The Pug Breed Standard
Toy Group

General Appearance
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, Topline, 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.

Information from AKC