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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Decidedly square and cobby, it is ‘multum in parvo’ shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle, but never to appear low on legs, nor lean and leggy.

Characteristics
Great charm, dignity and intelligence.

Temperament
Even-tempered, happy and lively disposition.

Head and Skull
Head relatively large and in proportion to body, round, not apple-headed, with no indentation of skull. Muzzle relatively short, blunt, square, not upfaced. Nose black, fairly large with well open nostrils. Wrinkles on forehead clearly defined without exaggeration.  Eyes or nose never adversely affected or obscured by over nose wrinkle.  Pinched nostrils and heavy over nose wrinkle is unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.

Eyes
Dark, relatively large, round in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire. Never protruding, exaggerated or showing white when looking straight ahead.  Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears
Thin, small, soft like black velvet. Two kinds – ‘Rose ear’ – small drop-ear which folds over and back to reveal the burr. ‘Button ear’ – ear flap folding forward, tip lying close to skull to cover opening. Preference given to latter.

Mouth
Slightly undershot. Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line.  Wry mouths, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable and should be heavily penalised. 

Neck
Slightly arched to resemble a crest, strong, thick with enough length to carry head proudly.

Forequarters
Legs very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under body. Shoulders well sloped.

Body
Short and cobby, broad in chest.  Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Topline level neither roached nor dipping.

Hindquarters
Legs very strong, of moderate length, with good turn of stifle, well under body, straight and parallel when viewed from rear.

Feet
Neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split up toes; the nails black.

Tail
High-set, tightly curled over hip. Double curl highly desirable.

Gait/Movement
Viewed from in front should rise and fall with legs well under shoulder, feet keeping directly to front, not turning in or out. From behind action just as true. Using forelegs strongly putting them well forward with hindlegs moving freely and using stifles well. A slight unexaggerated roll of hindquarters typifies gait.  Capable of purposeful and steady movement.

Coat
Fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither harsh, off-standing nor woolly.

Colour
Silver, apricot, fawn or black. Each clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, trace (black line extending from occiput to tail) and mask. Markings clearly defined. Muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead and trace as black as possible.

Size
Ideal weight 6.3-8.1 kgs (14-18 lbs).  Should be hard of muscle but substance must not be confused with overweight.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. 

Last Updated - October 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• NORTHERN PUG DOG CLUB. Sec. Mr P Davis. Tel No: 01427 728464
• PUG DOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs A Nicholson. Tel No: 020 7352 2436
• SCOTTISH PUG DOG CLUB. Sec. Mr S Payne. Tel No: 01560 322119
• WALES & WEST OF ENGLAND PUG DOG CLUB. Sec. Mr J Phillips. Tel No: please contact the Kennel Club for details.
• WEST PENNINE PUG DOG CLUB. Sec: Mr G McAleny. Tel No: 0151 677 4324

Find A Puppy

Search for Kennel Club registered Pug puppies for sale in the UK

Find A Rescue

Search for Pug rescue societies for adopting and re-homing rescue dogs

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