This breed was first imported to England by traders from the Dutch East India Company and was originally thought to have been of Dutch origin. Thinking it indigenous to Holland it was sometimes called the Dutch Pug. Actually the origin of the breed is Oriental and initial specimens were acquired by seamen from Dutch trading ships that sailed to the Far East.

The Pug wears Mastiff colours except for the solid black variety which is said to have been the result of an infusion of genetic material from black Japanese Pugs, a breed similar to the Japanese Toy Spaniel.

Where the breed name came from is anybody's guess, but it has been suggested that the pushed in nose led to the whimsical thought that the typical facial expression was similar to that of a well punished pugilist or "pug".

Two of the leading sponsors of the breed in England led to a pair of famous breed strains, the Willoughby and the Morrison. The Pug is a good show dog and has proven to be an excellent competitor in the obedience ring. Care must be taken that, with maturity they do not become too fat and lacking in dash.