Symmetry and general appearance are decidedly square and cobby. A lean, leggy
Pug and a dog with short legs and a long body are equally objectionable.
Size, Proportion, Substance
The Pug should be
multum in parvo, and this condensation (if the word may be used) is shown by
compactness of form, well knit proportions, and hardness of developed muscle.
Weight from 14 to 18 pounds (dog or bitch) desirable. Proportion square.
Head
The head is large,
massive, round-not apple-headed, with no indentation of the skull. The eyes are
dark in color, very large, bold and prominent, globular in shape, soft and
solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and, when excited, full of fire. The
ears are thin, small, soft, like black velvet. There are two kinds-the "rose"
and the "button." Preference is given to the latter. The wrinkles are large and
deep. The muzzle is short, blunt, square, but not upfaced. Bite-A Pug's bite
should be very slightly undershot.
Neck, Top-line, Body
The neck is slightly
arched. It is strong, thick, and with enough length to carry the head proudly.
The short back is level from the withers to the high tail set. The body is short
and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed up. The tail is curled as tightly as
possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.
Forequarters
The legs are very
strong, straight, of moderate length, and are set well under. The elbows should
be directly under the withers when viewed from the side. The shoulders are
moderately laid back. The pasterns are strong, neither steep nor down. The feet
are neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat;
well split-up toes, and the nails black. Dewclaws are generally removed.
Hindquarters
The strong, powerful hindquarters have moderate bend of stifle and short hocks
perpendicular to the ground. The legs are parallel when viewed from behind. The
hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs and buttocks are
full and muscular. Feet as in front.
Coat
The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither hard nor woolly.
Color
The colors are silver, apricot-fawn, or black. The silver or apricot-fawn colors
should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and the
trace and the mask.
Markings
The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks,
thumb mark or diamond on forehead, and the back trace should be as black as
possible. The mask should be black. The more intense and well defined it is, the
better. The trace is a black line extending from the occiput to the tail.
Gait
Viewed from the front, the forelegs should be carried well forward, showing no
weakness in the pasterns, the paws landing squarely with the central toes
straight ahead. The rear action should be strong and free through hocks and
stifles, with no twisting or turning in or out at the joints. The hind legs
should follow in line with the front. There is a slight natural convergence of
the limbs both fore and aft. A slight roll of the hindquarters typifies the gait
which should be free, self-assured, and jaunty.
Temperament
This is an even-tempered breed, exhibiting stability, playfulness, great charm,
dignity, and an outgoing, loving disposition.
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