Pug

A very old Chinese breed, kept as a status symbol during the Han dynasty and later adopted by the House of Orange in the Netherlands, after a Pug allegedly alerted Prince William of Orange to a surprise attack in the 16th century — a feat that cemented the breed as the official mascot of Dutch royalty.

It's extremely sociable, affectionate, and attached to its family, with a playful, somewhat clownish temperament that has made it one of the most beloved companion breeds in the world. It adapts very well to apartment life and doesn't require large amounts of exercise.

The extremely flat muzzle, one of the breed's trademarks, brings serious respiratory risks: the Pug struggles to regulate its body temperature and should not be exposed to intense heat, vigorous exercise, or prolonged stress. Snoring and wheezing are common even in healthy dogs, but real difficulty breathing warrants a veterinary evaluation.