March 14th, 2013
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Alfie was originally given to me as a pet. When I saw her pedigree and realized that she was related to Tugboat Willy, a famous show dog, and attended a dog show where a number of handlers stopped me and suggested I show her, I decided to ask her breeder if I could give it a try. It required a new contract and some decisions on my part.
Conformation dogs are not spayed in order to pass on their outstanding qualities, but I was worried that by not spaying Alfie I could jeopardize her health. I had read that spaying a female before the age of two cuts down on her chances of mammary cancer. I also realized that if I was not going to spay her it would probably be good to have a litter. It turns out, however, that rather than coming into season twice a year, Alfie only comes into season once a year, so her opportunities are narrowed. Today, she began showing signs.
It also happened to be sunny this afternoon and much of the ice that had been coating the sidewalk had melted, making it easier to walk Alfie and Waffles, whose paws have not been tolerating the winter cold and road salts well. Both pugs were excited to be out and about, but I hadn’t given thought to the fact that Alfie might have other motivations in mind. We paused at every tree, fire hydrant and blade of grass for her to squat and pee and essentially leave her calling card for any handsome stud in the neighborhood – “I’m willing, ready and able,” she seemed to be saying and although there were no able-bodied males about, I have visions of a huge line standing outside the door in the morning.
I can’t breed Alfie this time around. Life is too hectic with my mother scheduled to have knee replacement surgery in May and having our first litter of puppies running about does not seem like the smartest idea, so unfortunately all Alfie’s advertising today will be in vain. She, however, seems quite happy. She and Waffles are curled up together on the sofa snoring away – deep, heavy snores that do not sound the least bit sexy or romantic.
Come next year she may have some courting to do, but for now my little lady will have to be content with daydreams and fantasies. She might be ready to find her soul mate or at the very least a one-night stand, but I know for certain that at this stage of the game, we’re sure not!
Ah that was a good post, mom said she didn’t know that a pug couldn’t be spayed and enter the show ring…why is that?
stella rose and mags
Hi Stella Rose — The primary point of conformation showing is to win because your pug comes close to the AKC standards of what an “ideal” pug’s conformation or body type should be, the idea is you would be passing on what is best about the breed, so the expectation is that you would thus, be having babies. There is of course controversy about whether this addresses passing on what is most healthy etc. and not just what looks good, however, good show breeders test for knee, eye, PDE etc. problems that could be passed on in their lines. I’m happy to say that Alfie, for example, has had her eyes checked and is free of many of the eye problems that plague some pug dogs. It is a tricky issue, I know with so many wonderful rescue dogs out there and I have always tried to promote both rescue and good quality breeding. There are many things I like about working with good breeders such as knowing the healthy history of your pug’s line and the environment it was raised in and getting a puppy that you can train from birth has its merits. However, I know there are so many wonderful dogs that need homes and that’s why I try to support Green Mountain Pug Rescue etc. through donations, giving of my time to take photos etc. There are now some studies coming out that show it may be better for the health of a dog if they are not spayed and neutered (Ted Kerosote’s book Pukka’s Promise talks about this) but mammary cancer is still an issue that spaying helps I believe. It is a complicated issue for many reasons. I know that was more of an answer than you and your Mommy might have been expecting. LOL!
So funny!
Love,
Christy
Adorable picture, and enjoyed reading about Alphies story!