As its name suggests, this hybrid is a cross between the caring lap – sitting pug and the independent but well loved beagle. Historically, the first puggle is said to have been bred in the late 20th century, and has been associated with a Wisconsin breeder named Wallace Havens, but there are also reports that the puggle was being bred earlier than this. These designer dogs quickly rose to popularity in the early 2000’s and have become a household name as one of the best family dogs to have.
In order to understand the features, temperament and overall lifestyle of the puggle, you have to take a look at its parents, the Pug and the Beagle. The Pug has gained a reputation for being a comical playful pup who will shower you with lots of attention and affection. They generally thrive on human companionship, becoming hopeless and despondent when ignored, and love to cuddle up and lay in your lap.
Beagles are known for their hound characteristics, which makes them highly inquisitive by nature. They are also identified as being independent and very food focused, in contrast to their warm, loving personality. An important feature of the Beagle, also inherited by the Puggle, is their occasional barking and howling, which can be used to identify specific issues in your dog.
A combination of both these features results in a slightly stubborn but intelligent, loyal and independent pup that will shower you with affection. Puggles are not very active, but can be a great addition to a family where there are young children, as their laid back personality will be ideal for an energetic toddler. Still unsure whether the Puggle is right for you? Here are some features to help you decide.
Puggle Appearance, Size & Weight
Puggles vary in appearances based on the more dominant parent, but they tend to adopt certain features, including the long muzzles and tails of their Beagle parents, and the soft, wrinkly drooping facial features of the Pug. They vary in height from being 13 inches to 15 inches, and can weigh as much as 18 to 30 pounds. These hybrids tend not to be as active, so ensuring they get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day is essential to maintaining their health.
It’s important to note that there are also toy puggles available, and they weigh half the size of a regular puggle, with the same characteristics and physical features. All puggles have brown to dark brown eyes, with a small black nose. Their coats come in a variety of colours including the most popularly known, black, tan and red, and are known to have white markings and black patches on the face. Their coats are also normally soft, silky and quite thick. Though their fur is normally short and straight, it requires weekly brushing to get rid of excess hairs being shed. If you’re looking for a couch potato with very little needs, the puggle may be the perfect pup for you.
Characteristics & Temperament
Puggles are known for their independent and somewhat saucy nature, and can often be mistaken as a dog with too much attitude, but they also have a loving, caring and playful side to them that will win any heart. They are smart and intelligent, but they can also be very stubborn which may lead to difficulty in training. They’re normally social dogs that get along with most people, dogs and other pets, but they also require being the center of attention most times, and can get irritated if their owner’s attention is directed elsewhere.
They’re not guard dogs, but because of their houndlike characteristics adopted from their parent, the Beagle, they often bark to alert when strangers appear. Most puggles prefer to live inside the home, and play an active role in the family. They don’t like to be left alone, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They fit into almost every family structure, and their playful but independent nature causes you to never have a dull moment with them around.
Grooming & Maintenance
Puggles require normal grooming and maintenance with the only exception being a brush every week to get rid of excess hairs. They can be bathed as normal, but be sure to pay special attention the folds and wrinkles of skin on the facial area, ensuring it is always clean to prevent infections. Trim nails regularly, (once per month), and be sure to pay attention to his mouth and ears. For further grooming, take a trip to your veterinarian for routine checkups and exams, an to the dog groomer’s once a month if necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Puggles are generally healthy pups who have an average lifespan of 12 – 15 years, but there are certain illnesses that they may be genetically predisposed to. These illnesses include but are not limited to:
- Patellar Luxation – This is a prevalent problem in smaller dogs, and describes a condition where there is a misalignment in the three major parts of the patella/ kneecap. It is identified by limping, hopping or skipping dogs. This disease can be present from birth, but will only be identified as your Puggle gets bigger. It can lead to more serious joint issues such as arthritis, so if you notice an issue with the way your Puggle is walking, take him to the vet immediately. Patellar Luxation can be fixed manually, but more severe cases may need surgery.
- Obesity – Because of their low physical activity but very healthy appetite, puggles can easily gain weight and are prone to obesity. Most puggles love to lay in your lap or cuddle with you, so don’t forget not to overfeed them. Obesity can lead to other health issues such as arthritis, causing pain when your pup walks, and can also significantly reduce the lifespan of your dog.
- Stenotic Nares – This disease describes an issue where the dog has a difficulty breathing, due to its short muzzles. Puggles are normally born with this disorder, and its risk can be life threatening if your puggle becomes obese. Stenotic nares, also referred to in simpler terms as pinched nostrils, will need to be surgically fixed if it becomes severe, and can be identified by heavy breathing. It’s chances increase in hot or humid weather, and must be identified and treated for your pup to live a normal healthy life.
Many dogs are on the market, but there is none like the puggle. His feisty personality but lovable and caring character is exactly the spice you need to add to your family.