Puggle

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Puggle is the result of a cross between the Pug and the Beagle. This small dog will have the sweet and gentle temperaments of its parents, and will make good companions for any age.

The Beagle is noted for its stable temperament and passivity, as well as for its ability to track a scent. The Pug, on the other hand, is well-like for its outgoing personality and confidence, although it is largely bred for indoor companionship and is not suited for work or sport.

The Puggle will have an admixture of its parent breeds' more outstanding characteristics, like long droopy ears, wrinkles on the face, short legs and a compact, muscled body.

The Puggle is a result of cross-breeding in the 1980's, and since then, popularity has grown due to its personality and appearance. People also believe that cross-breeds tend to be healthier than their pure-bred parents, but this does not mean the Puggle does not have its share of health concerns.

Color

The Puggle can be in a solid color (fawn is common for Pugs), or bi- or tri-colored, like the Beagle. A common combination is black and tan, where white is always the base color. A black or brown saddle is typical. A mask or black coloration around the eyes or muzzle may also be present.

Coat

The coat will be short or medium-length, straight and glossy, lying flat along the skin.

Personality

The Puggle is popular in North American households for the easiness of its character and its gentleness with children. It will seek human contact, and have been known to tag along from one part of the house to another. Owner approval and affection can make the Puggle's day, while separation means that a Puggle will always be at the front door awaiting the owner's return, sometimes anxiously. Fairly intelligent, the Puggle adores play and seeks to please. It is not generally aggressive towards strangers, but does have a tendency to bark in alarm at the approach of someone they don't know, or in catching unfamiliar scents. They are easy to befriend and win over, however, and so will not make good guard dogs.

Care

Ears and wrinkles should always be checked for water and kept dry, to prevent infections. A hard, short coat will require little maintenance; a weekly brushing to remove shed hairs will do. Bathing more than once a month is not recommended, as this may dry out the skin and strip the coat of its natural oils.

Training

Puggles respond well to food rewards, and so may be taught basic commands, like sit and stay. However, they are easily bored and distracted, and more patience will be needed. Repetition and consistency will be key. Puppies are best crate-trained, as they may take time to be house-broken.

Activity

A naturally energetic and curious animal, the Puggle will appreciate short daily walks where they can socialize with other dogs, or time playing in an open yard. A few agility courses can be taught, although in the open, if the Puggle has caught an interesting scent, it will not be easily dissuaded from investigating it. A short-muzzled Puggle can have respiratory challenges; care should be taken not to over-exert, and there should be plenty of water available.