PUGGLE

Temperament: Willful, Affectionate, Determined
Height: 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 18 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Hybrid Dogs

ABOUT THE PUGGLE

The Puggle is a hybrid or mixed breed dog — a cross between the Beagle and Pug breeds. his unique appearance and his friendly nature has driven a rapid rise in popularity since the first Puggle was bred in the 1990s.

Puggles get along with kids and other dogs, and can make a great family companion. Just be aware that they may enjoy barking, and although they’re intelligent and loving, they’re not always eager to please when it comes to training.

Puggles are smart, but they may or may not be eager to please. Neither the Pug nor the Beagle is especially known for ease of training, and both breeds can be stubborn. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise, and keep training sessions short and sweet.

Being a social dog, the Puggle gets along well with everyone. He usually enjoys the company of children and isn’t known for aggression toward other dogs. Puggles will bark to let you know when someone comes to the door, but given their friendly nature, they’re not guard dogs. Some are howlers, a trait inherited from their Beagle parent.

PERSONALITY

Puggles are intelligent and cute little dogs that make great family companions. Because they are good with children and other animals, they are an excellent choice for those that already have pets or have children at home, as well as for first time dog owners. Puggles are also very affectionate and charming, always ready to play but also known for their tendency to cuddle.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 5/8 to 1.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Not all Puggles will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

• Stenotic Nares

• Hip Dysplasia

• Hypothyroidism

• Patellar Luxation

• Epilepsy

• Cherry Eye

If you’re buying a Puggle, it’s important to research the health conditions that affect both the Pug and the Beagle. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, patellas (knees), and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that the eyes are normal.

Because some health problems don’t appear until a dog reaches full maturity, health clearances aren’t issued to dogs younger than 2 years old. Look for a breeder who doesn’t breed her dogs until they’re two or three years old.

CARE

Puggles are people-lovers and should live indoors with the family, not outside. So long as they’re indoor dogs and get enough exercise, they can adapt to any living situation, including apartments — although they can bark a lot. Some even have a tendency to howl, a trait they inherit from their Beagle parent.

Puggles are intelligent but can be stubborn. They’ll respond best to training that uses positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise. Ample exercise will help keep them from becoming unruly. Give your Puggle a couple of 15-minute walks or playtimes every day. Be sure to always walk your Puggle on leash or play with him in a securely fenced area. Beagles may ignore commands when they’ve picked up an interesting scent, and some Puggles have the same tendency.

GROOMING

Beagles and Pugs both have short, easy-care coats, which means the Puggle will too. Brush him weekly with a rubber curry brush and you’re good to go. Now the bad news. Both Beagles and Pugs shed a lot, so your Puggle will too. Regular brushing will help keep the loose hair under control.

Bathe him only as needed, like when his Beagle side takes control and compels him to roll in something stinky. Who are we kidding? His Pug genes could cause the same behavior.

The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually every week or two, and keep his ears clean and dry. Brush his teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Small dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, vetstreet.