-called „sickly“ breeds are most heavily criticized. French Bulldogs and pugs, with their flat noses and often excessively overweight bodies and crooked legs. Teacup Chihuahuas and Miniature Spitz that weigh no more than one kilogram when fully grown. Unfortunately, it is often these breeds that are most prominently featured in the media. They are cute, always friendly, and even if they aren’t, they can’t do much damage.

I admit it, I too have fallen in love with a brachycephalic breed. The pug has captivated me with its incomparable personality.

A Small Dog With A Long History

The pug is an ancient breed, believed to have been bred as early as 600 BC in the imperial court of China. Along with the long-haired Pekingese, these small Molossers with curled tails, the so-called „Lo-Chiang-Sze,“ were the emperor’s lion dogs. Their sole purpose was to please and accompany their owners. The pug has always belonged on a cozy lap, preferably one with a throne beneath it. They are devoted companion dogs, with nerves of steel, always up to mischief, and have no desire to do anything for their owner other than make them smile. Except, of course, when there’s a fitting culinary reward. Because for food, a pug will do almost anything.

Initially, exporting these valuable dogs was strictly prohibited. However, as China began trading more with Western countries, some specimens made it to the Dutch royal court. The pug has always had close ties to the House of Orange. One story tells of the pug „Pompey,“ who saved his master, Prince Willem of Orange, from an assassination attempt by loudly barking and waking the prince. The prince was able to escape and was forever grateful to his loyal protector.

With King William III of the Netherlands, the first pugs arrived in Sweden and England around 1690. Once again, they were the dogs of the nobility and artists. There are countless paintings of little princes and princesses with their pugs. Queen Victoria and the Duke of Windsor were both great admirers of the breed. The pug was immortalized in oil paintings and praised in poems and songs. Even among the Freemasons in the 18th century, there was the „Pug Order.“ There, the pug symbolized loyalty, reliability, and steadfastness.

In modern times, pug lovers included fashion designer Valentino, Pablo Picasso, and actor Robin Williams. But most people probably first think of Loriot, who was completely enamored with pugs and coined the phrase, „A life without a pug is possible, but meaningless.“

Stories and poems were written about the pug, and like its owners, it was often not well regarded by the general public. The gene pool was small, and sadly, over time, the lively, short-nosed little dogs became more and more stout and flat-faced. If you search for pictures of pugs from the 18th century, you’ll usually see dogs with distinct snouts. Even their colors were more varied. It was only with the rise of purebred dog breeding and dog shows that the lively, cheerful dogs of earlier times became the unfortunate creatures we now know as pugs. The first British breed standard for pugs was established in 1867. Shortly after, the first pug breed club was founded. After centuries of popularity, the pug faced a crisis.

In the first edition of Alfred Brehm’s Animal Life, it was stated that the pug was „useless and good for nothing“ and should „go the way of all flesh,“ ranking the pug „lowest of all dogs.“ Brehm was no friend of the overbred breed. The pug became increasingly unpopular, and only a few breeders remained dedicated to it. The prices of purebred pugs skyrocketed. The lack of suitable breeding dogs made it necessary even back then to cross in Pinchers and Rat Terriers. The term „Old German Pug“ began to circulate.

A Shift in Dog Breeding Occurs

Slowly but surely, there is a shift in breeding practices. The genetic dead-end that most of our dog breeds now face makes this change inevitable.

Since 2014, breeding purebred pugs has been prohibited in the Netherlands. The Dutch government gave breeders several years to meet new criteria. Initially, it was allowed to breed a purebred pug with a longer-nosed dog of another breed. The aim of outcrossing was to quickly create a foundation of healthier dogs. Since 2019, this has also been prohibited. This means that both parent dogs must have an adequately long snout.

The snout must be at least 30% of the total skull length, provided there are no additional features of unhealthy breeding, such as a prominent nose bulge or protruding eyes. The appearance should resemble what the pug once looked like. Hence, the term „Retro Pug.“

Unfortunately, a longer nose alone does not solve all the pug’s problems. Attention must also be given to much firmer connective tissue. The excessive skin folding is not limited to the exterior, but also causes problems in the nasal and throat areas, as well as the inner ears. Many dogs suffer from herniated discs due to their excessively curled tails. So, it’s not just breathing that’s problematic!

The crossbreeding with other breeds is still heavily criticized by many, but the fact is that the pug will not become a healthy breed on its own.

In Germany, Parson Russell Terriers, Beagles, or Pinschers are used for this purpose. In the Netherlands, Shiba Inu, Patterdale Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers are also allowed. These breeds have not been as selectively bred for appearance and, therefore, have the necessary genetic diversity that the pug desperately needs.

However, as already mentioned, this is not entirely new. It is often criticized that crossbreeding with other breeds would result in completely changed animals. It is argued that it would be more sensible to cross the pug with other companion dog breeds instead of terriers, as the worst outcome would be a „terrier in a pug costume.“ I disagree. My dogs, and all the other Retro pugs I have met, were truly pugs in character.

Furthermore, at least in my opinion, most people have a completely false image of the true pug character. A pug is definitely not a couch potato. They are lively little characters with a great need for movement. Whether it’s a children’s birthday party or a dinner party, the pug always wants to be in the middle of it all. Hiking for hours or cuddling all day with a sick little one on the sofa? No problem, as long as they are with „their“ people. My dog trainer once said, „When you have a pug, you never go to the bathroom alone.“ However, you don’t have to take it that far.

But it’s true that many pugs have a hard time being left alone. Additionally, they really love each other. A whole pug pack is probably the dream of every pug lover.

Prejudice Concerning Pugs

The pug is a friend to people through and through. Well-socialized, they love children, elderly people, just everyone. Their family is sacred to them, but they also enjoy wrapping strangers around their paws. I’ve often seen my dogs enchant someone who said, „I don’t really like THEM.“

Also, the idea that a pug has no hunting instinct is simply nonsense. It is still a dog. The tragedy is that most of them cannot express it due to their disabilities!

Perhaps the Retro pug should not be seen as a rebreeding, but rather as a way to a meaningful future for a new, old breed.

Unfortunately, there are still many bad breeders who mate dogs indiscriminately just to sell the puppies for a profit. As always, it is essential to thoroughly research before buying a puppy!

A New Chance for Pugs

Currently, two „Retros“ live with our family. Both have their own unique character, just like any other dog. But both, despite the outcrossing of foreign breeds, are simply wonderful companion dogs. Strong-willed, gentle, and joyful.

I don’t believe that all the health problems the pug has accumulated over the centuries on its little chubby back can be solved in the short term through breeding work. That is simply not possible. But I do think that the pug is just as worth preserving as all of our other wonderful dog breeds, and this is the right way forward!