Pug Breed Standard

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Pug

The Kennel Club Picture Library - © Pedigree Petfoods

General Appearance
Decidedly square and cobby, it is ‘multum in parvo’ shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle.

Characteristics
Great charm, dignity and intelligence.

Temperament
Even-tempered, happy and lively disposition.

Head and Skull
Head large, round, not apple-headed, with no indentation of skull. Muzzle short, blunt, square, not upfaced. Wrinkles clearly defined.

Eyes
Dark, very large, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire.

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. Wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable. Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line.

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, wide in chest and well ribbed. 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
(Twist) High-set, curled as tightly as possible 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 roll of hindquarters typifies gait.

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

Colour
Silver, apricot, fawn or black. Each clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, trace (black line extending from occiput to twist) 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).

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 - March 1994


Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.


Recommended Reading

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

Breed Standards

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.

 Illustrated Breed Standards

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards

Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts.

This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each 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 M Dover. Tel No: 01938 554056

 

 

Date:
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Categories:
Discover Dogs, Toy Group 

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