The birth of Pug or Pug It is shrouded in a certain mystery, as there are different theories about its origin and development as a race. For a long time, some experts indicated that it was originating from the Far EastWhile many others placed its origin in Europe. Currently, the most widely accepted theory is that it comes from ChinaFrom there it would have been transferred first to other areas of Asia and, later, introduced into different European countries.
The Pug is considered a descendant of the LuckyA breed similar to the Pekingese, with a flat snout and small size. These dogs were already present in China in very ancient times, and during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) el Carlino reached its peakIt was then called Fu or Foo and became high society petHe lived among royalty and was considered a sacred being He was even decorated with noble titles and attended by his own servants, as if he were another member of the court.
It was a pet typical of the wealthiest families, although it was also very present in the Tibetan monasteriesHence, the origin of this breed is linked to that of the Tibetan Mastiff and to the dogs of Buddhist monks. The Buddhists believed that these animals They kept evil spirits away. and they protected the temples, so they were allowed to live within the sacred precincts and share daily life with the monks.
Its sacred nature is demonstrated in various works of art such as sculptures and paintings, as well as in porcelain figurines of great value that they represent in very everyday attitudes. It was believed that these animals attracted the good luck and they protected those around them from evil spirits. There was even a belief that the distinctive wrinkles on their skin could predict important eventsSome proponents of this superstition claimed to see words like "prince" drawn between the folds of the dog's back or forehead.
The Pug in Imperial China and its expansion across Asia
In imperial China, the ancestors of the Pug were treated almost like members of royaltyMany of them lived in palaces, were guarded by sentries, and had servants dedicated exclusively to their care. nutrition and careSpecimens with flat snouts, compact bodies, and affectionate characters were selected, laying the foundation for the morphology we recognize today in the modern Pug.
Flat-faced dogs were known by names such as Lo-sze or Happa, and were especially appreciated for their unique appearance and for its balanced temperament. It was in this context that the custom of using the Pug as a... also arose. luxury gift On special occasions. At celebrations such as weddings of members of the court, promotions, or political alliances, it was common for high dignitaries to exchange these dogs as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
Over time, these small dogs began to travel beyond the grand palaces to other Asian territories. It is documented that specimens of flat-faced dogs similar to the Pug were sent from China to Japan and other nearby regions as part of diplomatic and commercial exchanges. In this way, the Pug went from being an almost exclusive dog of the court to spread throughout Asia, without losing its connection to the nobility or its reputation as a protective animal.
The Pug arrives in the West and the origin of the name “Pug”
With the intensification of trade between East and West, especially through European trading companies, this dog began to appear in various European ports. At first, it was known as “Dutch Mastiff” because of its arrival through merchants from the Netherlands, but very soon it acquired its own name.
In the West, it began to be known as "Pug"This term was the nickname for the marmoset monkey, a very common pet at that time. According to experts, it is likely that the flat and expressive face of the Pug It reminded them of these small apes, which would have led to them sharing a nickname. There is another theory that says this word comes from Latin. pugnus, meaning fist, referring to the dog's wrinkled face, which might resemble a closed fist.
There are also those who maintain that the term Pug could derive from the English word pug-nose, used to refer to a snub noseor even from old affectionate nicknames like "pugge." In any case, all these theories agree in linking the name to the flat snout and singular expression Of the dog.
In some European countries, the Pug received other names. In several areas of Central Europe, it was called pugThe name comes from Mopshund, referring to its wrinkled and somewhat grumpy expression. This term is still used in some countries to refer to the breed.
Why is it called Carlino and its presence in European nobility
In Europe the breed maintained its high status, becoming a dog typical of the nobility and the upper bourgeoisieNot only was it a company highly regarded for its affable nature, but also a symbol of distinctionHe was often portrayed alongside elegant ladies in paintings, engravings, and porcelain pieces, giving us an idea of what he looked like in different eras.
The Pug acquired the name of Carlino in France, thanks to the Italian actor Carlo Bertinazzi "Carlin", famous for his portrayal of Harlequin in popular plays in Paris. During the performance he wore a black mask which the public found similar to the dark muzzle of this friendly dog. From then on, in France and later in other Spanish-speaking countries, the dog began to be known as a Carlino.
Besides its presence on theatrical stages and in aristocratic salons, the Pug also gave its name to a secret society formed by Catholics in Europe who adopted the image of the Pug as a symbol of loyalty and tenacityThis detail shows the extent to which race was ingrained in the culture and social life of the upper classes.
In several European royal houses, he came to be considered almost a official court dogThere is evidence of Pug lineages that accompanied kings and queens in public events, were seen at receptions and, above all, were very pampered companion animals in the privacy of palaces and residences.
The Pug in Spain and its mark on art
A Spain The Pug would probably arrive from Portugal, a country that maintained close trade ties with ChinaThey arrived at the end of XV centuryand then they were designated by the name of "Doguillos"They began appearing very early in portraits of noble and bourgeois families. The painter Francisco de Goya depicted them on several occasions alongside their owners, which confirms the popularity of the breed among the highest social strata.
The pug's presence in European painting is very abundant. Goya, for example, includes it in works where its... compact body, the coiled tail on its back and its proud bearing. Other artists, such as Hogarth or various court painters, also depicted it in portraits and family scenes, and the breed became popular in porcelain figurines of high quality, especially in centers like Meissen and Dresden.
Porcelain pieces depicting Pugs usually show the dog in very natural posesScratching themselves, nursing their puppies, or resting. Some ancient figures even depict these dogs with necklaces adorned with bellsreflecting the luxury with which they were usually treated. Currently, many of these works are collectibles very valuable.
The Pug's influence on art is not limited to painting and porcelain. It also appears in snuffboxes, paperweights, engravings and decorative sculpturesIts compact silhouette and expressive face have made this breed one of the most represented in artistic and decorative objects throughout the centuries.
This entire historical and cultural journey helps to understand why the Carlino or Pug is today a much-loved companion dogIts past, linked to emperors, monks, nobles, artists, and collectors, gives it a unique aura of elegance, charisma and friendliness that continues to win over homes around the world.