Most Pugs Don’t Match The Breed Standard

The parent breed club, rather than the American Kennel Club (AKC), which acts in other ways in the dog show world, determines the breed standard for any dog breed in America. In the case of Pugs the Pug Dog Club of America determined the breed standard. It is only that club, as well as the efforts of ethical breeders, that can get any changes done for future Pugs. Pugs are small dogs with pushed-in faces and very curly tails.

There is controversy that a breed of dog like the Pug should no longer be bred because they are totally dependent on people for survival. Because of their short noses and wrinkly faces, they are often unable to even clean themselves. Many Pugs also have great breathing problems. But currently, the following is the current breed standard for all Pugs, whether they are dependent on their people for survival or not.
Look directly into the potential Pug's face. You should be turned into a puddle of warm goop inside. Pugs were bred to be cuter than nature intended a cute dog to be. They have big, lustrous black eyes, a button nose, a pushed in face with a nearly flat profile, and wrinkles all around the face. They have a slightly undershot bite and thin little semi-floppy ears. Due to the construction of their faces, they should make a lot more noise than the average dog.

The head will look too big for the legs, but will seem to be in proportion to the body. The skull should be round, broad like a little Bulldog and solid. The body should also be a bit round and broad like a little Bulldog. The topline (spine) should be level, with a curly tail. Ideally, the tail should completely curl, but this doesn't happen in all Pugs. Their legs look too short for their bodies, but not so stunted like a Dachshund's legs.

The Pug officially only comes in three colors, but pet Pugs often have smudged or indistinct colors and sometimes small patches of white. Show Pugs have very distinct colors that don't blur into each other. The three official colors are all black, fawn with a black facemask and silver. The latter is very rare, which is a kind of light gray with a black facemask. Pet Pugs often have dewclaws, while show Pugs do not.

Pug information such as the breed standard will also be clear on recognizing a Pug by temperament as well as bodily features. Unless a Pug has been severely abused, they won't turn vicious. They are, for the most part, friendly, charming, very personable and get along with all kinds of species. They seem to thrive on being stared at and adored. Pugs will often seem to smile when they are pleased with how they have blessed the world with their presence.


Jenny Donaldson has published hundreds of dog-related articles, including dozens on Pugs. A Pug makes a great family pet and is reasonably easy to care for. It is a necessity to learn as much Pug information as you can before getting one for your family.