Filomena Doherty collection of Pug materials

Collection

Identifier: AKE-10-5

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains photographs, incoming correspondence, and clippings related to Pugville Kennels and Doherty's most famous clients: the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lena Horne, and Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Photographs depict actors Ricardo Montalban (and wife Georgiana Young), Lena Horne (and husband Lennie Hayton), and Richard Burton at undated Pug Dog Club of America functions in addition to the Windsors, Countess Tolstoy, and socialite Mrs. Frothingham Wagstaff. Also present are win shots of the Windsors at the PDCA specialty of 1958 and Ch. Pugholm's Peter Punkin Eater at the Bronx County Kennel Club 1958 show.

Horne's letters discuss the dogs Doherty is breeding and boarding for her, while clippings depict her presenting PDCA awards to Ch. Mighty Jim and Ch. Mighty Wrinkle. Correspondence of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, conducted by their secretary, regards the acquisition of Pugville's Mighty Hope. The extensive Windsor correspondence chronicles their travels and pet experiences, dog acquisitions, show ring successes, and more. Also present are postcards, thank you cards, Christmas greetings, and clippings showcasing their dog Pugville's Might Imp, or "Impy."

Doherty dogs featured in the Pugville Kennels clippings include Ch. Mighty Jim and Pugville's Butcher Boy.

Dates

1952-1973

Creator

Doherty, Filomena (Person)

Biographical note

Prominent breeder and exhibitor Filomena Doherty dedicated her life to the Pug breed. She was an original founding member and first president of the Pug Dog Club of America, formed in 1951, which she served in further subequent officer positions. She authored the breed books Pet Pug (1956, All-Pets Books) and Pugs (1990, TFH Publications). Her Pugville Kennels in Bernardsville, New Jersey produced Mighty Jim in the 1950s, who had an impressive record of 172 Best of Breed wins in 182 times shown, and eight Bests in Show -- the greatest all-round record in the history of the breed up to that point. Many champion Pugs trace their lineage back to Mighty Jim. Ch. Pugville's Imperial Imp II, who belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Ch. Pugville's Mighty Hope, owned by Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco, were both sired by Mighty Jim.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were regarded as the quintessential pug people of the twentieth century, owning 11 pugs in their notorious 32-year marriage. They traveled the world with their canine entourage, who ate chef-prepared meals from silver bowls and were groomed daily with a few drops of the Duchess' Miss Dior perfume. The couple was known for their fashion sense and exquisite tailoring, and had individually engraved collars of silver or leather and handmade woolen travelling coats outfitted for each dog. The famous Sotheby's auction of their estate had an abudance of pug memorabilia.