Puggle Dog Breed

The Puggle is one of the most common and popular designer mixed breeds. This Pug and Beagle mix results in Puggle Puppies that possess characteristics of both parent breeds. Half Pug- Half Beagle doesn't necessarily mean an even split of characteristics so it is beneficial for potential owners to read up on both parent breeds before making a decision.

Puggle Pros

• They are loving, playful and adore attention.
• They are suitable for indoor living.
• They are friendly towards other pets and visitors.
• They are good alert dogs, often barking at approaching people.
• They make excellent playmates for children.
• They are easy to groom and most owners can easily meet their exercise requirements.

Puggle Cons

• They may become bored, loud and destructive if left alone for long periods of time or not given enough exercise.
• They are vocal dogs that bark on approach of a stranger or other animal.
• They do not make appropriate guard dogs due to their small size and friendliness.
• They shed moderately.
• They are not the ideal choice if you are an owner that wants your pet to accompany you on jogs, hikes and other intensive exercise.

This breed is one of the most popular hybrids currently in existence. A great amount of Puggle information can be found on this breed page, however, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with both parent breeds as well (the Beagle and Pug).

These dogs are not extremely difficult to train in regards to basic commands such as "sit, stay, come" as well as simple tricks. With house breaking they are said to be more difficult and even stubborn. They thrive off attention and, more importantly, treats and it will be necessary to repeat commands fairly often to refresh their memories.

Puggles are moderately energetic and playful. This should not be too much for the average owner, due to their small size they can meet their exercise needs with short daily walks and some outdoor playtime in a fenced area. They also enjoy agility activities and can be trained to perform them given enough treats and repetition. It is necessary to leash your Puggle when out of an enclosed area as they are likely to, at least partially, inherit the Beagles independent sense of curiosity.

The Puggle's history is brief, as most designer mixes have come about in the last few decades. Breeders began creating Beagle Pug mixes during the 1980's and they quickly become very popular. Wallace Havens of Wisconsin is credit with registering the first Puggle with the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) during this time. Both the Peagle and Pug are notable for being excellent companions and loving family dogs, and this ensures the Puggle will remain one of the most popular hybrid dogs.

Overall, the Puggle is considered a small-sized dog that has a thick body. They are sure to have the Pug's characteristic wrinkly forehead and drooping ears more reminiscent of the Beagle; make sure to clean the ears regularly to prevent infections from fungus or debris buildup. The head of first generation puggle puppies will have the most variation in their head shape, with some having rounder heads and others thinner. Pug x Beagle crosses will also display short legs, and a curled tail. The Puggle coat is short, straight and smooth, most often occurring with fawn, tan and black coloration.

Pocket Puggles, along with miniature, teacup and toy versions are all just standard Puggles bred down to achieve a certain size. Breeders often do this by crossing small specimens of the parent breeds and creating a first generation smaller Puggle or by breeding two Puggles of lesser size.

It is common for head shapes to vary in first generation Puggle puppies, even if from the same litter. Some have thicker, rounder heads while others have thinner ones.

Fully grown males will typically be thicker and more muscular than females of equivalent age.

The Puggle's personality is loving and playful, plus they adore attention. They are usually friendly towards anyone and anything! These dogs make excellent companions for families with children, other pets, and frequent visitors. Although they may make suitable watch dogs due to their tendency to bark, they will most likely be friendly towards all strangers. If they do not receive enough outdoor time (be it walks or simply yard time) they may become bored and the barking may quickly become a problem.

Indoors, members of this breed will sometimes be sweet lap dogs and other times like curious children. If they become too rambunctious around the house, this is probably your cue they are ready for their outdoor walk or playtime. You can also keep them busy indoors with toys and training sessions. Outdoors, they will be highly playful and exploratory, so make sure to allow them at least 30 minutes each day to burn off these energies.

Health issues of concern for this breed include nasal/respiratory disorders that result if they inherited the short "smushed" Pug muzzle; Stenotic Nares (narrowed nostrils), make it difficult for them to breathe and may be accompanied by sounds that alert you to this distressed breathing.

Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eyes problems, such as Cherry Eye and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are also not uncommon. There are also a few more serious diseases such as Legg-Perthes (femoral joint problem leading to serious pain), Hypothyroidism and Epilepsy that occur less frequently but are, nevertheless, serious possibilities to take note of.

Finally, members of this breed come from two parent breeds that easily can become obese if not exercised and allowed to eat unchecked. Feeding and exercising them appropriately can prevent this in most cases, however, Thyroid disease may also cause obesity. If your Puggle is gaining weight for no apparent reason, a blood test may be necessary to check for this common issue.

Hybrid dogs, especially the early generation crosses, are usually healthier than their purebred parents. Reading up on all common health concerns of the Pug and the Beagle is recommended, as is routine visits to your veterinarian. A healthy Puggle should live anywhere from 10-15 years.