When was the first time a person saw a pug?

Answer 1

Pugs are believed to have originated in China around 400 B.C., where they were bred as companion animals for royalty. They were later introduced to Europe in the 16th century, particularly in the Netherlands, where they quickly gained popularity among the aristocracy. The first recorded mention of pugs in Europe dates back to 1553 in a letter from a Dutch prince. Thus, the first instances of people seeing pugs likely occurred in ancient China, with their visibility expanding significantly in Europe during the 16th century.