For the first time ever, the Pug has risen up the ranks of pedigree popularity so that he now stands proudly on the Kennel Club's official top 20 most popular breeds in the UK.
With over 2,000 more Pug registrations in 2006, than in 1996, and a total of 12,609 Kennel Club Pug registrations during the last decade, the Pug's popularity is most definitely on the up.
The Pug is thought to have originated from the Orient, and his home country is believed to be China. In the early days the Pug was very popular with royalty and the aristocracy, but these days he has a strong following in all walks of life.
Celebrities love them too. Valentino, the fashion designer and owner of one of the world's most famous fashion houses adores dogs and is a big fan of the Pug. He owns six, and has endearingly named them with the same first letter; Margot, Maude, Monty, Molly, Milton, and Maggie. They even have their own bus to travel in as part of the great entourage.
Their flat features are what most find so appealing, as well as their 'cobby' body. Their dark eyes are large and globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, lustrous and, when excited, full of fire!
For breed aficionados, the signature curly tail is high-set, curled as tightly as possible over the hip, and the double curl is highly desirable.
The Pug is known for making a good companion for both young and old and for integrating easily and closely into family life. They are intelligent and sociable with great character; dignified, robust and self reliant.
He can talk with his eyes, has his mischievous moments, and usually lives to a ripe old age.
People with a penchant for Pugs are well catered for, with five Kennel Club registered breed clubs across the UK and over 30 Accredited Breeders. These are easy to The Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme provides reassurance to the puppy buyer that they are buying from a breeder who complies with the highest health and welfare standards, as set by the Kennel Club.
The total figure of pedigree dog breeds registered by the Kennel Club has reached its highest yet - 209, an increase from 207 last year