“a fine-BoneD PuG Just Does not haVe BreeD tyPe.”
10. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? TC: The new judges miss pigment and details of the stan- dard that they seem to think is not important. When they do this we start losing the clear coat that is needed. And without pigment we are losing the trace and the black vent that use to be called for. I am always ready to explain to new judges the proper mouth examination for a Pug. WH: When mentoring new judges, we try to emphasize the “heavy boned” aspect of this breed. A fine-boned Pug just does not have breed type. JH: New judges need to focus on the Pug and the Pug only. It is my opinion that too many times, judges are impressed by top handlers who may not be presenting the best specimen on the day. Judging should be an honor and a privilege and not the opportunity to float ribbons to heroic icons on the end of the lead. 11. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? JH: Our breeders are doing a fantastic job building strong breed type that is cobby and square with a big round head and a tight curly tail. One note for judges to con- sider, beware of aggressive and forceful examination of the Pug bite. It is absolutely not necessary and it leaves not only the exhibitor but the Pug with a negative ring experience. Also one of the most endearing parts of the Pug is the required dark round eye. Light eyes do not give the proper expression in the breed and they are distract- ing. A light eye, clear or not, is incorrect. 12. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? TC: Black Pugs are now holding their own in the show ring. In the 70s and 80s when I was showing many Pugs I had a few very nice examples of black Pugs. I was showing in a very large class in Louisville when the classes weren’t divided. The judge had made her place- ments and before she sent us around she saw me at the end of the line and out loud said, “Oh, I forgot I better use a black dog”, and I was ceremoniously marched up to 3rd place. WH: There have been many hilarious happenings in show- ing and judging dogs. I judged my first assignment as an AKC Judge (a Pug Specialty) in Brush Prairie, Washing- ton. After glancing at my Judges book, I turned around to start judging the Pugs, and there was Jim Moran, as con- fidant as all life, kneeling down stacking a Bulldog. So, it was once around the ring and out! One never knows what will happen at a dog show.
us through the animal husbandry, mandatory to succeed in the care, breeding and showing of the dog. We did not know it all after 5 years of owning a show dog. SM: The current obsession judges seem to have with clear pale fawn coats, which has led to a lack of pigment. Now we’re seeing less head wrinkles. I don’t think the sport itself has changed. I think the participants have tighter budgets and less time. This leads to less fun being had, and more pressure to finish dogs quickly, or not at all. 8. What about the breed makes it a great show dog? DA: They love being the center of whatever is going on. JB: Pugs are pleasers and will do anything for food… well most of them will. P&RC: We love the Pugs for their enthusiasm for life which makes them a great show dog, but also a joy to live with at home. They are so comical, love to be close and snuggle, and have a reliable, amicable personality that makes them an easy keeper. Well, except for the shed- ding (we have learned to decorate and dress in beige). Pugs are more than purely a wonderful lap dog. While that is what they were bred to do and are clearly experts, they are able to be successful in many other venues, i.e. Obedience, Rally, Agility, Barn Hunt titles—we even know of Pugs who compete in Tracking, Drafting and Lure Coursing! SM: They enjoy being with people, and playing to the crowd. EV: Pugs make great show dogs because they will do any- thing for a “reduced diet kibble”—i.e. RDs. 9. What advice would you give a newcomer? DA: Enjoy your time together—they are show dogs for a short time, have fun. JB: Purchase the best Pug girl you can afford and have a mentor that travels to most of the same shows you do. P&RC: Newcomers should establish a relationship with a mentor who knows the standard, pedigrees, health concerns and will be honest enough to critique their dog’s qualities and faults. This mentoring relationship is important in showing the dog, but extremely important when the newcomer begins a breeding program. SD: Stop. Look. Listen. Learn about a breed before you pick one. Join a vintage breeder. Join a local all-breed kennel club and volunteer! SM: Do your research. Don’t expect to have a perfect dog, or to walk into the ring and win every time. EV: I think the best advice for newcomers in the breed is to buy the best bitch they can afford from a BREEDER whose reputation stands out.
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