Judging the Pekingese

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, February 2015 issue.

Judging the Pekingese

In judging the Pekingese breed, the outcome can vary with individuals because judges differ in their interpretation of the written Standard. In writing this article, it is my opinion and is not, in any way, a document of how the breed must be judged. Pekingese is my original breed, having studied and learned this breed from more than 20 years of studying, breeding and showing and now judging for 18 years. When I adjudicate over the Pekingese breed, I look for dogs that most nearly reflect perfection as set down in the Breed Standard.

Many people tell me they find the Pekingese confusing and a little difficult to judge due to their complicated structure and small stature. Te Pekingese Standard is very well written, explanatory—a full discussion of the standard is not included in this article. Instead, I will attempt to highlight some check points to look for and make several suggestions and judging technique.

Te breed originates from China and is one of the oldest recognized toy breeds. It must suggest its Chinese origin and lionlike image, since the Chinese often referred to the Pekingese as the “Lion Dog”. When a Pekingese class enters the ring, the first things you will look at are the overall proportion, balance and outline of each dog, ascertaining in your own mind, the question…which is correct type? At the present time, and in all sections of the country, the desired compact outline is harder to find, than we wish. You will more often see dogs with rounded and dome-shaped heads, longer necks, longer loin, too much leg and low tail sets. It is easy to judge a class of outstanding dogs, but difficult to judge poor quality or mediocre specimens. Often times, I find that when a class of dogs enters the ring, I can generally pick my placements before examining them on the table. Sometimes those choices change after examination and individual gaiting, but generally, you will get a quality assessment on the first goaround.

Te temperament may be assessed at this time, and you will hopefully see a balance-moving specimen with an attitude of independence, courage and self-esteem. Overall balance of body and mind are of utmost importance in your assessment of this breed, as well as any breed. As a judge, you are continually processing all of these criteria prior to your table examination. Many breeders, exhibitors and judges refer to the Pekingese as a head breed, but like every other breed, the head is very important. If you don’t have the proper head, then you lose the type. Again, type is what judging is all about. In your examination, the following check points P should be covered: Check the head for a broad, and flat top skull, large, dark eyes, short, broad muzzle with wide cheek bones, broader lower jaw and wide chin. You will note that these features contribute to the desired rectangular enveloped-shaped appearance of the head. You will further see that the ears are set on the front corners of the skull and with their feathering, create an illusion of additional width of the head. Check the forelegs which are slightly bowed between the pastern and elbow. Te elbows are always close to the body. Check the fit and placement of the short, thick neck which is set into the shoulder. Moving to the body, you should check for the correct pear-shaped (heavier and broader in front, tapering off at the rear) and compact body. Check the level top line, high tail set, lighter boned hindquarters than forequarters with moderate angulations. You must lift the coat on the hindquarters to observe the rear angulations. Now, check the final check point— movement. Te movement is unhurried with a slight roll over the shoulder, a result of the properly bowed front legs and heavy, wide forequarters. Te gait should be free of any bounce; it should exhibit effortless movement, reflecting a smooth fit of all the parts. Tere are a few examination issues that I have seen breeder and non-breeder judges perform that I do not feel are necessary in judging this breed: Do not try to open the Pekingese mouth, unless a problem such as a wry mouth exists, and you want to check for this fault. In the Standard, there is no mention to teeth in the reference to the bite.

Tis was purposely excluded. Te Standard states that the lower jaw is slightly undershot and the lips meet on a level plane. It is not appealing to the dogs, judge or exhibitor to wrestle a Pekingese to the floor from the table to pry the mouth open. If you insist on taking a peek into the mouth, place your hands on each side of the face, with your thumbs and index fingers, gently lift the upper lip. If you wish to check the weight on a Pekingese, a simple two inch lift from the table will tell you if the dog is heavy for the size. You should feel a heavy dog in a small package, with the majority of weight in the front proportion of the body. Please do not lift the dog high off the table, “twirl” the dog in the air, attempting to feel for bone in the forequarters and to ascertain weight. Tis is not a practice with the Standard Manchester Terrier who has a weight disqualification or for the French Bulldog, so why for the Pekingese? If you feel an exhibit is over the 14 pound limit, please call for the scales. In addition, do not ask exhibitors to hoist the dogs into the air so you can compare heads with the dog’s head above or level to your own. Tis is not a good practice and is not acceptable in other breeds, so why in Pekingese? It seems one judge will do this prior to the final decision and other follow suit with this procedure. Please do not do this, instead, use the table again, remembering to examine on the table and judge on the floor. Remember, you are not judging on head alone and you must consider the whole dog. Please learn to examine our Pekingese breed. Many breeders will welcome you to ask them questions. Tey will gladly mentor and teach you about the extremely stubborn, sometimes exasperating, but yet appealing Pekingese.