One of the really old-fashioned pets and companions is the Pug, of which I have for the last thirty years generally had some specimens about my house, and usually, when I have judged the breed, have been favoured with record entries. I remember on one occasion, when I had a very heavy day at an important London show, and had taken an immense amount of trouble, in the open, on a broiling day in June or July, when the whole of my exhibitors were of the fair sex, and ranged from the highest in the kennel-world, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, to those who would not be ashamed to be included amongst "the working classes," I thought, "I shall catch it pretty warmly over this job." I hardly supposed it within the bounds of possibility for any living "mere man," to give satisfaction to such a large number of the other sex, especially when their own particular pets were concerned, so that I was certainly gratified to have a letter, some weeks after, from the Hon. Secretary of the show (whose daughter was an exhibitor and by no means a novice in Pugs either), stating that I had "achieved the unique feat of pleasing every one, as not a single complaint or grumble had been heard or received by the committee from the large body of Pug exhibitors." I mention this, not for the purpose of self-glorification, but to show that, although generally judges are supposed to meet with obloquy and abuse, often not deserved, they do, sometimes, receive kindly recognition of their endeavours, to pick out the best specimens brought under their notice! A good Pug should have a large skull, in proportion to size, well-defined stop, with high forehead, square face, wide-apart eyes, dark and large, round and rather prominent; thin, small ears, carried well forward, a desideratum is a black thumb mark in middle of skull, the mask and ears should be black.

BLACK PUG. CH. PREMIER "DUKE BEIRA". MISS C.F.A. JENKINSON OWNER.

Heavy wrinkles about head and face; muscular, thick neck, with skin loose; square, thick, cobby body; deep loins; well rounded ribs; dark trace down back very desirable; also a dark mole on each cheek; muscular hindquarters; firm thighs; strong, short, straight fore legs; well arched, firm, round feet, with black toe nails if possible; tail tightly curled on hips, double turn much desired; coat, except on tail, where it is longer and harsher, should be glossy, soft and short. A very smart, showy and active dog, often an arrant coward, but with a great appearance of dignity, and even ferocity, which is not without its impression on the public. My experience of the breed is that they are, as a rule, very affectionate, and devoted to their owners, "good-doers" and nearly always ready for anything in the way of eating and drinking, great lovers of comfort, and very jealous of any other members of the doggy community being made as much of as themselves. They are very lively, bustling companions, and very popular with those who have kept them. I omitted to say, that the colours are silver fawn and apricot fawn, and of late years, there is also a black variety, the points of which are really the same as in the fawns, but partly concealed by the colour.

I think, as a rule, the blacks run more leggy, and many of them heavier than the fawns, but I have had some beautiful specimens of both colours before me many times, and I like a good one, of any size, although, if you can get true Pug qualities, in a small one, it is all the better.

FAWN PUG CH. "YORK". Mrs GRELICHE. OWNER.

Two of the best-known illustrate this variety.