Hello everyone and thank you so much for tuning in to this week I Can't Believe That Happened a podcast about history for kids. Today we are talking all about the crazy history of pugs from the Chinese Empire To Queen Victoria.

Pugs originated in China, dating back to the Han dynasty (B.C. 206 to A.D. 200). Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. If you squint you can almost see it. These fuzzy friendly loaf of bread shaped pups were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxury accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers.

Pugs became favorites of royal households throughout Europe. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug, Pompey, reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by warning him that the Spaniards were approaching in 1572. When William of Orange (later called William III) went to England in 1688 with his wife, Mary II, to take the throne from James II, they of course took their Pugs with them

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Marie Antoinette had a Pug named Mops before she married Louis XVI at the age of 15. When she came to France she did have to let Mops go back with her ladies though there is a lovely rumor that the two were eventually reunited. Marie Antoinette was famous for her love of dogs and kept many around her.

Another famous Frenchwoman, Josephine Bonaparte, had a Pug named Fortune. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. Fortune being the lone visitor would take messages out for her hidden in Fortune's collar. Fortune was not the largest fan of Napolean, biting him on the leg on his wedding day to Josephine. See how innocent they can look?

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Thanks to their increased popularity in the Victorian era, Queen Victoria was very fond of the breed, they became very pampered and popular in Victorian households. They were often painted, used in advertising, and placed on postcards. It became fashionable for their collars to bejeweled and/or a satin or silk bow. I think the unicorn hoodie is cuter. See, now don't you JUST HAVE TO HAVE those sunglasses?

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Royal Dogs: Penelope & Beatrice

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I Can't Believe That Happened History Podcast for Kids

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History Of Pugs A Snot Snorts Snores And Snuggles