The Following information courtesy of the Victorian Canine Association.

Background
It is not generally known that the Pug was the most popular of all dogs in England and the Continent many years ago.  It is generally accepted that the Pug originated in China and made its way to England via Holland.   With the introduction of other toy dogs, the Pug began to loose its popularity in England and there was a danger at one time that the breed would become extinct but more stock was introduced from Holland and Austria in the reign of George the third, and this gave the breed a new lease of life.  The breed in Australia has been kept going by importations from England at different times.
 
Average Lifespan
Pugs can live in excess of 12 years and consideration should be given by prospective owners to the commitment they are making before purchasing a puppy.
 
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
The perfect blend of little dog appeal and wistfullness and big stamina and courage is to be found in the adorable creature - the Pug.   Do I want a personality dog?  The Pug is it.    If you only have a small yard or live in a flat, the Pug is for you, as they are a small fellow who can make the most of their area.  Remarkably free of "doggy" odours, their coat is short and sheds very little, they are also exceptionally clean.  But maybe you have hectares of ground and still want a small dog.  The Pug is still the dog for you, being sturdy and swift.
 
Care Requirements Exercise:
Most Pugs tend to laziness if left to their own devices.  Following the "housekeeper" around during daily chores is okay, otherwise a brisk walk or a vigorous game of ball every day is needed.  Pugs love to be walked every day, but wont suffer if they miss out occasionally.  Do not allow strenuous exercise in hot weather or just after meals.
 
Obedience:
Pugs, being intelligent and tending to independence, are not the easiest dogs to train, but they are most certainly trainable, it does them a lot of good to have a purpose in life.  A local obedience club will put you on the right track and introduce you to another aspect to owning a dog and it becoming a companion, not just a pet!
 
Please Take Note
Eye Care, due to the shape of the eyes and face, Pugs are prone to eye injury.  If your Pug is rubbing its eyes or is squinting or its eyes are watering or there is any discolouration of the eye, see your vet immediately.
 
Breathing Problems:  The Pug, being a brachyphalic (short nosed) breed, can have difficulties with its soft palate.
 
Ideal Owner/s
They are good with children.  They are excellent companion dogs, they love to be with people.  They are sturdy little dogs.  They give you lots of big wet kisses.  They are natural clowns and they will keep you laughing.  They snore, wheeze, grunt, snort and sneeze in your face.
 
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Pug and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs.  They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders.  In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
 
The ANKC breed standard for the Pug is listed below.
 Kennel Club, London 1994
F.C.I. Standard No 253
 
GENERAL APPEARANCE- Decidedly square and cobby, it is multum in parvo shown in compactness of form, well knit proportions and hardness of muscle. 
CHARACTERISTICS - Great charm, dignity and intelligence. 
TEMPERAMENT - Even tempered, happy and lively disposition. 
HEAD AND SKULL - Head large, round, not apple-headed, with no indentation of skull.  Muzzle short, blunt, square, not upfaced.  Wrinkles clearly defined. 
EYES - Dark, very large, globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire. 
EARS - Thin, small, soft like black velvet.  Two kinds - Rose ear - small drop ear which folds over and back to reveal the burr. Button ear - ear flap folding forward, tip lying close to skull to cover opening. Preference given to latter. 
MOUTH - Slightly undershot.  Wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable.  Wide lower jaw with incisors almost in a straight line. 
NECK - Slightly arched to resemble a crest, strong, thick with enough length to carry head proudly. 
FOREQUARTERS - Legs very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under body.  Shoulders well sloped. 
BODY - Short and cobby, wide in chest and well ribbed.  Topline level neither roached nor dipping. 
HINDQUARTERS - Legs very strong, of moderate length, with good turn of stifle, well under body, straight and parallel when viewed from rear. 
FEET - Neither so long as the foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well-split-up toes; the nails black. 
TAIL - (Twist) High set, curled as tightly as possible over hip.  Double curl highly desirable. 
GAIT/MOVEMENT - Viewed from in front should rise and fall with legs well under shoulder, feet keeping directly to front, not turning in or out.  From behind action just as true.  Using forelegs strongly putting them well forward with hindlegs moving freely and using stifles well.  A slight roll of hindquarters typifies gait. 
COAT - Fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy, neither harsh nor woolly. 
COLOUR - Silver, apricot, fawn or black.  Each clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, trace (black line extending from occiput to twist) and mask.  Marking clearly defined.  Muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead and trace as black as possible. 
SIZE -  Ideal weight:  6.3-8.1 kg (14-18 lbs). 
FAULTS - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. 
NOTE - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.