Patrick McManus on Harmony, History and Pugs

Patrick McManus judging the Pug Dog Club of America National Specialty.

Host Laura Reeves sits down with pug breeder, AKC judge and artist Patrick McManus to explore the fascinating intersection of fine art, breed type and the living history of purebred dogs.

The ultimate Renaissance man, McManus is known as a dedicated pug breeder and judge, as well as an incredible artist whose unique Cubist renderings of dogs are breathtaking.

Purebred dogs serve as “living history,” representing a specific place, people and time. As humans evolved and migrated across the globe, dogs followed and were selectively bred by people to perform specific services or to provide “pure exotic joy.” Today, breeders and judges act as the curators of this ongoing historical record.

For an artist and breeder like McManus, studying the history of fine arts and the history of dogs are “one and the same thing”. Observing how dogs were historically depicted and bred helps artists and judges alike understand the “why” behind a breed’s unique shape, ensuring they can accurately evaluate if every physical part of the dog is functioning in complete harmony.

This evolution of purebreds is deeply intertwined with fine art, as historical art provides a continuous visual thread of canine development. The presence of dogs is documented everywhere from the ancient bas-reliefs of Welsh castles to the masterpieces of renowned painters. For example, Edgar Degas frequently featured Brussels Griffons—which belonged to fellow painter Mary Cassatt—in his pastels and paintings of horse races. Georges Seurat also famously incorporated dogs into his pointillist works. Sometimes, a breed’s history is tied directly to other art forms, such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier being named after a character in a novel.

This visual history helps trace the lineage and geographic journey of ancient breeds. The ancient Lhasa Apso from Tibet, for instance, eventually influenced the development of the Pekingese in China. This lineage of “exotic” or brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds—which includes Pugs, Japanese Chins and Brussels Griffons—reflects generations of human selection.

One of many of McManus’ paintings and artworks.More topics from McManus:

• From “Pug Boy” to Judge: Patrick recounts his early entry into the dog world, starting with a childhood fascination for Pointers and Setters before buying his first Pug at age 15 and earning the affectionate nickname “Pug Boy”.
• The Artist’s Eye in the Ring: Patrick explains how studying art and movement naturally translated to evaluating dogs. He discusses how the principles of Cubism and observing how pieces fit together help him assess whether a dog is moving in true harmony and balance.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Patrick shares his emotional gratitude for the icons of the dog show world, including “Mama” Charlotte Patterson, who took the time to mentor him when he was just a teenager starting with a pooper scooper.