If ever there were animals that look the way their breed name sounds, they're Pug dogs.
It's fitting that Pug dogs have just three letters in their name, and they are about as small as their name is short. But, just as the word "Pug" is brief and to the point, so is the outlook of this dog that is growing in popularity - thanks to some great media exposure. They are quick, happy dogs with plenty of affection to go around.
Pug dogs have been man's companion for about as long as any dog alive. Many dog authorities claim Pugs have been around between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago. Like so many dogs enjoying new-found popularity today -- the Shiba Inu, Akitas, Chinese Crested, Chinese Shar Pei -- Pug dogs originated in what once was called the Orient.
Pugs emerged as pets of royalty. They were said to have been kept by Chinese emperors, often as guard dogs to alert palace residents. European traders were said to have brought Pugs home with them, where the royalty there embraced their good humor and intelligence.
Another school of thought claims that Pug dogs are scaled-down descendents of the French Mastiffs.
Pugs quickly became adored by the European elite. Napoleon's wife Josephine had a favorite Pug. Since Queen Victoria loved her Pugs, they became among the favorite dogs of the Victorian era.
Like many other popular dog breeds, Pugs seemed to fall out of favor for a while. But, people today have renewed their appreciation of Pug dogs, which stand between 10" and 14" tall and weigh in at a compact 13-20 lbs.
The American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) reports that Pug dogs are the 12th most popular dog in the U.S. with more than 23,000 registered in 2004. People living in apartments like the small size of this breed.
But, don't let their diminutive size fool you. 
Pug dogs embody the Latin phrase multum in parvo, which translates to "much in little". They have no idea they are small. They see themselves as big as any visitor and certainly any other dog. But, while they may sound and act bold, they are primarily sweet canine companions content to spend much of their time close to people, if not to you.
Pugs are owned by a number of famous folk, including Ted Danson, Jenna Elfman and Jenna Von Oy.
Lately Hollywood seems to have discovered a new leading dog. Pugs have starred in several movies, most notably "Men In Black" and "Men In Black II". Pug dogs also enjoyed star turns in "Pocahontas" and "The Adventures of Milo and Otis". And, a Pug was a regular on the BBC hit, "The Eastenders".
Not all Pug dogs will or even wish to wind up on the silver screen. Instead, they are happy to be small dogs with big hearts, happy to be your constant co-star.
