K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Pug history 101

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Pug history 101

I like reading about the history of dog breeds. It took me awhile but I tracked down one about pugs that has some great info. It turns out that it is believed they developed from the same lines as the bullmastiff and not bulldogs. There are even photos of skulls of various dogs included. It is most interesting to note that when they were developed that they did have a nose on them, and not the extreme flat faces they have now. (or even as shown on the book cover)

I'm throwing in a bunch of Jenny photos for someone to look at that has smooth brussell griffons. It has been mentioned that perhaps she is a cross with a smooth BG due to how much she looks like one in the face and has a similar body type. I have only seen one smooth BG in person and it was such a long time ago I am unsure if this is a realistic possibility. After seeing the photos in the history book however I believe she looks like more of the original pug type. I think they used to call that a throwback.

Another thing I found interesting from the book is that is used to be very common practice to crop pugs ears.

I should have gotten more pics of her profile so you can see her nose.

We don't really care what she is, we are smitten. I have now been charmed by the pug breed. I guess that may make Jenny our "gateway" pug. :-)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...: When I was in the hair salon the other day, someone brought in a little pug puppy and passed her around so we all could see her. Her name was Shorty. I always didn't think I liked pugs but she totally charmed me in the minute I got to hold her. :] What a sweet baby!; November 23, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Caveat said...: I have a smooth Griff with a 'perfect head' according to my friend the breeder. The rest of him is wonky so he wasn't bred or shown and is now my pet. He is the colour Belge.

Smooth Griffs have a soft double coat kind of like a Rottweiler, although there are two coats - Deer which is stiff and stands away a bit kind of like a pug and plush, like Digby's.

Griffs come in black and tan, black, Belge and red although if people clip the wires, the coat comes in lighter in colour. That's why I have to hand-strip my Rough and listen to my friend the breeder's criticism of my half-baked effort. Memo: Don't become good buddies with the next breeder, if there is one.

They say the Griff was a cross between the English Toy spaniel ad the Smousje a little ratter.

As for the mastiff thing, I've said for years that Pugs must be mastiffs because they are so much like them but put through the Shrinkalyzer.

There's a pic of Digby here in profile and a couple of pics of his nephew, Albert at 6 mos (his first show):

http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2007/12/11/3403592.html

Or if you go to my blog and put 'digby' in the search box at the upper left, more pics will come up.

Your dog could be a Pug/Frenchie cross, just guessing of course, but the head is rather massive for a Brussels Griffon. Griffs are small as well, usually around 10 lbs if you can resist the gimme a cookie thing - not easy LOL!; November 26, 2008 at 6:58 AM

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My Story

In 1992, after serving for 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, I decided to settle down in my hometown in Mid-Coast Maine. I got my first dog, (as a bona-fide adult) an akita, and joined the local kennel club. I also joined akita rescue and learned alot about the breed. In turn I began helping educate others. This taught me how important training is for ALL dogs. Thus began my (unofficial) foray into the world of dog training.

I worked for a few years at a local veterinarians office and then began working at our local humane society. While there I saw many dogs being given up for simple training issues. About that time the kennel club began looking for a new trainer to teach group obedience classes. I decided I might be able to handle that challenge once I had more official training of my own.

MY TRAINING:

I found an excellent trainer to mentor with and in October of 2001 after a year of hands on training and study I completed my apprenticeship under Lloyd Williams of Bear Brook Kennels. During that apprenticeship, in addition to learning all the basics, I got to assist in the training of police dogs in narcotics, tracking and cadaver dogs with the medical examiners office.

Not only did I learn how to be a dog trainer, more importantly, I learned how to teach owners how they could communicate more effectively with their dogs. I consider that training just the beginning in my canine education. I continue to attend seminars and keep current through reading about recent advancements in dog training methods. I am a former member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

My training was sponsored by The Humane Society of Knox County and The Mid-Coast Kennel Club of Maine.

MY METHODS:

I use positive reinforcement methods whenever possible during training sessions. Positive reinforcement helps make the training experience more enjoyable for both the dog and owner, producing a better learning environment. I also utilize hand signals in my training which is very useful with deaf dogs as well as hearing ones. My methods include lure/reward and marker training. (with or without a clicker depending on owner preference)

MY GOALS:

My goal in training is to help pet owners develop a better relationship with their dogs. Many times that includes teaching about canine communication and behavior. I also like to help dogs stay out of the shelters and in their homes whenever possible. Training for those unruly dogs can make that a reality for some families.

MY OTHER JOBS:

I am currently the trainer for the HSKC's K-9 Corrections program. I also work as a receptionist at a local veterinary hospital.

MY FAMILY:

I am happily married and the mother of two fabulous children.

Dog Training and Behavior Seminars Attended

11-09 Self Control and Focus Games with Dee Ganley CPDT/CABC/CDBC
6-09 Dog to Dog Aggression with Patricia McConnell PhD
7-08 Debunking the Dominance Myth in Training with Jean Donaldson
6-08 PitBull Education Seminar with Drayton Michaels
3-08 Aggression and Canine Compulsion Disorders with Dr. Nicholas Dodman
4-07 How to Talk Dog with Sarah Kalnajs
6-06 Understanding Canine Body Language with Trish King
4-06 Aggression in Dogs 2 Day Seminar with Brenda Aloff
10-05 Play with Me and Feisty Fidos with Pia Silvani CPDT,CABC
2005 Canine Communication, Meet your Match and and Intro to "Safer" Training with Emily Weiss PhD