Puggle; Beagle and Pug Mix, Characteristics & More

Puggle cover

Unless you live under a rock, which is fine honestly, as the world isn’t a great place to be at the moment, you must’ve at least heard of a little furball known as Pug. This little sneezy pooch is truly adorable and makes for a great pet, especially if you live in a city. However, if you happen to be in a town, you are more familiar with the breed, Beagle. They are quite opposite of the Pugs, as they are energetic, curious, and they’d be digging up your backyard. Now, you being a wise person must’ve thought, what would happen if we combine these two? Well, you get a PUGGLE! It honestly is one of the greatest names that was given to a breed lately.

Puggle Origins

Let’s talk about the two individual parent breeds first. Pug’s history can be traced back to at least 2,000 years, where an ancient Chinese Emperor had a keen liking for flat-faced dogs, and it was originated there along with breeds like Pekingese and Shih Tzu. Pugs were a national treasure and were only given to selective outsiders as a gift. It is said that during the 1500s when European traders return to the west, it was then when Pug started populating this side of the globe, and they were an instant hit, I mean look at them! Soon they started appearing in all sorts of TV shows and commercials and became a star breed.

Pug history

A sketch of an early Pug

While we have a piece of clear information regarding the past of Pug, the same cannot be said for Beagle, as speculations persist to this day. According to some reports, a pack of Beagles was used to hunt rabbits in ancient England in 55 B.C., and it is said by the 1500s pretty much all the rabbit hunters had a pack of Beagles. The large appeal was due to its size, it was often referred to as the foot dog because no horse was required when you went hunting with a pack of Beagles, and to this day people have kept them in countrysides and towns.

Beagle old history

A photograph of a Beagle in the past

Unlike most mixed breeds, Puggle was a result of an accidental crossbreeding, that occurred in the 1990s. Talk about happy accidents. Regardless of their origins, these dogs have become quite popular, but unfortunately, they are not considered a true breed.

Characteristics of Puggle

Unsurprisingly, when you cross a relaxed breed with an energetic pocket rocket, you get the best of both worlds.

  • While Pugs simply don’t mind and just vibe with any other dog, Beagles can be a little tricky without training, and their hybrid offspring stands in between. A dog that loves to play and run with other dogs nicely.
  • Having a Beagle in the mix, it is no surprise that they like to dig a lot. I have no idea what they are hiding or trying to find, but I’m not going to ask them.
  • Even though they are compact pooches, they are intelligent hounds and require mental stimulation.
  • After a long and tiring day of being a dog, they will love cuddling with you as they are truly affectionate, and you better be ready to provide them with some quality pets.
  • Surprisingly, they love to howl now and then. So be prepared to explain this to your landlord.

The Appearance of Puggle

As it is with any other mixed breed, you can never be certain which breed will be more dominant in the pup, but generally, they can be distinguished from other dogs.

Puggle dad look

Puggle’s dad look

  • Thankfully, due to this crossbreeding, they have short to medium snout that allows them to breathe properly instead of Pug’s non-existent muzzle.
  • They either have a face of a confused toddler or a parent to whom you just told that you went to a party without their permission.
  • One constant aspect of this dog is its fur color, it is always white or a shade of tan.
  • Their ears are Beagle-dominant; they have flappy downed ears.
  • Don’t worry, wrinkles are still present on this pooch’s face that gives them the distinct Pug appearance.

Size and Weight of Puggle

Once again as it is with any mixed breed, both males and females are of the same height and weight.

Males

These are no large dogs by any means or even average for that matter. However, they are larger than Pugs, standing anywhere from 11 to 15 inches tall and weighing 14 to 30 pounds.

Females

Identical to males, with a weight of 14 to 30 pounds with a height range from 11 to 15 inches.

Requirements of Puggle

If you are familiar with Pugs, then you’d be surprised to know that these dogs are little active furballs, still, no athletic dog by any means.

Puggle pup run

A Puggle pup running

Exercise Requirements

Yes, these are no couch potatoes and do require brisk walks, but other than that, they don’t have many requirements for exercise. Either you can engage them in 15-minutes of strenuous play or 40 minutes of walk. However, getting their little adorable bodies moving is crucial, even though they quickly reach their daily athletic needs they can become quite a handful when not exhausted. In such cases, they will not hesitate to turn to your couch or even curtains.

Training Requirements

Given their size, you’d think they’d be easy to train. Well, it’s not the case, as they have low trainability because of Pug’s mischievous nature and Beagle’s easy distraction when not focused. Therefore, be patient with these pooches, and remember to reinforce their positive behavior with treats.

Grooming Requirements

Puggles have a short coat with soft hair and they don’t shed excessively. Brushing them once a week is more than enough on regular days, but during the shedding season, you might have to do it twice. They also require special care for their wrinkles, and they must be cleaned daily. As for the baths, it’s just like any other dog.

Diet and Nutrition for Puggle

Puggle walking

Puggle walking the walk

Even these are on the smaller side of the spectrum, they can eat large amounts of food when unsupervised.

  • Like any other dog, they require proper nutrition; protein-rich food with a certain amount of healthy fats and carbohydrates.
  • Puggles are prone to obesity, therefore, it becomes essential that you feed them small meals after intervals, instead of feeding them a huge meal.
  • While high-quality dog food might have some in it, you must add vitamins C and E into their diet to avoid any health problems.

Health Issues to Look Out For

While Beagles are relatively healthy dogs, Pugs tend to develop some breathing issues, that are also present in this breed.

Stenotic Nares

This is a fairly common problem in dogs with shorter muzzles, and Pugs have a non-existent muzzle. In this, the nostrils get pinched together and dogs struggle to breathe. One way to avoid such an issue is to keep your dog as lean as possible because obesity can enhance this problem.

Hypothyroidism

It is a condition that occurs due to an inactive thyroid gland. It can surface as hair loss, especially on the legs, back, and tail. They also become intolerant to cold, and can also develop skin rashes, therefore, it is best to visit a veterinarian.

Hip Dysplasia

A condition that is usually encountered by large dogs, unfortunately, this pooch suffers from it as well. In this, the hip joint doesn’t function properly due to the bad fit of the thighbone in the socket. This causes pain and limping in dogs.

The Temperament of Puggle

Now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise but these are affectionate little dogs.

Puggle happy

A happy Puggle

  • Puggles are affectionate dogs, that love their owners, and enjoy fun play with other pets as well.
  • Generally, they are gentle dogs and do well with children. Just make sure they are trained and you supervise them with children.
  • Naturally, they are social pooches, however, socializing them early on is always a good idea.
  • They also approach strangers with a positive attitude and quickly befriend them.

Who are they Good For?

These dogs are good for anyone, who’s willing to take care of them, and let’s be honest they don’t have many requirements either. While they can have a good life with any loving owner, they thrive in families or with other pets.

Living Conditions

Given their size and personality they are best suited for towns with backyards, as they tend to dig a lot, bark, and howl like it’s nobody’s business. Additionally, for some reason they love wandering off, therefore it is best if you put some fence around your yard. If you happen to live in an apartment, just make sure you are tiring them enough, so they don’t start digging your bed.

Where to Buy Them?

One great thing about this dog is that you can often find them in shelters or groups that solely sell rescues. By buying from them, you are doing a noble thing, and also getting a great companion. However, you can visit your local reputed breeder, and they can certainly provide you with this loving dog.

This small dog is a great example of nicely performed crossbreeding. While they still have some problems in breathing, but they are significantly lower compared to Pug. Therefore, if you need an adorable and affectionate dog, this is the one for you.

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