The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-05
The Pug

The Pug is one of the most affectionate companions among the canine family. Why or wherefore the appelation 'aristo- crats of the dog race,' usually applied when Plugs are mentioned? This is one or sample of the multitudinous ques- tions propounded to the writer of these columns.
 The phrase when thus quoted naturally implies the best, and while owners of other breeds may differ, those who own or have ever possessed a Pug will stren- uously insist that the designation is but the truth and not a misnomer. Pug fan ciers boldly maintain that this type or style is the only dog on earth that has never been known to bite the hand that feeds it. This is an especially fond mem cry to the one owning a Pug, for when leaving home with Pug and babies playing about the premises, there is never dread nor danger of being called back hur- 11edlyt by alarming summons that doggie has bitten baby brother or sister.
 Pug installed in the household prac- tcally means assurance or immunity from these frequent vexations, a fact that lovers of other breeds must admit, as there is no known record of Pug biting those associated with 1t, either through viciousness or playfulness; and, by the way, some of the dogs that bite 'only playfully' at times seem to be endowed with extraordinary muscular ability in their jawbones
 Plugs are aristocratic because they are a scarce quantity. This is mainly due to the fact that they are really an expensive luxury. If Plugs were cheap, your neigh bor's bad boy and perhaps even the man across the street. would have one or two. When you see gentleman or lady on fhkA yUit e ovi- dence that said party must have money or means, as Plugs must be bought-the very best friend you have on earth would not give you his Pug, no matter how pretty you might be or how ardently he loved youn.
 The origin of the Pug is still matter of comment and debate, just as the sub ject so often discussed-which is prefer able. married single life?. Or which has the most destructive power, fire or water? Thorough search through liter ature pertaining to lineage of dogs will find answer either way you desire-either to affairm or to report on the negative side. The theory so commonly advanced relative to origin of different breeds of chickens by those deeply learned in folk lore of barnyard fowls. with slight varia- ton or alterations, holds equally as good in case of the Pug as with the aforemen- toned chickens.
 This old. old story, while it may not be according to Hoyle is to effect that some old ship captain, name and nationality evidently lost in oblivion, or some other foreign country while cruising about, was presented with pair of Plugs, and brought over by MT. Ship Captain.
 Today it is different type of dog as scientific breeding and skillful mating has achieved the fondest desire The few kennels now handling this little friend have spent time and money to perfect it. One of the largest and best kennels is the Reilly Kennels, 22 East Seventeenth street, Newport, Ky. owned by our jolly friend, s. T. Reilly. who is as enthusias- tic while talking about the "doughnut" tail his string of Plugs possess as boy with his first pair of pants The illus tration on this page of brace of Plugs are products of the Reilly Kennels. MT. Reilly says his good family think as much of his dogs as they do of him, and some photos he sent of lot of pups show them with warm sweaters on and fancy collars.
 The writer met his wife some 20 years ago while she was out walking with her Pug. liked the dog very much-also the girl. So Pug dog settled my future. and the girl is somewhat older today, and our boy is as fond of dogs his ancestors. He gets it honest.