apricot color. The trace is a thin line running from the occiput down the back. You will most often see this in young dogs. A wider black saddle or black hairs in a fawn coat should not be considered a disqualification. However, these can be considered a fault. If you are one of the judges who tells Juniors to show the bite on their dog, most of them will respond, “In this breed, we check themouth by running the flat of our thumb over the bite.” This is what they are taught to say and do not penalize them for responding in this manner. Just because this is a Toy breed, don’t forgive unsoundness. This is a tough little bundle of muscle and should always move soundly. When you see a Pug stop with all four feet in the right place and tail up—look carefully. When you see a Pug handler down on the floor, setting each foot and holding up the tail—look very carefully. Many Pugs are owner-handled and, therefore, sometimes you will have to forgive less-than-expert handling. But they know when someone knows how to judge their breed and, believe me, word will spread, either good or bad. Never forgive light eyes, bad bites, wry mouths, unsoundness, low- set tails or a dog that does not appear square. Square body, round head, and curly tail. It is a fun breed to judge and their antics in the ring will often amuse you. Enjoy!
Left: Ch. Ivanwold Diva of Riversong, Winner of 13 All-Breed Best in Shows. Below: 12-Week-Old puppy
rather appears to have a sloping fold rather than straight across the head as with a button ear. It often makes the head appear smaller. The muzzle is dark and wide with a noticeable chin. Some Pugs do gray on the chin and muzzle, and this is of no impor- tance. Whiskers may or may not be trimmed. The nose, black with open nostrils, is important to this brachy- cephalic breed. When the mouth is closed, you should not see tongue or teeth. On warm days, do not keep these dogs, particularly blacks, out in the sun at outdoor shows. They over- heat quickly with disastrous results. They will also pant heavily. The front legs are straight and placed well under. The Pug should have a chest. Some older dogs, especially males, may get a build-up of muscle on the outside of the legs, but the in- side of the legs should be straight. He must have enough length of neck to support the head and, if the shoulder construction is correct, he will not appear as if his head is sitting right on his shoulder. Also, correct structure will not allow him to have excessive lift of his front legs. Moderate bend of stifle is called for and the often-talked about “Pug roll” comes from his front movement, not his rear, and is not an exaggerated swagger. He should stand squarely with straight legs, level topline, and a tight- ly curled, high-set tail. He should gait
the same way—legs moving in paral- lel planes, firm topline, and the tail not bouncing with each step. This is a companion dog and is not meant to be run around the ring. He should trot by the handler’s side, preferably on a loose lead. They double track and should never be moved so fast as to converge to the center line of gravity. The tail must be high-set to continue that appearance of squareness. The Standard talks of a double curl as perfection. Rather than concentrate on the number of curls, you should see high-set, tightly-curled tails. Of- tentimes, the tail will curl on the side away from the judge. If so, look at the dog from that side as well. Please do not unroll the tail. There have been questions over the years about wrinkles down the Pug’s back. This issue is not dealt with in the Standard. The key here is to check the topline under those wrinkles to make sure it is level. Otherwise, it is up to you and how you feel about the wrinkles. As they age, they may also develop wrinkles over the shoulders. Coat texture is fine, smooth, short, and glossy. Blacks are black, some- times with some white on the chest. Oftentimes, you will see some rust in their coats from being out in the sun. The two colors accepted are black and fawn. All others are a dis- qualification. Fawn can range from a very light, buttery color to a dark
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlotte P. Pat- terson bought her first Pug in 1969 and began a love affair with the breed that lasts even today. She has been a breed- er, exhibitor, pro- fessional handler, and now, a judge. She considers it her great privilege
to be involved in the sport of dogs.
48 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember /D ecember 2020
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