Dog Doppelgänger

In honor of doppelgänger week, February 2-8, DogVacay asked dog bloggers to write about who their dog doppelgänger would be.  While my post is a week late, I had no problem identifying my dog doppelgänger, I live with three of them, the pug:

Some might say its a chicken or the egg question regarding whether the dog becomes like the owner or the owner becomes like the dog, but I am sure that I was originally drawn to the pug breed because of essential similarities in our personalities and world view.  Over my many years living with pugs the pugness of my nature has only deepened. Here are a list of seven things I feel I have in common with pugs. 

1.  Pugs have a sense of history. 

Pugs are one of the oldest dog  breeds dating back to 400 BC.  They have been the companions of emperors, monks, kings, and queens.  A pug named Pompey saved the life of William of Orange by barking to warn him of an assassin.  A pug named Bosco was the companion of Queen Victoria.

 This rich history makes the pug the perfect companion for a history lover and vintage collector like myself.

2.  Pugs like comfort.  

Pugs are not a breed for harsh conditions are strenuous work.  They are bred for a life of comfort and ease and they seek such with the enthusiasm other breeds reserve for herding, hunting, and such.  Pugs are more then a touch hedonistic in their love of the good life and with their royal history they can be luxury hound.  I myself am not one for self denial and certainly like my comforts.  I'd say that along with my pugs I completely understand the Mae West Quote:

3.  Pugs are non-athletic. 

While pugs participate in agility, rally-o, and other canine sports, they are doubtless not the most athletic of canines.  Google pug breed info and on any page one of the first things you will read is the pug's unsuitability as a companion for joggers and active types.  This doesn't mean pugs are sedentary,

they love a good morning constitutional, 

but they are not die hard athletes.  I myself have never been athletic.  I vividly remember the one soccer goal I scored in junior high, I tripped over the ball and scored for the other team.  Of course this lack of athletic prowess makes me a good match for the pug, and my love of walking makes me an even better one.

4.  Pugs are non competitive.

A picture of my pack taken about five years ago, with the late Dr. Zira and Bingo featured, as you can see everyone is ok with sharing that ball.

I'd say this goes with number three.  Even when they participate in athletic events pugs are there for the joy of the game and not to win any medals.  They are the ultimate groupies interested in everyone doing well.  I've never understood the desire to win at any cost or be ultra competitive at work, school, or any other endeavor and I'd say I am happier for it.

5.  Pugs are fashion hounds. 

Image Source

They have personal style but are not interested in trends. Pugs prefer a unique look, like our dashing friend Winston Wilbur with his love of hats, 

 and they don't let their body type prevent them from having fun with fashion. 

I also love having fun with clothes and dressing up, usually with a pug at my side.

Ping and her Dad outside gourmet pie shop For and Twenty Black Birds.

6.  Pugs are foodies, but not food snobs.  Pugs will eat it all from gourmet treats to milk bones.   I myself love everything from truffles to spam.

Baby Weasley and his dad outside a gourmet ice cream shop in Manhattan.

Tubby sampling a french fry.

7.  Pugs are Homebodies.  Pugs might enjoy walks and trips and socializing, but they are always glad to be in the comfort of home with the ones they love, and I agree.   There is no place I would rather be then in my home with my pug (and non-pug) family members at my side.

Which breed is your doggie doppelgänger?