A Pom-A-Pug is a hybrid mix of two adorable, small dog breeds – the Pug and the Pomeranian. Crossing these two breeds results in a lean and small dog breed, referred to as a Pom-a-Pug.
If you want to get a deep understanding of this crossbreed’s nature, you must know about the parents to get an idea.
Pomeranians are popular for their lovely fluffy coats and foxlike faces. Although small in size, Pomeranians are loaded with energy and make fantastic watchdogs.
If properly trained from an early age, they can be excessively smart too. They can be found in different colours, but tan is the most common.
On the other hand, the small and robust Pugs are recognized by their flat faces with big rounded eyes and skin folds on the face. Because of these unique facial features, Pugs are referred to as the clowns of the four-legged world.
They are energetic, playful, loyal, and quintessential lapdogs who love to stay close to their owners and get full attention.
So you can expect a Pom-A-Pug to be a playful, energetic, loyal, and versatile furry buddy, perfect for children, family, and apartments. Find out more in-depth details about this hybrid mix furry buddy below!
Pom-A-Pug Dogs: History
There is little to no information available on the hybrid Pom-A-Pug breed. However, you can decipher some information from the history of its parent breeds – the Pomeranian and the Pug.
The Pomeranian is known to descend from Iceland’s large Spitz-type dogs that people used for sledding. Fascinatingly, unlike today’s Pomeranian, the early ones were of a large size, weighing nearly 30 pounds.
They are said to have originated in the Pomerania region (now Germany) as a shepherding dog.
However, the Kennel Club of England recognized this breed in about 1870. The story says that Queen Victoria became fond of an early large Pomeranian in 1888 while traveling to France.
But the Queen wanted a smaller version of this breed, and hence, she is known to encourage the breeding of today’s small version of the Pomeranian.
In that same year, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed, which continued to be popular in England and the United States.
The Pug, on the other hand, originated in China nearly 2,400 years ago, before the 6th century. Also popularly known as the Chinese Pug, this breed exhibits a unique flat face with round, prominent eyes, and sturdy bodies.
They were popularly kept as companions by monks and royals in China and Europe. When this dog breed moved to England in the 19th century, it captured the eye of Queen Victoria. Eventually, the American Kennel Club gave the Pug breed recognition in 1885.
Well, the crossbreed of these two breeds, the Pom-A-Pug, is recognized by organizations like –
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- Designer Breed Registry
- The International Designer Canine Registry
- Dog Registry of America
Pom-A-Pug Breed: Traits & Characteristics
This cute designer crossbreed dog either features a fox-like expression like its Pomeranian parent or a wrinkly face with a short muzzle like a Pug. In addition, you may find a Pom-A-Pug to feature bulging eyes, standing or floppy ears, a thick neck, a short muzzle, and a curly tail.
However, their amiable, affectionate, and playful nature makes this designer breed very popular among dog aficionados.
| Characterizing Traits | |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 to 13 inches |
| Weight | 5 to 16 inches |
| Type | Crossbreed |
| Coat Type | Smooth and medium; Smooth and short; Short and semi-course; Medium length and semi-course |
| Coat Colour | Tan, black or both |
| Shedding | Average |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Nose Colour | Black |
| Life Expectancy | 8 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Playful, Loving, Affectionate, Friendly |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Climate Compatibility | Suitable for warm weather but difficult to survive in extreme hot or cold |
1. Recognized Names
The Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the American Canine Hybrid Club acknowledge the name “Pom-A-Pug.” On the contrary, the Designer Breed Registry recognizes the name Pom-A-Pug,” whereas the International Designer Canine Registry acknowledges them as Pomapug.
However, other common names include Pom-A-Pom, Pom A Pug, Pug Pom, Pugapom, Pug-Pom, Pom-Pug, Pompug, and Pugeranian.
2. Appearance
The crossbreed of the Pug and the Pomeranian, Pom-A-Pug, can inherit the traits of both or either of its parent breeds. In general, they stand from 8 to 13 inches tall and weigh from 5 to 16 pounds.
They can feature a short muzzle and curly tail like a Pug but slightly more prominent eyes with a slight to moderate underbite.
Apart from this, they may exhibit a thick neck with a lean body build. The coat type can range from short or medium to semi-course or smooth in tan, black, or black and tan with markings.
3. Temperament
The Pom-A-Pug is a loving crossbreed dog that can be a perfect companion for any owner or family because of its charming and affectionate nature. Their calm disposition also makes them extremely loyal buddies, always keen to please their owners.
So this pint-size dog is a package of loyalty, love, affection, entertainment, and intelligence. You will love to explore their comical side of personality, which will keep you connected to their quirky antics.
While they are very well-mannered, the Pom-A-Pug can mesh well with kids and other pets. You will enjoy their versatile personality, which showcases a relaxed attitude and playful behavior simultaneously.
4. Intelligence
Well, don’t be fooled by its clown-like personality at times, as your Pom-A-Pug is very intelligent. They are highly protective of their human parents or families and won’t wait to alert you right away if they sense any danger or if there is a stranger at home.
So this dog may take a while to mingle with strangers. It’s not that easy to get closer to them until they feel that you are no danger to their family or you earn their trust.
Considering their genetic mix, these crossbreed dogs are usually easy to train with positive training techniques. However, Pom-A-Pug dogs are likely to have moderate energy levels and tend to gain weight quickly.
5. Exercise
The Pom-A-Pug crossbreed dogs will need moderate activity levels.
For example, you can take them on a long walk daily, followed by playtime in your yard or a dog park, helping them to manage their energy levels.
However, their playtime must include interactive games like Frisbee and fetch to keep up their challenging minds.
While they are an intelligent breed, keeping them physically and mentally challenged is essential. Otherwise, boredom can give rise to some destructive and annoying behaviors in them.
Due to their small size, a Pom-A-Pug can fit well in a condo, family house, apartment, or home without a fence. They can thrive happily in rural or urban areas, tolerating moderate temperatures. Extreme temperatures, like too hot or too cold, won’t suit them.
6. Training
Although intelligent, you may find it a bit hard to train your Pom-A-Pug. This is because they can get easily distracted and showcase a rebellious attitude that embeds their innate nature to satisfy their owners. Moreover, repetitive activities can make them bored quickly.
So keep the training sessions short and varied. While Pom-A-Pugs feature tiny bladders, you will need to give them potty training early.
But still, the fact is that a Pom-A-Pug is an intelligent dog, so you can train them, but it will require patience, hard work, and consistency.
7. Grooming
A Pom-A-Pug with a short or medium coat will require low maintenance. While they are moderate shedders, you will need to brush them only two to three times a week.
It is sufficient to keep this dog’s coat clean and soft. If your buddy gets too dirty, Occasional bathing will suffice.
Other grooming activities will include checking ears regularly to ensure there are no infections, trimming nails, and brushing.
Brushing their teeth regularly will protect your buddy from tooth or gum problems, along with keeping their breath fresh and nice.
8. Health Conditions
This crossbreed dog of the Pug and the Pomeranian is generally healthy; if not, they inherit any genetic diseases from their parent breeds.
On the other hand, they are prone to the common problems of small dogs, such as intervertebral disc disease and supernumerary teeth.
Dogs with small skulls are likely to suffer from BAOS or brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome. Excess soft tissue can cause this condition and obstruct their airways.
Moreover, some may even suffer from eye problems like dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis) and cataracts because of their bulging eyes and flat faces.
You must also be careful of a Pom-A-Pug because they can suffer from infection in their wrinkled folds, like pugs. Check the folds regularly and keep them clean and moisture-free.
Apart from these, the sturdy bodies and small legs of these hybrid mix dogs can cause musculoskeletal problems such as patella luxation and hip dysplasia. So don’t allow your dog to gain weight and jump from high places.
Major Health Conditions
- Dry eyes
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Patellar Luxation
- Bilateral/mono Cryptorchidism
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Minor Health Conditions
- Skin infections
- Bloating
- Cataracts
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Sick Sinus Syndrome.
The Occasional Health Tests Required For a Pom-A-Pug include
- Blood and Urine analysis
- Complete blood profile
- Ear examination
- Internal Imagining
- Complete physical examination
- Oral and dental examinations
- Eye examinations.
9. Diet & Food Requirements
You won’t have to give much food to a Pom-A-Pug. But note that you shouldn’t let them eat freely, as they will eat much more than their share if they get the chance.
A Pom-A-Pug is said to be fed 1 to 1 ½ cups of high-quality dry dog food every day. Add lean meat or a small portion of canned foods occasionally to their regular diet.
Avoid offering them unhealthy treats or table scraps at lunch or dinner, as they tend to get overweight. So don’t fall into their endearing eyes; a well-balanced diet is better than unhealthy supplements for your canine buddy.
Apart from these, give your Pom-A-Pug clean, fresh water to drink.
Pom-A-Pug Breed: Male Vs. Female
Both male and female dogs have their own characteristic nature and personalities. Their ambiance and upbringing will also determine the nature they exhibit.
Generally, male Pom-A-Pugs are seen to be more affectionate than females, bearing a more relaxed and laid-back attitude.
But male ones are more challenging to train as they are a bit more stubborn, disobedient, and get easily distracted. Moreover, males have a tendency to seek more attention than females.
On the other hand, female Pom-A-Pug dogs tend to be more attached, obedient, and protective of their owners than males. However, they suffer from frequent mood swings.
FAQ’s
Is a Pom-A-Pug Good for Families?
Yes, Pom-A-Pugs are good for families because of their loving, affectionate, and caring nature. With their clown-like personality and cartoonish nature, they will keep their owners entertained and get attention.
These dogs can even mesh well with kids. Pom-A-Pugs are perfect for nuclear or joint families, apartments, and houses with small or no backyards.
Does a Pom-A-Pug get along well with other pets?
Pom-A-Pug dogs can mingle well with other pets or dogs too. They tend to get into fights occasionally with big dogs and, sometimes, may show assertive aggression. While they aren’t innately aggressive, you can deal with their odd behaviors easily with early training.
How long does a Pom-A-Pug live?
Pom-A-Pug dogs generally have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years.
Conclusion
You can rest assured of one thing if you adopt a Pom-A-Pug you will laugh most of the time because of your funny and clownish little canine buddy. They are experts at making their family members smile and do this job attentively.
The Pomeranian-Pug mix breed dogs will become attached to you very quickly, moving around you most of the time. However, you won’t do much more than give them your attention, as they need the least maintenance and are generally healthy. This quintessential crossbreed is the ideal companion dog that you can ever have.