Naming Your Best Friend

Today’s New York Times has an interesting article on the art of naming dogs. Some suggestions include:

1. Stick to names of one or two syllables.

2. Names that end in in a long vowel or a short “a” are good.

3. Include a hard consonant like a “k” to get the dog’s attention. (Apparently dogs hear these better.)

4. Eschew trendy names.

5. Uncommon names, though, stand out.

6. Pick a name you’re willing to repeat. A lot.

So how does Pablo’s name stack up? Well, it aces suggestions one and two. As for numbers four and five, his name certainly isn’t trendy, and it does stand out at the dog park. (I’ve never met another dog named Pablo. Have you?) And I like the way it sounds, so it’s a go for suggestion six as well. The only criteria his name doesn’t match is a hard consonant sound. So I’m thinking of changing his name. Pabko! Here, Pabko!

If you’re interested in learning how Pablo got his name, click here for an earlier post.

And the Winner Is…

c Fred R. Conrad/New York Times

Well, a member of the Toy Group won Westminster, but it wasn’t a pug (alas). Banana Joe, a monkey-faced affenpinscher, stole the show, and I have to admit he gave it his all as he trotted around the ring with the other six finalists: a Portuguese water dog, a bichon frise, an American foxhound, an Old English sheepdog, a fox terrier, and a German wire-haired pointer. While I liked Banana Joe, I was rooting for Oakley (the pointer). Long ago, in another life, I had a German shorthair pointer so perhaps I’m sentimental for the breed, but I did think Oakley was a magnificent specimen.

Pablo watched the show with me both nights, but once he saw the pug was out of the running, he lost interest and conked out on the end of the couch, dreaming no doubt of a year when a pug again snags top honors. FYI–Last time was in 1981.

This year’s Best of Breed pug, JJ, is a handsome fellow who placed fourth, not al all shabby. Here’s a photo:

 

TV Has Gone to the Dogs

When Pablo was a pupster he cuddled up beside me to watch the Westminster Dog Show, barking his approval when the show dogs paraded past the judges. As he got older, he stopped watching, no doubt catching on that the shows were more for human than canine enjoyment. Well, the entertainment idustry has wised up and TV has finally gone to the dogs. DogTV, a cable network, puts on programs specifically aimed for your pooch. The idea is to soothe and entertain your dog while you’re away. Right now DogTV is available only in San Diego but by year’s end it should be available nationwide. In the meantime your pooch can always check it out online.

Read more about DogTV in this New York Times article.

Leaping Into Leap Year

Isn’t  this a great logo, and perfect for Leap Year 2012! Pugs Leap Farm in California makes goat cheese. Why the owners feature a pug and not a goat, I have no idea, but I’m glad they do.

For more leaping pugs, click this amazing video Minnie the Flying Pug. Wow, can that pooch jump. The NY Knicks should sign her up. In you’d like to watch more dogs in flight, check out this UK Huffington Post post.

Enjoy your extra day of February, everyone. And happy birthday to leapers! Any leaper pugs?

I’ve Got Your Back

National Geographic’s website has some stunning photos of different dog breeds, all taken at this year’s Westminster Dog Show. There’s also an article on “How to Build a Dog,” a look at the reason why there is such a variety of dog shapes and sizes. Another article, “The Forever Dog,” examines the evolution of dogs and their connections to villages in Africa. All in all, this month’s National Geographic is a must read for dog lovers.

Second Time’s the Charm

After losing Best in Show last year to a Scottish deerhound, Malachy the Pekingese experienced the sweet smell of success, winning the title at Westminster, the fourth time for this pipsqueak breed. A crowd favorite and a member of the Toy Group, Malachy beat a German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, Kerry blue terrier, and wire-haired dachshund to claim the silver bowl.

I rooted for Malachy last year and was disappointed when he lost. Maybe because of that, I didn’t expect him to win. I’d pegged the Doberman as top pooch, mostly for his streamlined body and the magnificent way he moved. But then all the dogs paraded around the floor really well, each in his/her own unique fashion. The Dalmatian and Doberman had athletic strides and the Irish setter moved like a dancer. Then there was the German Shepherd’s loping gait, the Kerry blue’s swagger, the dachshund’s frantic shuffle, and the Peke’s unmistakable waddle.

In other news, demonstrators held a protest outside Madison Square Garden, where the dog show is held, up in arms at Republican candidate Mitt Romney. What had he done to rile dog lovers? Apparently Romney once strapped a crate containing his Irish setter, Seamus, to the top of his car while driving from Boston to Canada. (You’d think with all his money he could afford better transportation for his pooch.) The dog wasn’t harmed and Romney claims Seamus enjoys riding this way, but the Dogs Against Romney group isn’t buying it. They held up signs proclaiming “I Ride Inside” and “Dogs Aren’t Luggage”.

Westminster, Day One

Captain Crunch aka Capi

What an exciting opening night of the Westminster Dog Show. Pablo was snuggled between Grandma and me as we watched the first four groups parade around the arena. I didn’t have a favorite for the first group up, the Hounds (although the basset was mighty cute), but I picked the winner for the next three! (As proof I have my twitter account. I tweated my pick during the commercial break before the judge announced the winner.) FYI–a wire-haired dachshund won the group (the only bitch among last night’s winners), thrilling my mother, a dachshund groupie.

For the toy group, I fell in love with Malachy the Peke, last year’s winner and still the same amazing regal ball of fur. I know, isn’t the pug part of the toy group? Yes, indeedy, but while this year’s pug was a charmer, I wasn’t taken with the total package.

Non-Sporting was up next, a grab bag of dogs leftover from the other six groups. The second I saw the Dalmatian I sensed he’d be the winner. The dog was stunning with crisp black spots against a snowy base coat. He was showing his heart out so I was thrilled when he won.

The last group of the night were the Herders. My first dog–at age five–was a German Shepherd so I love this breed that boasts some of the smartest dogs around. I always root for the GS, but this year’s dog, Captain Crunch (I even love the name), was a favorite to win and he didn’t disappoint.

Now I’m stuck with a dilemma of which one to root for tonight for Best in Show. And there are still three more groups to decide–Working, Sporting, and Terrier. Stop by tomorrow for my decision and to see if I chose correctly.

UPDATE: I didn’t choose a pooch for the Sporting Group. None jumped out at me, although I liked the winner, an Irish setter. I chose the Scottie for the Terrier Group, but it didn’t make the cut. The Kerry blue won. For the Working Group, I loved the Newfoundland, but I went with the Doberman and it won the breed. So for the seven groups, I picked four correctly, not too shabby. For Best in Show, I thought the Doberman would take the silver bowl, but it when to the Peke. Pablo was very happy.

Westminster Calls

Last year's winner in the toy group

In this household, it’s bigger than the Super Bowl. Today starts the 136th Westminster Dog Show, the second longest sporting event in the country. (Number 1? the Kentucky Derby.) When I lived in NYC, I used to try and attend at least one day of the two-day show. The biggest thrill was going behind the arena to see all the dogs being groomed. Of course I made a beeline for the pugs, but I also enjoyed seeing other breeds that rarely make an appearance on city streets. This year six new breeds will make their debut at Westminster, including the Xoloitzcuintli–a very long name for such a tiny dog, formerly known as the Mexican hairless.

When was the last year a pug won Best of Show? Thirty-one years ago! That’s when Champion Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck took home the trophy. To see photos of him and some other past winners, click here. Pablo would like nothing better than to see another pug in the winner’s seat, but it doesn’t seem likely to happen this year. According to one report, a black cocker spaniel is favored. We won’t know the outcome until after tomorrow’s show. Tonight, judges will select the top hound, toy, non-sporting, and herding breeds. An affenpinscher is expected to win toy. Will there be a pug upset? Stay tuned!

What’s So Funny?

I know. There must be a scientific reason why dogs seem to smile. Some animal experts say it’s just submissive behavior. A dog’s grin really means “Hey, don’t beat me, okay?” But come on! Isn’t this one seriously blissed out pooch? BuzzFeed has posted photos of nineteen more of the happiest dogs around. 

 

Seeing-Eye Pug

It’s been chilly the past few days, so here’s a story to warm your heart. Franky and Elly are four-year-old pugs. Elly (the fawn pug) is blind and deaf, so Franky, a perfect gentleman, leads her around, helping her on walks and to find her supper dish and water bowl. The dogs have been living in the RSPCA in Newport, Wales since last year. The good news is that the inseparable pair are in the process of being adopted and soon will be going to their forever home. Read the original story here and the followup  here.