Heel Gandalf! Dog owner dresses his pet pugs in hilarious costumes from Lord of The Rings (and don't they look magical)



Phillip Lauer, 57, and his wife Sue are big fans of the fantasy films

They've been dressing up their dogs Blue, Bono and Roxy, for six years

Among the costumes they've worn are Boromir and Lady Galadriel

The couple, from California, have titled the series Pugs of Middle Earth

Forget Lord of The Rings, this is Lord of The Ruffs.



A pet pug is casting a spell over its owner who has dressed it as Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.

This is one of the hilarious outfits modelled by a trio of pugs who have been transformed into hobbits, rock stars and even royalty.

Owner Phillip Lauer, 57, said: 'They are the family photos that we put up on our walls just like other people do of their kids.



Blue dressed as the wizard Gandalf The Grey from Tolkein's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Lord of the Ruffs: The pet pug Blue as Gandalf with his staff and hat Elve of a costume: Bono as Lord of the Rings elf Legolas and Roxy dressed as the Lady Galadriel Ready for action: Blue dressed as Boromir, who was one of the Nine Walkers who made up the Fellowship of the Ring

'Yes, it's a lot of time and effort but we have a lot of great memories and photos to share. It puts a smile on our faces, too.'

Mr Lauer and his wife Sue have been transforming their dogs Blue, Bono and Roxy, for the past six years.

It started with local dog-dressing competitions and making creative holiday cards for friends, but soon spiralled into a full-time hobby.

They have even built a custom studio at the family home in Sonoma County, California, to take professional-standard shots.

Most of their latest creations - including their favourite outfit, Boromir - have come from J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

The have titled the series the Pugs of Middle Earth. Others subjects include lifeguard pugs, rock star pugs, and pugs in Parka jackets.

The Pugs of Middle Earth (from left) Blue as Gandalf, Bono as Frodo and Roxy as Galadriel

Roxy dressed as the wizard Saruman The White from Lord of the Rings

Blue as Lord of the Rings character Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, in The Hobbit Fetch: Blue with his shield and the Horn of Gondor, which Boromir carries in The Fellowship of the Ring

Blue, Roxy and Bono as Lord of the Rings characters in Sonoma County, California

When they cannot buy the outfits, Mrs Lauer , 47 who has a degree in fashion design, makes them and can spend up to 20 days sewing a single costume.

Mr Lauer , an IT professional, said: 'As we entered larger and more competitive costume contests, we really pushed ourselves to do more complex costumes.

'We continually challenge ourselves to keep getting better or try harder things.'

He added: 'As far as who is best, all three are good. It's almost as if they are competing with each other to be best in front of the camera.

'We save the most challenging costumes for Blue to wear, Bono does the best action shots in costume and Roxy has a great range from coy to diva.

'We love our pugs and looking through the photos is looking back at our journey with our pugs. The hard part now is deciding which ones do we want to do next.'

Fashion leader: Roxy in her Aspen Parka jacket having a walk about on a sunny day

Having fungi: Bono, Blue and Roxy dressed as mushrooms

Enjoying the sun: Bono as a pug lifeguard in Sonoma County, California

Stylish: Bono, Blue and Roxy model Sugarloaf jackets in Sonoma County, California











