Physical Similarities and Differences Between Black and Fawn
Oscar and Zoey, both at 3 years old, photo courtesy of Julie
Similarities
- Black Pugs and fawn Pugs are alike in
almost
every way. Size, body structure, ear set, bite set,
tail shape, and eyes are all the same for all colors with this breed. While you may see black Pugs that are smaller than fawns, there are just as many that are larger. And while you may spot more fawns with double-curled tails, there are just as many black-coated Pugs with the double curl. Any physical differences that you may see are just a matter of those particular dogs.
Non-black Pugs have black ears and a black mask (black over the muzzle and around the eyes), and of course technically
this is there with black Pugs but is part of the dog's overall coat.
The toe nails on Pugs of all colors can be black or white, though black is preferred in conformation events.
Differences
- The one and only difference between the two colors is that some (but not all) black Pugs often have a single coat versus the double coat seen with most fawns. The double coat consists of both a soft and dense inner layer and a short, shiny outer layer. Black Pugs that have just the single layer will be missing the inner layer.
While you may not notice much of a difference by eye, you can often feel the difference when petting a Pug and this does affect
how much a Pug sheds. With double-coats, there will be more shedding since the inner layer rapidly cycles, especially in the fall and spring. There is generally more upkeep needed with grooming tools to remove the dead hairs.
Personality Differences
There is much debate on whether coat color determines a Pug's personality. Some may say that black Pugs are better behaved, are more relaxed, or are less vocal than fawns. Yet, just as many will say the opposite.
The question of personality traits is one of nature versus nurture. Is behavior inbred or does a dog's environment and type of care received shape the personality?
It has been our experience that while genetic traits regarding temperament can be passed down, it is how a Pug is raised, trained, and treated that will have the biggest impact on that dog's
overall behavior.
The Origin and Popularity Spread of Black Pugs
Unlike many other breeds whose development was meticulously recorded and those documents are preserved as part of history, the Pug's early development is shrouded in mystery.
General consensus is that the Pug originated in China thousands of year ago (at least 400 B.C.). Chinese drawings, carvings, and statues depicted dogs that were, most likely, ancient ancestors of the Pug. But, unfortunately, documents covering the very early development of Pugs was essentially erased from history when some time around 200-225 B.C. the Emperor Chin Shih Huang ordered that all records be destroyed to maintain the 'secrets' of this breed.
Yet, of course, moving further ahead in time, evidence and record-keeping started up again, including those connected to the appearance of black Pug dogs.
Black Pugs are known to exist as early as the 1700's thanks to William Hogarth's painting of one in House of Cards (1730). The artist was an owner of Pugs and portrayed many in his paintings so there is an exceptional visual record of this breed's appearance from over 250 years ago.
House of Cards, a painting by William Hogarth showing a small black Pug
[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Note that this far back in the breed's development, the body was more slender and the face was not as flat.
It was in 1887 that black Pugs first appeared in England which allowed them to eventually spread to other parts of the world including the United States. It is believed that Lady Annie Brassey, a Victorian author who traveled extensively, is responsible for this introduction. On one of her trips to China, she brought back a pair of black Pug puppies and decided to show them at the Maidstone Dog Show that was held that year.
Due to her efforts, black Pugs where shown more and more and started gaining acceptance and popularity. Black Pugs actually became recognized as a separate variation of the Pug in 1896 by the Kennel Club in London.
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