The Pug originated from China 400BC and were cherished pets of Buddhist Monks. Pugs first landed in Europe notably Holland, through William of Orange in the late 1500s before they reached the shores of England. A favoured pet amongst royalty, Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson, Queen Victoria and Josephine wife of Napoleon to name a few.
History of the lines
When the British overran the Chinese Empire, they found purer Chinese Pugs that were an all around better version of the European Pug. They brought many of these Pugs home with them and in 1860 two pugs were supposedly imported by the Marquis of Wellesley from “pure” Chinese lines known as “Lamb” and “Moss,” whom when bred together produced a most influential pug named “Click” that contributed to shaping the modern day pugs we see today. “Click” was owned by Mrs. Laura Mayhew of Twickenham, London.
The Pug can be traced back to two distinct strains from two rival breeders in England in the mid 19th century, the Willoughby and the Morrison.
Willoughby developed by Lord Willoughby d’Eresby, most well known pugs of this line were “Mops” and “Nell.”
Morrison was developed by Charles Morrison, most well known pugs from this line were “Punch” and “Tetty.”
Today the Pug is a much admired companion dog throughout the world and can also be seen participating in many performance activities displaying the versatility of this amazing little clown.