Brindle Pug: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Pugs are small, adorable, and affectionate little companions that have won the hearts of dog lovers throughout the world. They most commonly have either a solid black or solid fawn coat, but more rarely, they can have a beautifully marbled brindle coat.

To learn more about Brindle Pugs, including their history, temperament, and lovely pictures, keep reading!

Brindle is a coat pattern that’s naturally occurring in the animal kingdom. It’s not actually a color, but rather a striped coat that consists of two colors: usually black and another color, such as fawn.

Brindle Pugs are sought after because they aren’t as common as solid black or fawn Pugs, but despite this, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes the two solid colors.1 Whatever color the coat, though, all Pugs are fun-loving animals with a rich history of human companionship!

Brindle Pug Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Pugs in History

The Pug is one of the ancient breeds originating in China, when—along with the Shih Tzu and Pekingese—they found favor among emperors and royalty during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). These dogs were bred to occupy the imperial court and keep the ruling family company. It is said that these dogs were so loved that they even had their own designated guards.

In the 16th century, Pugs were brought over to Europe, where they quickly became favorites among royals there too. In 1572, a Pug named Pompey saved the Prince of Orange from an assassination attempt, and in 1688, a Pug kept William III and Mary II company as they traveled from the Netherlands to accept the throne of England.

How Pugs Gained Popularity

From the time of their arrival in Europe, Pugs continued to win the hearts of royals and aristocrats. During the 19th century in England, Queen Victoria had several Pugs that she bred herself. Her love for canines helped establish the Kennel Club in 1873. During this time, Pugs arrived in the United States, where it didn’t take long for them to make their way into people’s hearts and homes.

Today, the AKC lists the Pug as the 36th most popular dog breed out of all 200 AKC-recognized breeds. Celebrities including George Clooney, Paris Hilton, and Gerard Butler have all been proud owners of Pugs.

Formal Recognition of Brindle Pugs

Although the AKC formally recognized Pugs in 1885, Brindle Pugs are still not recognized. The AKC recognizes only two colors: solid black and solid fawn.

The reason seems to be that there is some doubt about whether Brindle Pugs are purebred. Some experts believe that the brindle gene is not naturally occurring in Pugs and must, therefore, be introduced through another breed—most likely Boston Terriers or French Bulldogs.

Despite this, Brindle Pugs are highly sought after by those looking for a Pug with a unique look.

Top 5 Unique Facts About Brindle Pugs

1. There Are Two Color Variations: Brindle Pugs and Reverse Brindle Pugs

Brindle Pugs come in two color variations. Brindle Pugs have a mostly tan or silver coat with some black markings, while reverse Brindle Pugs have a mostly black coat with tan or silver markings.

2. Female Pugs Live Slightly Longer

In a reverse trend to the rest of the animal kingdom, female Pugs tend to live slightly longer than their male counterparts. In most other breeds, a male dog will outlive a female.

3. A Group of Pugs Is Called a Grumble of Pugs

A group of Pugs is called a grumble of Pugs. The name likely comes from the noises these adorable dogs make when they are defending their territory.

4. They’re a Symbol of the Freemasons

In 1740, Catholics were banned from becoming freemasons. To bypass the law, a group of people created the covert Order of the Pug. They chose the Pug as their symbol because Pugs are known for their loyalty and trustworthiness.

The initiation ritual involved wearing a dog collar and scratching at the door.

5. Brindle Pugs Are Rare

It’s commonly accepted that only 1% of Pugs out in the world have a unique brindle pattern.

Does the Brindle Pug Make a Good Pet?

Brindle Pugs make wonderful, loving, and loyal pets. They’ll get along with families, even with younger children—though of course, you should never leave a dog unattended with small children.

Pugs only require up to 1 hour of exercise each day, and this must be broken up into two or more short sessions. These dogs make an ideal house dog, and their compact stature means that they can live as happily in a small apartment as they can in a large house.

Although Pugs are easy maintenance, you should be aware that they are brachycephalic, and as such, they are prone to breathing difficulties. Hot weather can be a problem for Pugs, so strenuous exercise is not a good idea when the temperature rises.

If you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate dog that’s small, doesn’t require too much exercise, and is eager to please, you can’t go wrong with a Pug.

Conclusion

Brindle Pugs are Pugs that have a unique striped pattern of black and tan, black and fawn, or black and silver. These dogs are loyal and friendly, and they make great family pets.

Brindle Pugs are very rare and highly sought after—a combination that means they can be quite pricey. The AKC does not officially recognize Brindle Pugs, but that doesn’t make them any less adorable.

The Pug is an ancient breed that has kept the company of Tibetan monks, emperors, and royalty, and even 2,000 years later, their popularity is not waning!

Featured Image Credit: Fion Ho, Shutterstock