PEKINGESE EXAMINATION ON THE TABLE
By Carol Kniebusch Noe
Originally published in SHOWSIGHT Magazine, July 2013
E xamining Pekinese on the table is similar to the examination of oth- er breeds. That is, judges should “Examine on the table and judge on the ground.” Statements below in bold type are direct quotes from the Pekingese breed standard and itali- cized quotes are also included from well-known breeders of the past. The statement under General Ap- pearance in the standard summa- rizes the breed character and ap- pearance that judges need to keep in mind during the table examination. The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Its temperament is one of directness, independence and individuality. Its image is lionlike, implying courage, dignity, and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy. The judge should first view the profile of the dog on the table from the cen- ter of the ring and then proceed to the front of the dog. While considering the profile, keep in mind that overall balance is of utmost importance. The head is large in proportion to the body, which is slightly longer than tall. The overall outline is an approximate ra- tio of 3 high to 5 long when measured from the forechest to the buttocks. Nigel Aubrey Jones stated, “Correct body shape is vital if correct balance and movement are to be achieved.”
Approach the front of the dog on the table and place your hands behind the ears cupping them to frame the face... keep in mind the Pekingese is a toy dog and your hands should be firm but gentle during hands on examination. The head of a Pekingese is one of the hallmarks of the breed. Nigel Aubrey- Jones said, “The Pekingese head is the stamp of the breed.” A large head in proportion to the body is essential. Examine for a massive, broad and flat topskull combined with wide set, large dark eyes and a shallow rectangular, envelope-shaped head. The envelope implied here is a normal business size envelope, not a square birthday card envelope. This is important to re- member because a Pekingese should not have a square head. You 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 sepa- rates the upper and lower areas of the face and frames the nose. At this time determine that the topskull is broad and flat with ears that are set on the front corners with long heavy fring- ing that frames the face. The muzzle and the mouth should be broad with an undershot lower jaw. Since denti- tion is not part of the standard, it is not necessary to open a Pekingese mouth. If you suspect a problem, ask the exhibitor to show the bite.
“Its image is lionlike, implying courage,
dignity, and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy.”
T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2022 • 43
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