The Dugs were a sentient species originating from the planet of Malastare. Their distinguishing features included elongated snouts and a unique mode of locomotion, using their arms for ambulation. On their home planet, the Dugs were governed by the Dug Council, which, during the period of the Clone Wars, was presided over by Nakha Urus, who carried the title of Doge. Some Dugs ventured beyond Malastare, seeking opportunities in other parts of the galaxy. Notably, Sebulba rose to prominence as a renowned and feared Podracer pilot, while a Dug named Preigo managed a well-known circus. Dugs also established a presence on planets such as Coruscant and Tatooine.
As a sentient race, Dugs possessed four hand-like feet. They moved about using one pair, while the other pair, also functioning as hands, remained suspended in the air, giving them an upside-down appearance. Dugs were characterized by their extended snouts, which sometimes featured fleshy tendrils resembling facial hair. Their skin displayed a diverse range of colors and shades, including beige, blue, brown, gray, pale, purple, and tan.
Their natural environment consisted of desert or wasteland regions. During mating rituals, Dugs inflated loose skin on their necks to produce calls. Young Dugs were known as pups. The human Alys Ongwa considered these pups to be more endearing than their adult counterparts. The Dug Varb Tenart came from a large litter, with approximately forty-eight pups.
The Dugs originated on Malastare, where early tribes faced threats from a creature called the Zillo Beast. As the Dugs expanded across the planet and initiated drilling operations in search of fuel, they nearly drove the Zillo Beast to extinction, meticulously documenting its weaknesses. It was eventually believed that only one Zillo Beast remained, in hiding. Consequently, generations of Dugs prepared for a potential encounter with this last Zillo Beast.
Following the arrival of Gran colonists on Malastare, the Dugs mounted a fierce defense of their homeworld. Despite facing the technologically superior Gran in an increasingly violent conflict, the Dugs' tenacious resistance proved futile when the Galactic Republic intervened. Due to the Gran's influence, the Galactic Senate passed the Gran Protectorate Act, granting the Gran control over Malastare's eastern continent. Forced to relocate by the Gran, the Republic moved the Dugs to the western continent, but the threat of Gran encroachment persisted. Their defeat in the war and the resulting injustices fostered xenophobia and resentment toward the Republic among many Dugs.
During the Clone Wars period within the waning years of the Galactic Republic, the Confederacy of Independent Systems arrived at Malastare, aiming to exploit its fuel reserves. The Republic intervened, receiving support from the Dugs despite past grievances. Doge Nakha Urus feared enslavement for his people should the Confederacy conquer Malastare. During the ensuing conflict, the final Zillo Beast emerged. Although the Dugs attempted to eliminate it, Republic forces managed to subdue and transport it to Coruscant. Subsequently, the Dugs entered into a treaty with the Republic. Throughout the Imperial Era, the Dugs continued to face Gran incursions into their territory.
During the time of the Galactic Republic, Dugs ventured beyond their homeworld, participating in various activities across the wider galaxy. One prominent Dug was Sebulba, a formidable podracer pilot known for employing underhanded tactics and illegal weaponry to secure victories in races. Sebulba was a consistent favorite in the Boonta Eve Classic race, held on Tatooine. Dugs could also be found on Coruscant in the time leading up to the Clone Wars. Preigo was a Dug circus ringmaster who put on performances for a small fee, hoping to offer entertainment during the grim times of the Clone Wars. Preigo was known to entertain the pirate gang led by Hondo Ohnaka, although, after an incident where one of Preigo's performers was killed by one of Ohnaka's pirates, the Dug became hesitant to perform for Ohnaka again.
The Dugs made their debut in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. The species was conceived during the development process when George Lucas envisioned a creature that utilized its hands as feet and its legs as arms.