Apricot Pug: Info, Pictures, History & Origin

Pugs are among the most popular dogs in the US. They can accommodate anyone from experienced dog keepers to new pet parents. However, before buying one, the first thing you may be interested in is color. Pugs come in many colors ranging from black to silver to apricot. Apricot Pugs are rare, fetching a high price. Continue reading to find out more.

Apricot Pug Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Apricot Pugs

Pugs are believed to have originated from China around 400 BC. They closely resemble Lion Dogs and the Pekingese, the other two breeds bred by Chinese emperors and Mongolian monks around the same time.

Due to their exotic looks, Pugs were given royal status, protected, and fed the finest meals. The most famous example was Emperor Ling To's female Pug. It was given the same status as his wives! Stealing or attempting to steal the dog was a capital offense punishable by death.

Almost 2,000 years later, in the 1500s, Pugs started appearing in Europe. They quickly became royals' sweethearts, with Queen Victoria owning and breeding some of them.

It took another several hundred years for Pugs to appear in the US. Historians place their arrival dates in the 18th and 19th centuries, although it is not known when the first apricot Pug was developed.

How Apricot Pugs Gained Popularity

Pugs were popularized as long as 2,500 years ago by royals. As we have stated, Chinese emperors and monks bred and took care of them, inspiring other citizens to do so too. In the 20th and 21st centuries, their popularity was propelled by many factors.

First, Pugs have unique wrinkly faces, small bodies, and short noses. These features make them stand out and as such, many people find them adorable.

Secondly, between 1837 and 1901, during Queen Victoria's reign, Pugs became a symbol of nobility. With a growing number of Britons joining so-called high societies, Pug's popularity surged.

Lastly, Pugs and French Bulldogs are known as celebrity dogs partly because they are owned by celebrities, or they are celebrities themselves. Doug the Pug is the most popular celebrity Pug with over 12 million followers across many social media platforms. He has even made friends with Ed Sheeran and Katy Perry, appearing in her song, Swish Swish. Some celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne own Pugs, which has also helped fuel their popularity.

Formal Recognition of Apricot Pugs

Unlike fawn and black Pugs, apricot Pugs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This may be due to the coat's close resemblance to the fawn. However, if presented with both fawn and apricot Pugs, you will definitely spot the difference.

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognizes fawn, black, and silver Pugs. According to the organization, fawn may range from light to deep apricot to reddish gold. Basically, the CKC recognizes apricot as one of the fawn's color ranges. Other organizations that recognize apricot Pugs are the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) of Belgium and the Kennel Club (KC) of the UK.

Even though the AKC does not recognize apricot Pugs, owners can still register them under alternate colors. The only catch is that apricot Pugs cannot be shown in competition.

Top 4 Unique Facts About Apricot Pugs

1. Apricot Pugs Are Rare

While fawn is the most common Pug, getting a true apricot Pug will cost you heavily. They are rare and expensive, commanding up to $9,000 each in some cases!

Estimates place apricot and silver colors among 4% of the existing Pug population. They are rare because of the difficulties associated with getting true apricot parents whose genes will produce orange-yellow pups.

2. Pug Breeders Wanted to Create a Symbol of a Prince

The Chinese symbol for the prince is 王, a vertical bar with three lines. The symbol, together with anything that it appears on, be it natural or man-made, was highly valued.

By looking at a Pug's face, the natural contours show a distorted prince symbol. In a bid to make it clearer, Chinese breeders selected parents with more detailed wrinkles.

3. Apricot Pugs Are Not Related to Bulldogs Despite Their Close Resemblance

Bulldogs and Pugs are both short-nosed breeds. Additionally, both breeds are fiercely loyal, protective, and patient. But after examining their DNA, it was found that Bulldogs are related to Mastiffs while Pugs are related to Pekingese.

4. Pugs Are Poor Swimmers

Ever thought of taking a dip with your Pug? It’s probably best not to.

Pugs have wide faces and short legs, which prevents them from swimming. Their wide faces cause drag, requiring more energy to swim, while their short legs are not good at paddling. Another possible reason is the location of the nose will funnel water into the lungs. So for a Pug to swim safely, it must raise its head in an awkward position.

Does an Apricot Pug Make a Good Pet?

Apricot Pugs are good pets. They are committed to people, loyal, and protective, making them fantastic companion animals. Families with children also enjoy the company of Pugs. They are playful and will keep kids entertained.

Even though Pugs shed a lot, their smooth coat is easy to brush, reducing grooming time. Lastly, Pugs are small in size, and traveling with them is easy.

Conclusion

Apricot Pugs are among the rarest Pugs, existing in less than 5% of the population. Originating from China, their coat color ranges from orange-yellow to light orange and is often confused with fawn.

If you buy an apricot Pug, you will not only have the best companion animal but also enjoy the services of a dedicated, loyal, and playful dog.

• Related Read: Panda Pug: History & Facts (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: e-Kis, Shutterstock