PEKINGESE IN THE RING by CAROL KNIEBUSCH NOE
Because the Pekingese is a heavy coat- ed dog, it is essential to examine beneath the coat, but keep in mind it is a toy dog so gentle light hands are required dur- ing the examination. Th e judge should approach the front of the dog on the table and place their hands behind the ears cupping them to frame the face. Th e head of a Pekingese is one of the hallmarks of the breed—a large head in proportion to the body is essential. Nigel Aubrey Jones said, “ Th e Peking- ese head is the stamp of the breed.” Th e head should be massive, broad with a flat topskull combined with wide set, large dark eyes and a shallow rectan- gular, envelope-shaped head. Th e type of envelope shape required here is a nor- mal business size envelope—not a square birthday card envelope. Th is is impor- tant to remember because a Pekingese should NOT have a square head. Th e judge should be able to see a line drawn horizontally over the top of the broad short black nose that intersects slightly above the center of the eyes. The wrinkle separates the upper and lower areas of the face and frames the nose. Th e ears are set on the front cor- ners with long heavy fringing that frames the face. Th e muzzle and the mouth should be broad with an under- shot lower jaw. Since dentition is not part of the Pekingese standard, it is not necessary to open a Pekingese mouth. Pekingese are not trained or used to hav- ing their mouth pried open. If the judge suspects a wry mouth, ask the exhibitor to show the bite as the teeth or tongue must not show when the mouth is closed. Th e judge will then gently move their hands down the short thick neck and feel the well laid back shoulders and tight elbows as well as the short heavy boned forelegs that are moderately bowed between the pastern and elbow. Th is is accompanied by a broad chest with well-sprung ribs slung between the forelegs. Th e toes on the forefeet are slightly turn out.
Moving around to the side of the table, the judge will examine the body and topline and determine that the topline is straight and level and with both hands will feel the pear shape and lighter loin with lighter boned hindquarters and moderate angulation. Th e tail should be high-set with long profuse fringing. In examining the rear, the judge may move to the end of the table to determine the rear legs are reasonably close and par- allel with feet pointing straight ahead. Th e hind legs are lighter than the front but are firm with moderate angulation. Because the Pekingese has a long, coarse- textured, straight, stand-o ff outer coat, with thick, soft undercoat, it is necessary to gently hand examine beneath the coat to determine the correct body shape. Because the standard is very specific in stating that the Pekingese, when lifted is surprisingly heavy for its size, it is necessary to determine this by properly lifting the dog. Lifting the dog two inches o ff the table will determine this without causing undue stress to the dog. Th e correct way to lift the dog is to wrap your hand and forearm around the dog behind the shoulders and under the body. Th e other hand and arm must support the chest between the front legs. Slowly and gently lift the dog two inches above the table. Since the majority of the weight should be in the chest, it is necessary to have your hand support the chest between the front legs. Remember always that the Pekingese should feel solid and heavy for its size. Remember—the Pekingese is not lift- ed to ascertain whether it is within the permissible weight of 14 pounds per the breed standard. Th e AKC judging policy is very specific in that the only way a judge may determine the weight of the dog is through the use of an AKC approved scale. If the judge suspects the dog is over 14 pounds, the correct procedure is to call for the scales. Correct movement on the Pekingese is only possible when the body is correct.
Quotes from the Pekingese Standard appear in bold. “ P ekingese in the ring” is a familiar call from the steward indicating it is time to enter the ring in catalog order and set the dog up for a preliminary look and evaluation by the judge. Th e first thing the judge will look at is the overall balance and outline of every dog. The Pekingese is a well- balanced compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Its temperament Is one of directness, independence and indi- viduality. Its image is lion-like, imply- ing courage, dignity and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy. Following this preliminary look at all the exhibits, the judge will ask the dogs to go around the ring to the table and put the first dog on the table for examination. If the show is inside, it’s important to walk the dog on the mat at all times—if the show is outside, the judge will indi- cate whether to walk in a large or small circle around to the table. “Examine on the table, judge on the ground” is a familiar phrase referring to toy dogs or any breed that is examined on the table. In fact, the judge should return the dog to the table if a later examination is required or if a comparison to another dog is necessary. AKC has allowed the judge to compare two dogs at a time on the table. Th e judge will first consider the profile of the dog on the table from the center of the ring and then proceed to the front of the dog. While considering the profile, overall balance is of utmost importance. Th e head is large in proportion to the body which is slightly longer than tall. Th e overall outline Is an approximate ratio of 3 high to 5 long when measured from the forechest to the buttocks. Th e well known scholar of the breed, Nigel Aubrey Jones stated, “Correct body shape is vital if correct balance and movement are to be achieved.”
224 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , F EBRUARY 2015
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