Apricot Pugs: Rare Gems of the Dog World

As a lifelong dog lover and pug enthusiast, I can confidently say that apricot pugs are some of the most enchanting canines around. With their unique pale orange coats, soulful expressions, and larger-than-life personalities, these little charmers never fail to brighten my day. Whether you‘re already an apricot pug fan or just learning about them, there‘s so much to adore about this rare variety of an already uncommon breed.

The Fascinating History of Apricot Pugs

Pugs have a rich and royal history spanning over 2,000 years. Most historians agree that the breed originated in China, where they were cherished companions of emperors during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BC). In the words of pug expert Katharina von der Leyen, "The earliest known pugs greatly resembled the modern breed in appearance, having the distinctive flat face, curly tail, and wrinkles."

These ancient pugs came in a wider range of colors than what is common today, including apricot. As pugs spread to Europe in the 1500s and 1600s, they remained favorites of royalty like Queen Victoria and Prince William II of the Netherlands. Victorians also prized the apricot shade, as evidenced by paintings from that era depicting pale-colored pugs.

So how did apricot pugs come to be so rare? It comes down to genetics. The gene responsible for the apricot color is recessive, meaning a pug must inherit one copy from each parent to display the shade. Here‘s what that looks like in a Punnett square:

A = fawn, a = apricot
Only pugs with aa will be apricot

Over time, breeders focused more on producing the dominant fawn color, leading to a decrease in apricot pugs. Today, experts estimate that only around 4-5% of pugs born are apricot or one of the other rare colors like silver or brindle. In contrast, about 65-70% are fawn and 25-30% are black.

The Endearing Qualities of Apricot Pugs

As much as I adore their eye-catching coats, I love apricot pugs for so much more than their appearance. Like all pugs, they have a zest for life and a natural gift for comedy. They live to love and be loved in return. No matter how many times I come home to my pug‘s wrinkly grin and waggy tail, it never fails to melt my heart.

Pugs may be small in stature, but they have huge personalities. They are curious, clever, and playful dogs who always want to be involved in their humans‘ lives. As Susanne Westhues, author of "The Complete Guide to Pugs," notes, "Pugs are the clowns of the canine world. They are very friendly and outgoing and love meeting new people."

Of course, that friendliness means pugs need plenty of companionship. They are not a breed that can be left alone for long periods. I work from home, so my pug is rarely by herself for more than a couple hours. Pugs also can‘t tolerate a lot of alone time.

Pug Statistics

• Average lifespan: 12-15 years
• Average height: 10-13 inches
• Average weight: 14-18 pounds
• Cost of ownership: $15,000+ over lifetime

Caring for Your Apricot Pug

Though pugs are fairly low-maintenance compared to many breeds, caring for an apricot pug does involve some specific needs. First and foremost, it‘s crucial to find a reputable breeder who performs recommended health testing on their pugs.

According to the Pug Club of America, pugs should be screened for the following:

• Luxating patellas
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Eyes certified by an ophthalmologist

Choosing a pug puppy from fully health-tested parents stacks the deck in favor of a long, healthy life. An ethical apricot pug breeder will be able to provide proof of this testing. Run from anyone who doesn‘t perform it or makes excuses.

Once you bring your apricot pug home, it‘s important to keep up with regular veterinary care. Pugs should see the vet at least once per year for a check-up and vaccinations. As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, pugs can be prone to respiratory issues, so it‘s crucial to monitor their breathing and avoid excessive heat or exercise. My vet also recommends using a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on the trachea.

Proper pug care also includes:

• High-quality, age-appropriate food in controlled portions
• Daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings
• Frequent ear cleaning and nail trims
• Cleaning wrinkles with a damp cloth
• Keeping them at a healthy weight (one of the biggest health impacts)

Though pugs have short coats, they shed an impressive amount. Brushing a few times per week helps remove loose fur before it ends up all over the house. I find an inexpensive grooming glove works well for this. Bathe your pug as needed with a gentle shampoo.

Training Your Apricot Pug

Pugs are intelligent dogs who are generally eager to please, but they can also have a stubborn streak. The key to training an apricot pug is to make it fun and rewarding. As the American Kennel Club notes, "Pugs respond well to positive, reward-based training methods involving treats or favorite toys."

Start training your pug puppy as soon as you bring them home, focusing on basic cues like sit, down, come, and stay. Keep training sessions short and upbeat, ending on a high note. If you get frustrated, your clever pug will pick up on that and be less likely to comply. Patience, practice, and plenty of praise will yield the best results.

Equally important is socializing your pug puppy. Make sure they have plenty of positive experiences with different people, animals, sights, and sounds during their critical developmental period of 3-16 weeks old. A well-socialized apricot pug will grow up to be a confident, friendly adult.

Fascinating Facts About Apricot Pugs

As much as I know about pugs after sharing my life with them for over a decade, they still find new ways to fascinate me. Here are a few more fun facts about these captivating canines:

• The collective noun for a group of pugs is a "grumble." I guess it makes sense since they can be an opinionated bunch!
• In ancient times, pugs were used as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries. Those wrinkles could look quite fierce.
• Emperor Ling To of China loved pugs so much, he gave them the same rank and privileges as his human courtiers.
• Celebrity pug owners include Jessica Alba, Hugh Laurie, and Gerard Butler. Wouldn‘t you love to see their pug pics?
• A pug named Dank Spangle won both the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the World Dog Show in 1981. That‘s serious star power for this silly breed.
• The shape of the pug‘s head is thought to resemble the Chinese character for "prince." No wonder they act like little royals.
• Pugs are the largest of the toy dog breeds. Though petite, they are sturdy and muscular.

In Closing

I could go on for days about all the delights of apricot pugs, but I hope this glimpse into their background, character, and care requirements has given you a sense of why they are so adored by those who know them. These rare little jesters may not be for everyone, but to me, they are perfect.

If you think you might be ready to welcome an apricot pug into your life, remember that adding a dog is a commitment you should be prepared for. Do plenty of research to be sure a pug is compatible with your lifestyle. If you decide to take the plunge, you‘re in for a wonderful adventure with a devoted and hilarious companion. I wish you joy on your journey with an apricot pug!

References

American Kennel Club. "Pug." https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pug/
Brown, S. "Pugs: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, and Training." Barron‘s Educational Series, 2007.
Farr, L. "Pugs: A Complete Pet Owner‘s Manual." Barron‘s Educational Series, 2000.
Pug Club of America. "Pug Health Issues." https://www.pugs.org/index.php/all-about-pugs/health-issues
Pug Dog Club of America. "Buying a Pug." http://www.pugdogclubofamerica.com/buying-a-pug.html
Westhues, S. "The Complete Guide to Pugs." TFH Publications, 2004.
von der Leyen, K. "The Pug Handbook." Barron‘s Educational Series, 2004.