When people think of pugs, two images could come to mind: Tori Spelling and her beloved pug, Mimi La Rue, or the funny talking pug in Men in Black. But why do they make such great pets? Here, a little backstory behind the breed.
WHY WE LOVE THIS BREED:
"They're very funny," says Jean Joachim, a volunteer at Precious Pugs Adoption and Rescue. "They lend themselves to silliness. They're very loyal and will follow you all over the house."
Joachim, like many pug parents, first checked out the breed because it's small, portable and happy to be in an apartment. That makes them great sidekicks for celebrities to carry around.
Tori Spelling took her pug Mimi La Rue everywhere–including her wedding. The pug died June, 2008, but had 11 years of being loved, fashionable and famous.
""People everywhere knew her by name. I loved when fans wanted her over me. I felt proud!" Spelling told PEOPLE.
DOG GROUP: Toy
WEIGHT: 14 -18 pounds
LIFESPAN: 12-14 years
FAMOUS PUG PARENTS:
Tori Spelling
George Clooney
Paula Abdul -- Puggy Sue
Jessica Alba --Syd and Nancy
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen – Roxy
Billy Joel -- Sabrina
Chris Kirkpatrick --Busta
Lili Taylor–Gulliver
Maura Tierney --Rose Kennedy
Nathan Lane -- Mabel
Charlie Sheen's fiancée, Brooke Mueller
Mackenzie Phillips -- Max
Mickey Rourke -- Raphael
FAMOUS PUGS:
Frank -- Men in Black
Otis -- The Adventures of Milo and Otis
Weenie -- Eloise books and movie
BRED FOR:
The dogs were originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty. European royalty took up the pug habit when the dogs were brought back from China in the 16th and 19th centuries.
KEEP IN MIND:
Snub nose causes grunting and potential breathing problems. May face airline restrictions. May have to give birth by cesarean.
PUG GROUPS:
Activities
Rescue
Breeding
WHAT PUGS LIKE TO DO:
Pugs are not very active in sports, but pug parents love getting flocks of pugs together for fun or to raise money for rescue groups. "They don't have [any] other working function other than being with people and looking cute," says Joachim. "They're not hunters."
--Carol Vinzant
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