The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise soar.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Pug – they were one of the UK’s 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. A changing breed
Pugs didn't always look the way they do today. Paintings of Pugs from the 18th century show animals with leaner bodies and longer legs. It's only recently that the more compact dog has become popular. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Long lives
Pugs have quite a long average lifespan compared to other breeds - around 12-15 years. The fourth oldest dog ever recorded was a Pug called Snookie who passed away in South Africa in 2018 at the grand old age of 27 years and 284 days. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Best in show
While a Pug has never been named Best in Show at Crufts, the beed has been triumphant in the American equivalent - the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A Pug named Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck was named top dog in 1981. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Literary breed
Author Jane Austen featured a Pug in her novel Mansfield Park, published 1814. Lady Bertram, the hero's mother, was said to "think more of her pug than her children". Photo: Canva/Getty Images