Pug

Pug is not just an ordinary dog. The Pug originated in China and was once a pet of nobles in the imperial court, being very popular during the Song dynasty. Later, it spread throughout China, and Tibetan monks also raised Pugs in their monasteries (details). Legend has it that in ancient times, Pugs were used as gifts, playing a significant role in diplomacy between countries.

Is it surprising to think of dogs as messengers, something unheard of and unseen? As early as 200 BC during the Han dynasty, China traded with the West. China established trade relations with Portugal in 1516, Spain in 1575, and the Netherlands in 1604. During Emperor Kangxi's reign, Peter the Great sent ambassadors to China. It is said that the Chinese envoy responsible for receiving the Russian delegation was very fond of dogs and kept many; because Russians were also very interested in these interesting little dogs, they gifted one or two when the Russian delegation departed.

However, those who truly brought the Pug to Europe were likely Portuguese and Spanish sailors, as well as Dutch merchants who realized the broad market potential of this small dog in Europe. At that time, keeping a Pug was a royal privilege, and records show these individuals even used illegal means to lure these dogs out from the palace, and some foreigners were imprisoned for this.

Subsequently, this cheerful little dog became the darling of many European monarchs and sparked a trend of keeping Pugs among the British upper class. Research suggests that the earliest Pugs were larger with slimmer legs compared to today’s Pugs, who are mainly a result of partial breeding modifications by the British.