Pug-dog.

Pug-dog. This breed of dog is generally supposed to have been brought over from Holland, where it is very common. Its origin there is unknown. The pug may be described as a miniature bulldog, though he differs in the shape of his ears, which should fall forward like a terrier's, and of his tail, which should curl tightly against his quarters. The broad under-jaw and wide skull of the bulldog are rarely seen, but should be present in a perfect specimen. Some years prior to 1860, when the pug was fashionable, Mr Morison of London and Lord Willoughby d'Eresby paid great attention to the breeding of pugs, and founded two distinct strains known as the Morison and Willoughby pugs. Large prices were paid for pure specimens of either strain, but when the fashion in ladies' dogs took another direction prices came rapidly down. The two strains have been so often recrossed that it is difficult to obtain a pure specimen now. The pug is only fit for a house-dog, as he is useless for any active work. Beyond a tendency to get very fat he is well fitted for this, as his short, smooth coat is easily cleaned, and he is a handy size.