Brindle Pug: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History
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Pugs are those adorable, small, yet stocky dogs with curled tails and smooshed-in faces! You’ve likely seen them primarily as black- or fawn-colored dogs, but did you know that they can also come in brindle?
In this article, we take a closer look at the Brindle Pug, as well as go over the Pug’s history, their temperament, and whether they make good pets.
| Height: | 10 – 13 inches |
| Weight: | 14 – 18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Black, fawn |
| Suitable for: | Families or single people in houses or apartments |
| Temperament: | Playful, charming, loving, friendly, social, mischievous |
The Brindle Pug is just like any other Pug, with the exception of their coat color. The brindle coloring is actually a coat pattern that can be found in dogs, cats, cattle, guinea pigs, and occasionally, horses. The unique striping pattern is why these dogs are sometimes referred to as “tiger striped.”
Pugs are the epitome of lapdogs, as they were bred to sit on royal laps and have continued in this important position to this day.
Brindle Pug Breed Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Pugs in History
The Pug is an ancient breed that goes back as far as 2,000 years in Ancient China. Flat-faced dogs were all the rage during that time period, with the Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Pug quickly becoming the favorites of emperors as royal lap warmers.
The ancient ancestor to the Pug was known as Lo-sze, otherwise known as the “Foo [or Fu] Dog,” a mythical lion-dog that guards and protects temples and palaces from negative energy.
They were important enough that it’s been said that the Pugs of a Chinese emperor and his family were so beloved, they were given their own military protection and armed escort. They were also found in Tibetan monasteries with Tibetan monks.
Pugs were only available to the imperial court until the 1500s, when China started trading with Europe. Dutch traders brought Pugs back to Europe with them.
How Pugs Gained Popularity
Once the Pugs were brought to Europe in the 16th century, their popularity grew, starting with royalty across the European continent.
Their popularity spread from China to Japan, Russia, and England. They were the perfect breed for royal courts because they were easy to care for, and their small size and adaptability made them an ideal companion.
The aunt of Russia’s Catherine the Great took her Pugs to church. Queen Victoria of England kept Pugs, as did Marie Antoinette. It was even said that Prince William the Silent of Holland had his life saved by his Pug, which alerted him to assassins while he slept.
This breed was also immortalized in the paintings of William Hogarth, Goya, and Reinagle. Today, Pugs are still incredibly popular all over the world. Many celebrities own Pugs and show them off on social media.
People from Rob Zombie and Billy Joel to Jessica Alba are all proud Pug owners. There are even Pugs that are celebrities themselves, like Doug the Pug.
Formal Recognition of Pugs
The Pug was introduced to the United States sometime after the Civil War, which ended in 1865. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pug in 1885.
By the early 1900s, their popularity took a dip, but dedicated breeders kept the Pug going until they regained their popularity. The Pug Dog Club of America was eventually founded in 1931, and the rest is history.
Top 8 Unique Facts About Brindle Pugs
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes two colors in the Pug: fawn and black, which includes a black face mask in both the black and fawn colors. However, they do not recognize the brindle color.
- Bridle isn’t exactly a color but more of a pattern. It has stripes of gray or black color with another, lighter color. Most often, it’s a combination of black and silver, but it can be black and fawn or apricot.
- There’s often a question about whether a Brindle Pug is purebred, which is why the AKC doesn’t recognize the pattern. This also makes them a rare find, and it’s believed that only 1% of Pugs are brindle.
- A group of Pugs is called a grumble. No one knows why they are called this, though some people believe that it might be from all the funny grunting and snorting sounds that they make.
- The Dutch House of Orange named the Pug as their official dog breed, since Prince William the Silent of Holland had his life saved by his Pug.
- Pugs have wrinkled faces on purpose. Chinese breeders wanted to create a specific pattern for the Chinese character for “prince.”
- Napoleon was bitten by a Pug! His wife, Josephine, had a Pug named Fortune that bit Napoleon after Josephine refused to remove her beloved dog from their bed on their wedding night.
- In 1740, the Roman Catholics formed a secret fraternity group that they called the Order of the Pug, as the Pug was considered loyal and trustworthy.
Does the Brindle Pug Make a Good Pet?
Yes, they do! They suit almost any home and environment, as their size can work in a small condo or large home. They are definitely a popular breed for city dwellers. They do require walks and exercise, especially since they are prone to obesity, but they only need a moderate amount of exercise.
They were bred as companions and lapdogs, but they also can act clownish at times, so they’re the perfect entertainer! While they love being couch potatoes, Pugs are also playful and great with children. They get along well with other pets and aren’t known to be barkers. However, they won’t hesitate to alert you if something is amiss, so they are excellent watchdogs.
Grooming is easy due to their short coats, but you should be aware that they are prone to several serious health concerns. Pugs are brachycephalic because of their flat faces, so they can have breathing issues. They shouldn’t be exercised too much in hot weather or overexerted in any way. Their large adorable eyes can also be cause for concern, and they are susceptible to various eye problems.
But overall, Pugs are loving, charming, and intelligent little dogs that love being around their people and are friendly with almost everyone they meet.
Conclusion
Brindle Pugs have the same temperament and care requirements as any other Pug — their color pattern is what sets them apart. This is an eye-catching dog and will likely be the highlight in your neighborhood. But they are rare, and you might need to pay more because of that.
Pugs in general make excellent companions and are adaptable to almost any situation. So, if you want to bring a Pug into your life, consider adopting a rescue Pug, even though they likely won’t have a brindle coat. You’ll still end up with a devoted and loving friend!
See Also:
- Apricot Pug: Pictures, Facts & History
- Treeing Tennessee Brindle: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
Featured Image Credit: Fion Ho, Shutterstock
