Pugs: Austrian Or Not? A Historical Perspective

Pugs are an ancient breed of dog, with roots dating back to 400 BC in China. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century and became popular in Western Europe, owing to their association with royal families such as the House of Orange of the Netherlands and the House of Stuart. Pugs are known for their distinctive physical features, including a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a curled tail. They are considered to be sociable and gentle companion dogs, with an even-tempered and charming personality. While their exact origins are unclear, there are several theories about how they got their name. In Austria, a country with a long history of developing and breeding prized dogs, pugs are legislated against as part of a law called Qualzucht or torture breeding, which aims to regulate the breeding of snub-nosed dogs.

Pugs were bred in ancient China, not Austria

Pugs are not Austrian, but Chinese. The breed has its roots in ancient China, dating back to 400 B.C. or even 2000 years ago, according to some sources. Pugs were once the companions of Chinese emperors and were highly valued by the royal families. They were later brought to Europe in the 16th century by the Dutch East India Company and became popular in Western Europe, particularly with royalty.

The Pug is a physically distinctive breed with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a curled tail. Their coats are fine and glossy and come in various colours, most commonly fawn or black. Pugs are known for their sociable and gentle nature, and their intelligence and liveliness have made them popular companion dogs. However, their distinct physical traits have also made them susceptible to various health issues.

The name "pug" may have come from the Latin "pugnus," meaning "fist," as early Pugs were cropped, resulting in a head that resembled a closed fist when viewed from the side. Another theory suggests that the breed was named after the marmoset monkey, a popular exotic pet in the 18th century, also known as the "Pug-monkey." The Pug's flat face may have loosely resembled that of the primate.

Austria has a long history of developing and breeding dogs, particularly those valued for their intelligence, athleticism, and hunting abilities. Some examples of Austrian dog breeds include the Alpine Dachsbracke, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound, and the Austrian Pinscher. These breeds were developed primarily as hunting companions or working dogs and are known for their endurance, strength, and intelligence.

Pugs were brought to Europe in the 16th century

Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the 16th century. It is believed that they were introduced to the continent by Portuguese traders, who brought the dogs to Holland. From there, they spread to other parts of Western Europe, including the United Kingdom, where they became popular with royalty.

In Europe, Pugs were popularized by the House of Orange of the Netherlands and the House of Stuart. In 1572, a Pug named Pompey saved the life of the Prince of Orange by alerting him to the approach of assassins. As a result, Pugs became the official dog of the House of Orange.

When William III and Mary II left the Netherlands to accept the throne of England in 1688, they brought a Pug with them. This Pug may have been bred with the old-type King Charles spaniel, contributing to the modern King Charles Spaniel's pug-like characteristics.

Pugs became popular at European courts, known for their distinctive physical features and their sociable and gentle nature. They were bred as lapdogs and are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please their owners.

Pugs are susceptible to health issues due to their physical traits

Pugs are susceptible to a wide range of health issues due to their distinctive physical traits. Their bulging eyes, curly tail, squished face, and folds of skin make them one of the most unique-looking dog breeds. However, these very characteristics also bring about various health concerns.

One of the most pressing issues is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which affects brachycephalic (short-muzzled) breeds like pugs. BOAS is a respiratory disorder characterised by airway abnormalities such as narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, an enlarged tongue, and a reduced windpipe size. Pugs with BOAS may experience difficulty exercising, sensitivity to heat, noisy and laboured breathing, and gastrointestinal issues. Surgery can be performed in severe cases to improve airflow and shorten the soft palate.

Additionally, the structure of a pug's eyes makes them more vulnerable to eye infections and injuries. Their large, protruding eyes are susceptible to corneal ulcers, entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), and dry eye. Corneal ulcers can cause intense pain and, if left untreated, may even lead to eye removal. Entropion can cause blindness if not corrected through surgery. Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, requires lifelong treatment with eye drops to stimulate tear production.

Pugs are also prone to skin fold dermatitis and infections due to their wrinkled faces and skin folds. Bacteria and yeast can accumulate in these folds, leading to infections with symptoms such as scratching, rubbing, low energy, loss of appetite, and tremors. Staph infections, which can be transmitted to humans in rare cases, are another concern. Regular cleaning of the skin folds with medicated wipes or damp washcloths is essential to prevent these issues.

Furthermore, pugs often suffer from dental problems due to their crowded teeth. They are at high risk for periodontal disease and require diligent dental care, including daily teeth brushing and regular veterinary check-ups.

Orthopedic issues, such as hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, are also common in pugs. Hip dysplasia, a genetic disease, causes looseness in the hip joint, resulting in a limping gait and pain. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is caused by blood flow issues to the femur bone in the hind leg, leading to hip joint disintegration and osteoarthritis. Both conditions can cause significant pain and may require surgery, physical therapy, or pain management.

Lastly, pugs are susceptible to cancer, specifically oral melanoma and mast cell tumours (MCTs). MCTs are common in middle- to senior-aged dogs and often appear as red or swollen lumps that fluctuate in size. Oral melanoma is typically diagnosed in older dogs but is also a concern for younger pugs. It is characterised by bleeding masses or lumps in the mouth or on the cheeks. Early detection and treatment are vital for both types of cancer.

Overall, pugs are predisposed to various health issues due to their unique physical traits, and owners must be diligent in providing the necessary care and veterinary attention to ensure their pug's health and well-being.

Austria has banned 'torture breeding'

Pugs originated in China and were probably only given their name once they were assimilated into Europe. In 2015, Austria legislated against "Qualzucht" or "torture breeding" in German. The law is detailed in a brochure called "Kurznasen, Hautfalten und Glubschaugen – nicht süβ, sondern gequält!: Wichtige Informationen über das Verbot der Qualzucht" ("Short noses, skin folds and protruding eyes – not cute, but afflicted!: Important information about the prohibition of torture breeding").

Austria has banned torture breeding, which refers to the breeding practices that result in dogs with grotesquely flattened snouts, like pugs. Torture breeding is the promotion of traits in animals that inflict pain, suffering, harm, or anxiety. This includes breeding animals with foreseeable pain, distress, harm, or anxiety, and genetic abnormalities. Pugs are specifically mentioned in the Austrian brochure as an example of a snub-nosed dog.

Austria, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland have passed laws to restrict torture breeding, and the Netherlands has made it illegal to breed about 20 types of dogs that are intentionally bred with flat faces. The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, and Vets Against Brachycephalism have called on cities and countries to ban torture breeding.

The process of creating flat-faced dogs is cruel and often requires artificial insemination and cesarean sections because the puppies' heads cannot fit through the birth canal. These dogs are also more likely to die under anesthesia. Banning torture breeding aims to protect dogs from suffering and painful health issues, such as brachycephalic syndrome, sleep apnea, gagging, vomiting, fainting, dental issues, eye problems, laryngeal collapse, and heart strain.

Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds in Austria

Pugs are an ancient breed, with roots dating back to 400 B.C. in China. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century by the Dutch East India Company and were popularized in Western Europe by the House of Orange of the Netherlands and the House of Stuart. Pugs became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572 when a Pug named Pompey saved the life of the Prince of Orange by alerting him to the approach of assassins.

Pugs have physically distinctive features, including a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a curled tail. Their coats are typically fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn, or black, with clearly defined markings. They are known for their even temperaments and charming personalities. Pugs are also intelligent, lively, and well-balanced with proper exercise. They are very attentive, eager to please their owners, and playful.

In Austria, the popularity of Pugs is reflected in their influence on Austrian culture and history. The Austrian Pinscher, for example, was developed in the 19th century by combining the German Pinscher with local farm dogs. While the Austrian Pinscher is not as popular outside of Austria, it remains a beloved companion for many Austrians.

Pugs have also faced some challenges in Austria due to health concerns. The country has legislated against "Qualzucht," or "torture breeding," which aims to change the physical features of animals to make them more "pleasing" to humans. This practice has led to breathing problems, eye injuries, and other health issues in Pugs. As a result, the Austrian government has taken steps to regulate the breeding of snub-nosed dogs, including Pugs, to improve their health and well-being.

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