Origin
Originally bred in China, over a thousand years ago, the Pug was brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company. In Europe they became the dog of aristocrats and royalty holding high status amongst dog breeds. The pug became the official dog of the House of Orange, Holland, as recognition for saving the life of William, Prince of Orange, in 1572. The Pug was also reportedly a favourite in France during Napoleonic times. Napoleon's wife Josephine apparently had great affection for the breed and it is alleged her dog, Fortune, bit Napoleon as he climbed into bed on the couple's wedding night. Pugs are one of the earliest pure breeds of dog kept in Australia. Although it is uncertain as to when they arrived in this country, there are records from the Agricultural Society of NSW listing two pugs exhibited in 1870.