The pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, originating in China before 400 BC. In the 16th century, pugs were brought to Holland and soon spread to other parts of Europe, where they were a favorite of royalty. Black pugs were brought from China later, in the 19th century. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1885.
Pugs are most commonly a shade of golden beige with a black mask (this coloration is referred to as "fawn"), but also come in solid black or very rarely silver fawn. They generally range from 15 to 25 pounds when mature, with males being bigger than females. Pugs have very unique faces, with pushed in snouts and wrinkly heads. They have somewhat stocky bodies, and curly tails.
As cute as they are in the looks department, it's personality that really sets pugs apart. They are very friendly, human-oriented dogs. They combine the best aspects of a lap dog with playfulness and a moderate (but not excessive) amount of energy. Aggressiveness towards humans is almost unheard of in a pug (and if it does occur is probably the result of abuse). Pugs provide just the sort of love and loyalty that one would expect from "man's best friend." Many people find that once they've had a pug, they can never go without one again!
Pugs require no special care or grooming. They are fairly low shedders. Pug owners do have to be a bit more careful in high temperatures than other dog owners because the pug's pushed in snout increases their susceptibility to heat-related respiratory problems.
If you're looking for a guard dog, a sporting dog, or a large breed, then probably not. But if what you want is a great family pet with an affectionate disposition and a lot of personality in a small package, and you're prepared to give some love and attention in return, a pug may be a great choice for you.