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Oct 2, 2009

AKC Pug Standards - Is Your Pug Up to Breed Standards?

As with other breeds, the AKC Pug standards are clearly defined. However, not every pug falls withint the guidelines. Of course, this has little meaning unless you plan to show or breed your pug. Here are the AKC pug standards:

A pug will have the general appearance of being square and the length of the dog must be equal to or less than the height of the dog.

There is no mistaking the head of a Pug as it is round and will also be very large. It will also have large, deep wrinkles that are the trademark of the animal. The eyes of the dog should be very large, round and dark in appearance. Almost as though you have two black marbles staring back at you. A Pug's ears will be soft, thin and very small. The bit of the dog will be slightly undershot.

The dog should have a full grown weight of no more than 18 pounds and no less than 14 pounds on average regardless of its gender. It will also be very muscular and compact.

The forequarters of the dog are also very distinct in that they are medium in length, straight and will have a very strong appearance as they sit well under the form of the dog. The toes will be set apart and have black nails with feet that are not as long as a hare nor will they have the roundness of a cat. When viewed from the side, the forequarter elbows will be under the weathers.

The feet of the hindquarters will be the same as the forequarters and they will also appear very strong and powerful. The legs will be parallel in appearance from behind and the dog's buttocks will be full and extremely muscular.

The body of the dog will be very wide and well ribbed along with a straight arch to the neck. The neck should be powerful and proudly hold up the head of the animal. A perfect tail will feature two curls on the hip, but one curl is the norm.

The dog comes in a variety of colors: silver, black and apricot-fawn. The coat of the dog is defined as fine hair with a glossy finish. It will not be hard hair, rather soft, short and smooth in nature.

Pugs are known for their playful temperament and are very loving in nature. The personality of the dog is often characterized as charming and dignified.

When viewing the animal from the front, you will see a strong gait that shows no weakness in its pasterns with squared paws that point straight ahead. There will be no awkward twisting or turning in the hind action as it is strong and free.

Observing the markings of a pug will let you see features that are clearly defined as adhereing to AKC pug standards. Regardless of the coat color of the animal, its mask will be black and intense, the more the better. There should also be a black trace that will run the distance from the occiput to the tail that is the same dark color of the mask.By Patricia Wigsten