Pug-A-Mo

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Pug-A-Mo is a cross between the well-loved companion breed, the Pug, and the American Eskimo Dog, which is actually neither from America nor an Eskimo, and which was bred primarily to be a guard dog.

The Pug's relatively straightforward origins are well-documented in ancient Chinese drawings and paintings, where it is shown to be an Imperial pet and used to the lap of luxury. When it was brought to Europe, it readily found favor with European royalty as well, with its compact size, funny antics, and well-rounded personality.

The American Eskimo dog, or Eski, on the other hand, is descended from white-coated European Spitzes, brought by immigrants to the US east coast in the early part of the 20th century. Among the different Spitz families, the German Spitz was renamed "American Spitz" during World War I, and was probably cross-bred with Japanese Spitzes after the war. In any case, the American Eskimo Dog was produced from these crosses and was officially recognized as a breed.

Color

The Pug-A-Mo is often white, the breed standard for the Eski, although this unadulterated color is rare in the Pug. The eyes, nose and lips are dark brown or black, or with the Pug's black mask.

Coat

The coat will be straight and soft, of medium-length, and standing away from the body. A double coat, if it appears, will be dense and shorter. A ruff may be found around the neck and chest, a reminder of the Eski's origins as a Nordic dog.

Personality

The Pug-A-Mo is an energetic indoor breed that nevertheless needs daily sessions of activity. Tractable and intelligent, it will flourish and reinforce its applauded behaviors under constant attention. It is a curious and fearless dog, and will approach anything it deems worthy of an investigation. However, it is also protective of its owners, and is given to alarm barking at the approach of strangers. Alert and confident, it is not known to be aggressive or territorial.

Care

The coat will require regular brushing, to keep it fluffy-looking and free of snarls. Bathing once or twice a month will maintain the pristine whiteness.

Training

The Pug-A-Mo is given to learning tricks and obeying commands quickly, and will require only consistency in its regimen to acquire desirable behavior. If at times it balks, leadership should be asserted, but gently, as the Pug-A-Mo will not react well to harsh discipline. Otherwise, rewards and repetition will result in an energetic, eager-to-please dog that can perform and perfectly carry out a number of tricks.

Activity

Daily activity, preferably outdoors, is required for the Pug-A-Mo. It will appreciate open spaces, and long walks will satisfy its instincts as well as provide it the necessary stimulation. Playing indoors or around a yard will keep it happy, but a heavier exercise regimen will ensure its weight doesn't go up.