It’s usually the sweet, innocent face and playful, energetic personality of the Puggle that captures the heart of dog lovers. But Pug owners claim their designer dog is also extremely intelligent.
The Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle but whether the Puggle puppy will exhibit more Pug characteristics or more Beagle characteristic is a surprise. As a crossbreed, Puggles do not conform to a breed standard as purebred dogs do.
The Pug Half
The Pug has a flat, wrinkled face, stocky body, and short, soft coat of fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn, or black distinguished by a black facial mask. As a brachycephalic breed, they can be prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke. Pug eyes are dark and prominent and the short tail lies over the back in a tight curl. They stand 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh 14 to 18 lbs. Pugs are loyal, loving and even tempered and usually get along well with children and other pets but they can be mischievous. They make a good choice for a lap dog or apartment dog.
The Beagle Half
The Beagle is a scenthound with plenty of energy for exploring trails and smells. Weighing between 20 and 25 lbs, this breed is small as far as hounds go but is sturdily built and has the typical pendulous ears of the hound. Beagles also have a distinctive hound howl, or bay. Their short coat may be tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white, and requires minimal grooming.
The Pug Beagle Blend
Puggles are similar in size to Pugs and Beagles, weighing perhaps 15 to 25 lbs. They may be almost any color or mix of colors. Some may have the black facial mask of the Pug while others may not. Puggles will likely inherit traits from both parents and can be sweet tempered, loyal, energetic, and intelligent. Some Puggles howl and others are fairly quiet with only occasional barking. Most Puggles are good with children.
The Puggle coat requires brushing and occasional baths to keep skin healthy and shedding to a minimum. Although Puggles will curl up on your lap, they are quite playful and need daily exercise to keep energy levels in control and prevent boredom which can result in destructive behavior. Puggle experts recommend the best way to train a Puggle who tends to be stubborn is with reward and repetition.
There is concern that crossing the two breeds could create an energetic puppy with the drive to run and trail like the Beagle, but without the ability to efficiently pant and cool its body temperature like the brachycephalic Pug.
Puggle Temperament
A spokesperson from Puggle.org had this to say, “Puggles are very sweet-tempered and playful. They are energetic, intelligent, and affectionate. A Puggle is a great companion and will bond with you quickly. Puggles like to be in close contact and will follow you around the house. They are also very curious dogs that love to smell new things and find new places to go. They have a great sense of smell and will track scents like the Beagle. “
Acquiring a Puggle
Breeders have experimented with crossing Pugs and Beagles since the 1980s but these dogs have gained popularity more recently. Puggles are perhaps the most popular crossbreed.
Those interested in a Puggle should be aware that designer breeds have no conformation guidelines and puppy mill breeders may be motivated by the popularity of designer breeds and the profits to be made from sales. To maximize profits, they sometimes cut corners in housing, food, and health care expenses. Since inbreeding and early neglect can cause health and behavior issues that may not be immediately detectable, it is best to thoroughly investigate the source of your puppy and/or have him checked by a veterinarian.
Pug Beagle Cross
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Puggles Make Great Pets
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