GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: approx. 33-36cm (13”-14”).
Colour: Black, silver, apricot or fawn with a black mask and black trace along the back. Black moles are found on the cheeks and a thumb mark on the forehead.
Coat: Fine, short, smooth soft and glossy. Gait: Fore and hind legs to move straight and freely, with a slight roll in the hindquarters.
These solid, square little dogs are required to be ‘multum in parvo’ or ‘much in little’. They are quite sturdy and weigh up to 8kg (18lb). The massive head is round with a short, square, blunt muzzle. The forehead must be covered with deep wrinkles and framed by small black ‘Button’ ears which fold forward. (‘Rose’ shaped ears folding back are acceptable but are not preferred.) The bodies must be short and the legs strong and muscular. The high set tail is curled tightly over the hip, preferably in a double curl.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The sturdiest of the toy breeds, these chunky fellows ooze love, affection and loyalty. They make excellent pets for children and due to their intelligent happy disposition, easily adapt to apartmentor country life. In some cases, their flat faces make breathing difficult, so care must be taken to see they are not over exercised in hot weather. The coat is very easy to look after, however the toe nails should not be allowed to get too long.
HISTORY 
They are of Oriental origin with certain constructional characteristics similar to the Pekingese. Evolved in Chinese Buddhist monasteries, they have been depicted on scrolls as far back as 400 BC. It is believed they made their way to Europe, in particular to Holland, with the Turkish fleet in 1553, or possibly via Dutch ships in the China trade. Conjecture aside, it was in Holland that these miniature mastiffs became established and then later in Germany where they acquired the name of ‘mops’ (angry looking). In Italy, they became known as a ‘Carlin’. During Napoleonic times, to own a Pug was a fashion statement in itself.