Chinese history tells us that may Emperors refused to be without a pug, some of them even promoting them and giving them rank in the dynasties, such as one who gave the pugs equal status with his wives and in fact fed them as well as his wives were fed.

Coming to the other areas of Europe and America took a bit longer. Apparently the traders from the East India company found them interesting and intriguing and brought them back for European leaders. The pugs were really admired and longed for and it wasn’t long before they were women and childrens pet of choice.

They became known as nursery dogs in the Netherlands because they were so even tempered and good with children. Noted members of the European Royal families bred and kept pugs through the years.

This was no different in England.

William of Orange coming to the throne of Britain brought pugs with him from Holland and some say they were used to breed the King Charles Spaniel.

Royalty have long adored Pugs, and Queen Charlotte kept them, Queen Victoria was given one named Bully, by Prince Albert. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, famed for their exile owned more than ten while they were in France.

Coming to America took a bit longer. Pugs were not popular here until the first part of the 1800′s and became wildly popular during the Civil war period.They became incredibly popular here and are now loved and raised and spoiled by many of the rich and famous. Curious who else likes pugs?

Noted celebrities who keep pugs now are:

* Balthazar Getty– Ajax and Daisy.
* Billy Joel– Sabrina
* Brigid Berlin– India and Africa.
* Chris Kirkpatrick (‘N Sync) — Busta (fawn) and Korea
* Christine Elise (actress) — Dempsey
* Denise Richards (actress)black pug named Betty
* Ted Danson (actor)
* Mary Steenburgen (actress)
* Gerard Butler (actor) – Lolita
* Jessica Alba– Sid  and Nancy
* Tori Spelling
* Paula Abdul– Puggy Sue
*Rob Zombie–Dracula
* Mickey Rourke– Raphael