By law, Pugs in China could only be owned by nobility or Buddhist Monks for much of the breed’s history in that country. Because they were held in such high regard, however, they were often used to further international relations. In 732 C.E., China gave a Pug to Japan as a gift to cement relations,  the first of many Pugs given to Japanese diplomats. According to Pugman, “records show that it was Tien Ping of Shen Wu Ti, the prince of the eastern Hsim Lo state, who sent his envoy, Chin Chang Hsun, with forty attendants to Japan for an audience. They brought with them as a tribute one parrot, one thrush, one ass, two mules, one hunting dog and one Sichuan Pay dog. The Pay dog appears to have remained in fashion and became very famous. There is no doubt that the small dogs of Japan were procured from China.” Today, the Pug shows up in many aspects of Japanese culture, including the commercial below;