6. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are bet- ter now than they were when you first started? Why or why not? TC: Today’s Pugs are in much better shape than dogs we had in the 60s and 70s. We had many beautiful dogs back then, but overall the average Pug is better--especially the black Pug. WH: Through the years there has been steady progress in breed type. We have been involved with the breed for 44 years, and look back at pictures decades ago and really treasure what the general impression has become with the Pugs of today in the ring. JH: In general, I think the breed is better today than ever before. Breeders’ focus on improving top lines has paid off, with significant improvement displayed for all to see as the Pug moves around the ring. Our Pugs’ headpieces are stronger than ever. 7. What is different now about the sport from when you started? DA: Too many professional handlers—they socialize with all the judges, making it difficult for the owner/handler. JB: The blacks have gotten so much better in the last 15 years, much more substance and big round wrinkled heads. When I first started in Pugs everyone was so friendly, we would have pitch-ins at the dog shows and there seemed to be a lot of encouragement between exhibitors. Now there are like little cliques, and so much back-stabbing. I see this everywhere I travel. I show another breed also and the people are much friendlier, welcoming and encouraging. P&RC: The quality of Pugs overall has improved substan- tially in the time we have been in the breed, although the top Pugs of time past are fully the equal of the top Pugs today. One specific point of improvement is the rear assembly. A major factor in the improvement of Pugs being bred now is due to there being more of a national breeding community, whereas breeding locally was more the style years ago. This presumably is partly due to improvements in technology—more information about dogs and exchanges between breeders on the internet, new extenders, reliable shipping of semen, etc. SD: The Pug has changed a great deal. Today we are clearer coated, utilizing a stronger side gate, shorter backed, stronger in rear and top line, feet and pasterns. We had big dogs back then as we do today. Our standard calls for 16-18 pounds. Pugs are a Toy breed. Changes in the Sport: if I go back just 45 years I would find R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I remember shaking from the fear of actually talking to a judge, well-known handler or successful breeder. Of course in those days, everyone hung out in the grooming areas. We weren’t invited into the conversations, but nev- er the less made welcome. We listened and absorbed the knowledge. We relied on our vintage mentors to guide
it is pulled around the ring. Exhibitors see handlers do it so they think it is correct and mimic them. Pugs running around the ring is bothersome and absolutely not a pretty sight. As previously stated, the Pug should be moved at a collected trot. 3. Do you penalize any white on a black Pug? TC: White on a black Pug is not something I want to see; but, again, what about the rest of the dog? Excessive white of course takes away from a nice Black dog. WH: We enjoy the breed equally in both fawn and black colors. The fawn color is most pleasing when there are fewer black hairs interspersed within, creating a clearer and less smutty coat. The black coat color should be jet black, with allowances for slight reddish cast on hips from sunburn in the summer. A small amount of white on the chest of a black pug should not concern a judge, but a white foot or toes are undesirable in our opinion. JH: Coat color is always a big topic in judging Pugs. I believe strongly that judges should judge the overall Pug and only then consider coat color. Judge every part of the dog first—does it have a high-set tail, beautiful type, and gor- geous head? Our breeders have done an outstanding job breeding black Pugs. I am personally not offended by a small amount of white on the chest of a black Pug.
4. What are your “must have” traits in this breed?
WH: Our “must have” traits in this breed are large round, wrinkled head, level topline and square-proportioned body. Also, the tail should be curled, the tighter, the better. The standard calls for a Pug between 14 and 18 pounds. 5. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? TC: When I judge a Pug it must be compact and it must be set well under with good fore chest. All the parts must fit together on a dog that shows attitude and spark. Judging Pugs for over 25 years I’ve seen dogs that have beautiful parts but if they don’t fit together it doesn’t serve as what I’d want to breed to. Overall the Pug is in good shape and on occasion you’ll see dogs with so much wrinkle that it takes away from breed type. I think most new judges have a handle on the breed but they do need to listen to breeds when it comes to examination and priorities. WH: Many male Pugs in the ring are over 20 pounds, which has been a trend for years. This should be somewhat guarded against, as the breed is considered to be a “toy”. JH: I’d also like to see more Pugs in the ring that are shown without a lot of scissoring and sculpting. This is often used to exaggerate and distract and should not be accepted. The Pug is a natural breed and should appear that way in the ring.
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