Lola, Cindy, and Umberto traveled to The Pug Dog Club of America's National Specialty in Bowling Green, Kentucky this past week. Lola brought home a ton of ribbons which means she was able to place in very competitive lineup. She showed to 4 different judges and won 2nd place under Judge Michael Faulkner which we were especially proud of and thankful for. Cindy had not shown for almost a year since she finished her championship but she entered BOB for a sweepstakes and just looked stunning. We had to leave early for work so she was not able to show on Saturday for the breed but it was wonderful seeing her standing alongside such magnificent pugs. Here is a shot of her moving and then some photos of Lola. Umberto and Lola completed their BOAS and cardiac, and patellar OFA screening and both received perfect scores -- a 0 in BOAS means there was no evidence at all of any breathing issues. Dr. Mack even commented on how fit Umberto was and how wide and open his nares were. She also was impressed with Lola's nares. 

Just a reminder that you should never shave a pug. Chapter 8 in The Pug Bible addresses this further. Thankfully, we were advised against this early on so we never had to suffer through a pug having to go through this. KK's breeder (our foundation bitch, and the grandmother or great grandmother to most of the Pickwick pugs out there) shaved one of her pugs once. We saw this pug as an adult, 10 years after it had been shaved, and the fur had only grown back in a few random patches ... she was bald all the rest of the places. Honestly, the poor pug, (a former show pug and champion), looked like a holocaust victim. It was so sad. Aside from looks and vanity, though, pugs need their fur for protection.

Shaving will not help the pug be cooler in the summer. The opposite is true, in fact.

Shaving will not help with shedding.

Shaving is actually harmful to the pug.

Why? Pugs have a double coat that acts as insulation, protecting them from both heat and cold. Shaving disrupts this natural cooling and warming mechanism, potentially causing them to overheat in the summer and become too cold in the winter. Additionally, shaved pugs are more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage. 

A pug's double coat helps regulate their body temperature by trapping cool air in the summer and insulating them from the cold in the winter. Shaving removes this protective layer and makes it harder for them to stay comfortable in various temperatures. 

Pugs' skin is sensitive, and their fur provides a natural barrier against the sun's harmful UV rays. Shaving exposes their skin, making them more vulnerable to sunburn, which can be painful and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

The reason the fur of KK's breeder's pug never grew back completely was because shaving can damage the hair follicles which leads to uneven, patchy, or altered coat texture. Too often, the hair may not grow back the same way, affecting the pug's appearance.  A risk of the uglies for life

To control shedding, just make sure to finish up their weekly or bi-monthly baths with a conditioner and brush them (after misting lightly with water or a conditioning spray -- never brush a dry coat) every morning, or every other morning at minimum. 

And, once again, shaving does NOT make the pug cooler. The reverse is true. Invest in cooling mats or vests, make sure your pug has access to cool, clean water ALWAYS, and keep in AC indoors during hot summer months. When traveling, bring protable fans (we always have one in our car crate). On super hot days, we have cooling mats and an ice chest for traveling in case the car breaks down. And always fans.  

Here are some excerpts (screenshots) from the beginning of Chapter 8 in The Pug Bible (and there is more on shampoos, toenails and other grooming concerns later in the chapter).

(with the help of Fotor app ;) ) The following 3 photos were submitted and the directives added describing the scenes (i.e. driving in white convertible along the Pacific Coast highway)

https://apnews.com/article/peta-lawsuit-akc-dog-breeds-french-bulldog-a80fb78ec62e3a08519c58501a306ad6

We are very supportive of animal rescue and have fostered and rescued so many dogs -- all breeds, including pugs -- over the years. We are not against rescue groups. However, we do not support PETA. We definitely do not believe in PETA's mission to ban ALL domesticated animals. They do not believe in pets! They euthanize more animals than any other kill shelter. And, they are constantly causing problems for pet owners. They have risked animals lives (opening crates at dog shows so animals are running loose, putting anti-freeze in the water bowls of animals waiting to show at dog shows and so much more horrendous things. These are true stories that I have witnessed.) Of course everyone probably remembers when the wacko PETA person ran onto the Westminster floor and stole the cup (but security took control). Now, they are causing more problems trying to ban Brachy breeds. There is an entire chapter devoted to "Stop the Pug Shaming" and the misinformation being spread (absolute lies) in The Pug Bible e-book. I encourage you to read this if you have not already. Also in this chapter is a thorough discussion of why brachy breeds are not inherently more unhealthy than other breeds and how mixed-breeds are actually statistically less healthy than well-bred purebreeds. Here is the link to the Pug Bible -- https://www.pickwickpugs.com/store/p110/The_Pug_Bible%2C_%28e-book%29.html

I hope you will purchase, read, and help stamp out ignorance. Help support the pug breed so it can continue to thrive FROM THE TIME OF CONFUCIUS to future generations of the 21st Century!

And remember, Doliocephaly is not synonymous with health; Brachycephaly is not synonymous with illness!

Here is the article about PETA's lawsuit against AKC. (Remember, if it were NOT for AKC, pet owners would not have the right to own a pet. Regardless of breed, mixed-breed, species .... ANY pet. The American Kennel Club spends so much money on legal defense for your right to own a pet. AKC does all this on a shoe-string budget with limited staff. 

PETA sues American Kennel Club over standards for some dog breeds | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/peta-lawsuit-akc-dog-breeds-french-bulldog-a80fb78ec62e3a08519c58501a306ad6

Here are some excerpts from The Pug Bible:

And, one last reminder ... here are some Pickwick pugs running fast Cat, doing agility, hiking, and leading healthy, enriched lives (proving PETA's claims to be lies):

At day 12 now, sleep deprivation is REAL. This time, however, Jeff's work schedule has allowed him to help more than usual which has been a life saver (probably literally). We have been able to spot each other some sleep on most days. The pups are growing and thriving and have double their weight. It will be a couple of days soon when their eyes open. One of the unique chapters in The Pug Bible, not found in any other book about Pugs, covers all that goes on in the neonatal phases (and transitional, and socialization stages as well). You will enjoy the read, photos and videos if you haven't gotten this e-book. Here is the link. There is all sorts of information, from vaccinations, training, speaking "Puglish", how to puppy proof a home, shopping lists, and more. For full coverage on our current Galaxy litter, here is the webpage. 4 girls and 1 boy! Mama Stella is doing great and enjoying the special quality time. And the special meals and treats ;)

This summer, aside from whelping, raising, training puppies, we are reviewing tricks with our adult pugs. KK still remembers all of her skills even if she is a little slower. (We are not making her jump through hoops anymore ;) but she still could if we asked her to. Just playing it safe ;) We have added "aches away" and "joint support" to her daily regimen plus the usual Nuvet vitamin and Fish Oil. She is still "there" cognitively, but I think it might be soon that we start adding the brain drops. We are also adding the bladder support to our 3-legged senior Sebastian in addition to all of the above. But he has no inclination of needing the brain drops. He can barely walk, but he is all there mentally. We of course give him the aches away and joint support, plus 3 rx the vet prescribed. It is getting to the point where we need to make a decision about him. My husband and I are in conversations .... my feeling is that, even if he can't walk well, if he still loves eating, and is "there" cognitively and in spirit, he deserves to live. We will probably need an intervention when deciding how to handle the last days of this amazing boy.

We use several products, but always follow up with the PawTree (usually the Shed Support but today we used the Lavender shampoo/conditioner to save time, plus I am a lavender scent freak.) I used to make our own soap shampoo bar but I just can't find the time anymore. My hairdresser in the 1980s said that "shampoo+conditioners" don't work. I've always believed that. However, I have to say that this lavender PawTree really does seem to do both. The "deshedding" aspect of the conditioner seems to happen as you rinse. I need to research the science because I am just basing this on the "feel" of the coat, but. When they have gone a longer time between baths than ideal, I do include a degreaser shampoo first. You are supposed to wait 5 minutes. Honestly, I never do. The Pawtree ear wash/dry is incredible and it smells SO good. And here, I will say, that the "combination cleaner/dryers" do not work as well. The drying portion of the pawtree actually turns into a powder of sorts. If you have a pug who deals with ear infections or waxy/yeasty ears, you need this product. Robert is actually not bad at all (doesn't even have hardly any nose issues) but we do have several pugs who are, and the Pawtree ear cleaner/dryer is amazing. Fleas and tick are bad in Alabama. Probably everywhere. We just don't like the things we hear about Bravecto so we only use this when absolutely necessary. We are finding success with using a capstar at each bath (every other week ... sometimes 3 during busy times) plus a daily spray of this incredible pawtree product. We spray and brush them each morning. It smells divine, by the way. We also have a conditioner spray we make ourselves which has neem oil and other amazing things like cucumber extract. We alternate between the products which we use each morning. We clean bedding and linens regularly and sometimes spray with MyCodex and it seems to be controlling things well. Before we hike or go into the woods or go camping, we always spray liberally with this product by PawTree. 

It's one thing when you hear the average Joe say "I prefer a pug with a blonde face", but when you start hearing this from AKC judges and experts who influence the breed's future, perhaps it is time to remind ourselves that it is not a matter of opinion but the breed standard to which we are all accountable. The headpiece and facial markings of a pug is a hallmark of the breed. Beyond facial markings, it is important to remember that pugs are not a working breed, they are a toy breed. Pugs are also not terriers. Pugs should be square and cobby .... not long legged. Pugs need "moderate bend of stifle" ... over angulation is undesirable. Pugs should not be  long, lean, and leggy. I made a little video and composed a catchy song so folks could quickly refresh themselves on the breed standard requirements.

First time as a special in the breed ring, Cindy, (CH Pickwick's Oh, the Places You'll Go) won "select bitch" each of the 4 days at the Crossroads Cluster in Perry, Georgia this past weekend. She also won Best of Breed Owner Handled the last day, Most importantly, she and her sister had a fabulous time playing in the camping cabin, sleeping with  mom, running in dog parks and more seeing all the sights of the dog show. Here she is helping with a practice session and enjoying her adventures.

Lola had the honor of winning Best of Opposite Sex and winners dog a couple of days. Alas, McNabb photography did not do a good job with her win photo so I pieced together my own "moving photo" :) Thank you to esteemed judge, James Moses, for recognizing her excellence and your compliments.

Since the fairgrounds are such a fun place, Lola posed for a few fun photos: