Puggle Basic Information
The Puggle may also be called a Pugle, Puggel or Pugel.
The Puggle combines the clownish temperament and antics of the Pug with the healthy body type of the Beagle to make a robust and outgoing companion. Puggles are very sociable and affectionate and win over the hearts of all who meet them.
Puggle Parent Breeds
The Puggle’s parent breeds include the Pug and the Beagle.
The Pug
One of the parents of the Puggle, as might be expected, is the Pug. Pugs have been an affectionate lap dog beloved by people for centuries. Pugs are small dogs of between 25 – 35cm (10-14 inches) tall and weighing 6 – 9kg (13-20 pounds). Pugs have a cobby, compact, square body. They are also muscular with deep chests and they have a distinctively short snout and wrinkled face. Pugs have short coats that are frequently fawn-colored with a black face mask. They may also be solid black, silver, or apricot, but the muzzle is always black.
The Pug has quite an endearing temperament; they are often described as being charming, sociable, docile, clever, playful, attentive, quiet, and stubborn. They make an amiable breed perfect for companionship but they do have a major downside. Pugs are riddled with health problems due to their flat faces and short compact bodies. Most Pugs will unfortunately suffer from health issues as they get older that will be both painful for the dog and expensive for the owner.
The Beagle
The other parent of the Puggle is the Beagle. Beagles, although still a fairly small breed of dog, are somewhat larger than the Pug. Beagles generally stand at 30 – 40cm (13-16 inches) in height and weigh between 8 – 18kg (18-37 pounds). They have a sturdy and square build, large folded ears, and a moderately long muzzle.
Most of them are generally either red and white or a tan and white tri-color with a black saddle, however, they may appear in other colors and patterns as well. Unlike the Pug the Beagle was not bred to be a companion dog, but a working, hunting dog. Still, the Beagle possesses a temperament fitting for a pet. They are friendly, affectionate, playful, and overall loyal dogs. Beagles are also even-tempered, determined, intelligent, healthy and gentle dogs.
Puggle Appearance
What does a Puggle look like?
The size of a Puggle varies from 7 – 14kg (15-30 pounds) in weight to 25 – 38cm (10-15 inches) in height. When breeding a Beagle and a Pug it is best that the male is the Pug and the female the Beagle to minimize birthing complications. It makes no difference as to what the puppies will turn out like and there will be some variation in Puggles as with all designer dogs. A Puggle may end up with a longer nose closer to the Beagle, or a shorter wrinkled face more like the Pug but longer. Their tails may be short and curly like a Pug’s or straight and long like a Beagle’s. It is all a matter of chance and genes, but ultimately a Puggle will take on the characteristics of the Beagle and the Pug.
A Puggle may have any of the colors of either a Pug or Beagle, thus they may be fawn and black like the Pug’s characteristic coat, or a combination of lemon, brown, red, white, or black, like the Beagle. For the most part Puggles resemble one another, with a few varying details. Many in fact find a common balance between both of the parents. They will often have the Pug’s fawn coat and black face mask, but have a Beagle’s large floppy ears, longer muzzles, and longer bodies. This, of course, is not always the case; some dogs will have the colouring of a Beagle, but the Pug’s thicker, shorter bodies, an underbite, and a shorter face. Most Puggles have similar colouring to the Pug. Puggles may even have a long tail like a Beagle but have some curl in the tail like a Pug. It is generally dependable that a Puggle will have a short, smooth coat, as both parents do.
Puggle Temperament
What is a Puggle’s personality like?
The Puggle’s temperament varies from dog to dog, but overall there are a lot of great temperamental qualities associated with the breed. Puggles have been described as being spirited, happy, lively, playful, loving, gentle, affectionate, loyal, brave, watchful, determined, willful, intelligent, and sweet-tempered.
Puggles have a great love to please their masters and are clownish and endowed with a doggish sense of humor. Most Puggles get along with everyone; human and animal alike. They generally do well with children and are robust enough to handle some rough play by children.
Puggles are fantastic family dogs but they are also happy with a single owner or elderly owners. Most Puggles are quite social and will require a fair degree of attention. Many bond fast and easily with their owners and even follow them around the house. Of course, the downside to their personality can be possible stubbornness, barking, and digging if they are ignored and become bored. Some Puggles may be somewhat apathetic in terms of learning new things, so bribery with food can overcome almost any unwillingness to learn. They love food so much, that it is used to train Puggles to just about anything. For the most part, however, Puggles make good companions and with early training and socialization they can also be gentle and obedient.
Puggle Health
Are Puggles a healthy breed?
Although crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebreds, there are still certain health conditions to be aware of which can develop or be passed on from the parents. The genetic diversity will lower the chances of a Puggle inheriting the same diseases and health issues of the Pug and Beagle, but there is still a possibility for them to suffer from the same or similar problems. A responsible, honest, and careful breeder will do tests on the parents to make sure they are healthy. They should be DNA screened for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) at a minimum. Some of the health problems that can affect Puggles aside from PRA include stenotic nares, cherry eye, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and hypothyriodism. Overall, Puggles are a healthy breed that are much healthier than their Pug parent but are easier to live with than their very energetic Beagle parent.
Puggle Lifespan
How long do Puggles live for?
The life expectancy of a Puggle is 10-15 years on average, with lower weight dogs living longer than their heavier relatives.
Puggle Exercise
How much exercise does a Puggle need?
Some of a Puggle’s exercise requirements will depend on which parent the dog favors. Pugs tend to be rather lazy and need relatively little exercise, but Beagles are much more active. In general a Puggle will do alright indoors and will benefit from a daily walk outside or sufficient playtime. Some Puggles may need at least half an hour of exercise a day to satisfy their needs for physical and mental stimulation.
Puggle Grooming
How much grooming do Puggles need?
Since Pugs and Beagles have the same basic kind of coat, the grooming and coat of the Puggle will be relatively predictable. You can expect some shedding but not too much time grooming. Brushing their coat will help to eliminate hair from around your house, clothes, and car as this removes the dead hairs before they fall off. They generally only need to be bathed after they have become dirty and picked up odors from outside. It is also a good idea to trim their nails and tend to ears and eyes as necessary.