The parent breed club, rather than the American Kennel Club (AKC), which acts in other ways in the dog show world, determines the breed standard for any dog breed in America. In the case of Pugs the Pug Dog Club of America determined the breed standard. It is only that club, as well as the efforts of ethical breeders, that can get any changes done for future Pugs. Pugs are small dogs with pushed-in faces and very curly tails.

There is controversy that a breed of dog like the Pug should no longer be bred because they are totally dependent on people for survival. Because of their short noses and wrinkly faces, they are often unable to even clean themselves. Many Pugs also have great breathing problems. But currently, the following is the current breed standard for all Pugs, whether they are dependent on their people for survival or not.
Look directly into the potential Pug's face. You should be turned into a puddle of warm goop inside. Pugs were bred to be cuter than nature intended a cute dog to be. They have big, lustrous black eyes, a button nose, a pushed in face with a nearly flat profile, and wrinkles all around the face. They have a slightly undershot bite and thin little semi-floppy ears. Due to the construction of their faces, they should make a lot more noise than the average dog.

The head will look too big for the legs, but will seem to be in proportion to the body. The skull should be round, broad like a little Bulldog and solid. The body should also be a bit round and broad like a little Bulldog. The topline (spine) should be level, with a curly tail. Ideally, the tail should completely curl, but this doesn't happen in all Pugs. Their legs look too short for their bodies, but not so stunted like a Dachshund's legs.
Another important aspect about Pugs featured in their breed standard is about their temperaments. This was a breed bred to be a companion pet, so they must get along very well with people and other dogs. Pugs are to be outgoing, even-tempered and full of charm. They love attention and often will move metaphorical mountains in order to be the center of everything. Although they are playful, they are not to get too carried away with silliness.

The breed standard is based on a fictional ideal Pug, so almost every Pug you meet is going to come up short in one point or more. Common faults include too long a nose, too tall or heavy a dog, an overshot or even bite instead of the preferred undershot bite, dewclaws, not enough curl in the tail, and not the right color or the right amount of colors in proportion to the desired body part. These Pugs, although not being able to win show trophies, still can win your heart as a pet.

Owning one Pug may lead to owning a couple of Pugs because they are such wonderful pets. It is a necessity to learn as much Pug information as you can before getting one for your family.

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