Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Black Pug: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

Black pug lying on the grass

Pugs are adorable, loyal, and love children. Their coats are simple to maintain and come in many colors. However, the color we’re going to concentrate on today is the Black Pug. This dog stands between 10 and 13 inches and reaches 14 to 18 pounds at full growth. With a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years, you can expect to have your furry friend around for quite some time.

In this guide, we’ll discuss a few facts about the Black Pug, as well as the history of the breed and more, so make sure to join us.

Height: 10 – 13 inches
Weight: 14 – 18 pounds
Lifespan: 13 – 15 years
Colors: Black
Suitable for: Families with children, apartment dwellers, homes with multiple dogs
Temperament: Loyal, playful, friendly, gets along with other pets, determined

Black Pugs are a dog breed that has been around for thousands of years. They are loyal, playful, and determined and get along well with other pets and children. Pugs of all colors require special attention and have specific needs, so if you decide to adopt one of these dogs, be prepared to meet those needs.

Black Pug Breed Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Divider 2

The Earliest Records of Black Pug in History

The Pug breed has been around for centuries, but dogs with black coats are a more recent development. The Pug originated in China over 2,000 years ago and quickly became a favorite of royal families. However, it’s unknown exactly when the Black Pug came onto the scene.

Many experts believe the Black Pug was first seen in the 1700s when a painter named William Hogarth featured quite a few Black Pugs in his paintings. Regardless of when they happened upon the scene, Black Pugs are popular little dogs and make wonderful pets.

How the Black Pug Gained Popularity

black pug
Image Credit: Toshi, Unsplash

Chinese emperors were so taken by the Pugs that they employed guards and servants to protect and care for them. From China, the Pug was exported to Japan, Russia, and eventually Europe. Around the time that Black Pugs were spotted in William Hogarth’s paintings, they started to gain popularity. When the Catholic Church forbade its members from becoming Freemasons, a secret Freemason society was formed called the Order of the Pug in 1740.

Because Pugs were becoming more common and were known for their trustworthiness and loyalty, the group chose the dog as their symbol. Supposedly, members had to wear collars and scratch on the meeting house door to be initiated in the society.

While they aren’t as popular as other Pugs and don’t come along as often, Black Pugs aren’t rare, and many people keep them as pets. After all, there is nothing cuter than this tiny black puppy crawling up on your lap and falling asleep while you watch TV.

Formal Recognition of the Black Pug

The Black Pug Dog breed is formally recognized by prominent kennel clubs in North America, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club. The AKC granted breed status to the Pug in 1885, and the dog has steadily become a favorite of American dog parents.

There are only two Pug colors that these organizations recognize: the Black Pug and the Fawn Pug. You can register your Black Pug in any of these associations and even put the dog in shows if you choose to.

Divider 4

Top 3 Unique Facts About the Black Pug

Now that you know a bit about the Black Pug and its origin, we’ll give you a few unique facts about this dog breed below.

1. They Are Used to the Royal Treatment

Black pug splooting on the floor
Image Credit: JumpStory

Whether it’s a Black Pug or another color, these pets are used to being treated like royalty. At least they were in China, where they sat on the laps of emperors. Though they aren’t royalty today, most Pugs are still treated that way by their pet parents.


2. Pugs and Bulldogs Aren’t Related

Even though they look the same, with their wrinkly faces and short builds, Pugs and Bulldogs are unrelated. Pugs are more closely related to the Pekingese Dog breed instead.


3. A Group of Pugs Is Called a Grumble

If you have a group of Pugs together, that group is called a grumble. We aren’t sure why, and we couldn’t find any explanation for why this is, but there it is all the same.

divider 10

Does the Black Pug Make a Good Pet?

The Black Pug makes an excellent pet for families. In fact, black or otherwise, the Pug is the 29th most popular dog out of 195 dog breeds, so that says something. Unfortunately, the Black Pug has specific needs and a few health issues. Since they’re brachycephalic dogs with flat faces, they can suffer from respiratory issues.

Although they need daily exercise, they should only be taken on short walks, especially in the summer. Also, they’re prone to obesity and vulnerable to allergic skin disorders due to their wrinkled skin.

These friendly dogs are suitable for any family and in pretty much any environment, so don’t be afraid to give one of these adorable creatures a forever home. Pugs are excellent around children and other animals, but it’s best to introduce them slowly to new pets to avoid confrontations.

Divider 7

Conclusion

The Black Pug is an incredible dog that has brightened the lives of people for thousands of years. While it isn’t a rare breed, it is less likely that you’ll find a Black Pug in a rescue shelter than a Fawn one. These dogs make great pets because they are easy-going, happy-go-lucky, and fun to be around. They have a few health issues and specific needs that you need to be on the lookout for, but if Chinese royalty thought these dogs were super amazing, then who are we to say they aren’t?

+Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: JumpStory

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database