Ancient Chinese documents state that short-nosed dogs with the description matching that of the Pug existed in China at around 700 BC. These dogs were only breed and owned by the emperors. It is believed there is an ancient Chinese law whereby only the emperor was allowed to own a Pug, anyone other than the emperor could only own a pug if it was a gift from the Emperor himself, Illegal ownership of a Pug was punishable by death. The Pug had there own living quarters and servants within the royal palace and commanded the highest respect. Emperor, Ling (168-190 AD) was so taken that he gave these small dogs ranks, the females received the same rank as his wives. He also ordered that these small dogs are to be guarded by soldiers and fed only the best meat and rice.

The exact origin of the Pug is still under dispute some believe they originated from the chiang-sze, (later shortened to lo-sze During the Dynasty of Yuan (1206-1333 AD)), Others believe they originated from a little shorthaired dog with a flat nose and a tail worn curled on it’s back called the Ha-Pa and claim this ancient dog is the grandfather of today’s Pug.

The spread of the pug is said to have happened when the Dutch discovered China and started trade, the sailors smuggled Pugs out and took them home to the Europe where because of there small size become quickly popular as companions to the upper classes and nobility.