Pug Breed Standard

**As set forth by the American Kennel Club effective June 3, 2008

The Pug breed Standard put forth by the American Kennel Club is as follows:

Toy Group
AKC recognized in 1885
Weight: between 14 to 18 pounds

General Appearance

Symmetry and general appearance should be square. Objectionable appearances are considered a lean leggy Pug, or a pug with short legs and a long body.

Size, Proportion, Substance

The Pug should be of compact form, well proportioned and hardy muscle development. Weight should be between 14 and 18 pounds.

Head

The head is large and massive.  The eyes should be very large, dark in color, and appear healthy.  The ears should be like “black velvet.  Wrinkles should be deep and large.  The muzzle is blunt and square, and the bite should be slightly undershot.

Neck, Topline, Body

The neck is arched. It is strong and thick but with enough length to carry the head proudly. The back is level from the withers to the tail. The body is short and wide in chest. The tail is curled over the hip. The double curl is considered perfection.

Front Legs

The legs are strong and straight. 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.

Back Legs

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.

Coat

The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither hard nor woolly.

Color

The colors are fawn or black.  The fawn color should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and the trace and 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.

Disqualifications: Any color other than fawn or black.