The Hetjens Museum in the western German city of Düsseldorf has rolled out the red carpet for the little canine heartbreakers. The exhibition "Housetraining Guaranteed" shows pugs in all shapes and sizes – 60, to be exact – including the above Meissen porcelain figurines.

The pudgy dog is immensely popular in Germany these days. But the newly chic breed was also beloved in the past. In the 18th century, there was actually a secret Masonic-style society called the Order of the Pug that had its own porcelain pug emblem. No doubt, the compact canine has long had cult appeal.

This pug hangs on to his owner's pants leg for all he's worth at the annual International Pug Meeting in Berlin. These mildly ferocious tendencies don’t translate into effective watch-dogging, however. "A pug will bark at an intruder, but then will invite them to stay for a cup of coffee," a pug-lover once described the friendly little lapdog.

This pug by the name of Frau Poldi poses in front of a painting by Julian Khol entitled "Zülpicher" at the Düsseldorf Art Fair. Her owner has an art gallery, and regularly takes Frau Poldi along. Famous artists painted pugs, too, including Pop Art icon Andy Warhol, who had a soft spot for the charming canine companions.

Arnold peers at a photo of himself in the newspaper. Wearing his blue Berlin Railway Mission work uniform, the pug is a street worker of sorts, a joy to travelers and homeless people alike. Out of uniform, he is simply a young pug with floppy ears and big brown saucer eyes.

Pugs originated in China, a descendent of the Shar Pei (photo above). Animal rights activists say pugs are overbred. Selective breeding has left them with arthritis, shortness of breath and meningitis. As a result, many pugs suffer their entire lives.

Pugs were first imported to Europe from China in the 18th century, popular as lapdogs for aristocratic ladies. Legend has it that in the Battle of Belgrade in 1717, a pug and his owner were separated — but the little dog made his way back home to Winnental Palace. Duke Karl Alexander had a stone sculpture erected to commemorate his loyal dog.

Saturday's 8th International Pug Meeting in Berlin saw some 264 pups compete for the title of fastest pug in the event's annual race. Competitors had to run, or trot, as quickly as possible down a 50 meter (164 foot) track. Individual times were professionally tracked with an electronic timing device, including a photo finish picture.

Every athlete sometimes needs an extra rush of motivation to cross the finish line. "Doping" in the form of treats or chew toys was allowed to take place during the races. In this picture, an owner entices her dog down the track with a jar full of treats.

This year's winner was a Berliner pug named Emma who flew down the track in less than six seconds. In the picture above, Emma and her owner Angela Kaiser celebrate the victory with plenty of cuddles. The slowest runner this year was a dog named Sihla, who needed a little more than a minute to cross the finish line. Don't worry - she got a prize, too.

After an afternoon of playtime, this pug takes it easy in a kiddie pool. Animal rights activists voiced concerns that the races are dangerous for the short-muzzled breed, as they cannot get enough air. To ensure the safety of the four-legged participants, the event's organizers had the pugs inspected by veterinarians on site, reported the local paper Berliner Zeitung.

The event in the Lichtenrade district in southern Berlin drew young and old pug enthusiasts from several countries. Local broadcaster RBB reported that the curly-tailed contestants hailed from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and the island of Sardinia.

This pug puppy isn't quite ready yet to run with the bigger dogs, but may compete when it is older. The breed is known for its even-temper and playful personality. "Pugs are not exactly natural athletes, but they do have strong legs and endless curiosity," the American Kennel Club states on its website.

Although the breed is well-loved as a companion pet, they are not without controversy. The British Veterinary Association last year called for prospective dog owners to avoid flat-faced breeds as they suffer crippling health problems, breathing issues. The Berlin event's organizers have also called for breeders to breed pugs with longer noses and slimmer bodies to protect the dogs.