The Puggle, or sometimes called Bug, Buggle, or a Peagle, is a mix-breed between the Beagle and Pug and it is believed to be the result of an accidental breeding between the breeds. But it has become a popular crossbreed among dog lovers because of its fun-loving character and playful nature that it got from its parent’s breeds. Let us know more about the history and characteristics of the Puggle breed.
History of the Puggle Breed
The Puggle’s origin is not clear but according to some, it is the result of an accidental breeding between a Pug and a Beagle. However, others say that it was intentionally bred by a breeder from Wisconsin named Wallace Havens and the very first Puggle was officially bred in the 1980’s. Though, there might have been other Puggles that have probably been bred before that.
The Puggle breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any other kennel club and breed registry, but it is registered in the American Canine Hybrid Club. As the years passed, the Puggle dog breed has become more popular and the first choice for a lot of dog owners. In 2002, they were sold and are considered to be unique pets.
Characteristics of a Puggle
Average size: 1 foot and 1 inch to 1 foot and 3 inches
Average weight: 18 to 30 pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
The Puggle is a hybrid dog that can grow from 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh 18 to 30 pounds. There are also toy-size Puggles which are usually less than 13 inches tall and weigh 8 to 17 pounds. They can live from 10 to 15 years.
Puggles have short and smooth double coats. Their undercoats are short and dense and covered by a slightly longer topcoat. They can come in colors red, lemon, tan, black, fawn, or any of those colors with white or also called particolor. There are also some Puggles which have black masks on their faces.
They are sweet and intelligent dogs that can easily fit into family life. Puggles are playful and cuddly and they love to spend time with people including kids and other pets as well. They can bark when someone comes to the door but since they have a friendly nature, they are not really great as guard dogs. Some may also tend to be howlers being part Beagle.
Caring for Puggles
Since Puggles are known to be people-lovers, they should live indoors with the family and not outside. In fact, they can adapt to any living situation, even in apartments. But they also need to get enough exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. They are also good walking companions but not the best choice for a jogging partner.
Puggles, like both their parent breeds also shed. Therefore, you should brush their coats weekly to get rid of excess hair. Bathe them only when needed but you should make sure to keep the folds on their skins and around the muzzles and eyes dirt free to avoid infections. Dental hygiene and nail care are also important for Puggles.
The recommended daily amount of food for Puggles is 5/8 to 1.5 cups of high quality dog food a day divided into two meals. This depends on your dog’s age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. Puggles, like their parent breeds, enjoy meals, making them prone to obesity. To keep them in good shape, it’s better to measure their foods well.
The Puggle is indeed a unique, special, and loving companion that is a great pet especially for families with children. It is also a very good dog breed for inexperienced dog owners.
Since Puggles are a crossbreed, therefore one can never be too sure about its characteristics. Though the breeder tries to bring the best of two breeds in one dog but genes don’t work that way. Hence, once you bring a puggle to your home, you should be ready to expect best of both breeds and also the worst of both breeds. It should be noted that most puggles won’t behave the same way just like most beagles won’t behave the same way. It’s because their characteristics and qualities are greatly influenced by the environment they have been raised.
The size and appearance of puggle could be very different from their own siblings from same litter. Their abilities, sizes, health, mood and appearances can never be guessed because it all depends on what they inherited from which parent.
Though the pug enjoys being a lap dog, the beagle yearns for independence and freedom, the puggles are mostly friendly and playful. In some cases they can be really stubborn and can ignore whatever command you give, but mostly they love being around people. And they love behaving in a good way during gatherings because of their inborn desire to please.
Interesting facts about Puggles:
1. The father has to be a puggle and mother should be a beagle to ensure safe mating and healthy offsprings!
2. If you starve your puggle, be ready to see her chewing on everything around her, she can even chew on the furniture
3. Puggles need a lot of attention, lack of attention can result in mischievous behavior.
4. Puggles are called as ‘snugglers’ because they love to snuggle up with their owners. You may find them sharing your duvet too!
5. Puggles, just like their parents can eat for hours and hours until you take the food away!
6. Beagles are hunting hounds; therefore the puggles have a hunting instinct that may activate while you take them out for a walk especially if they smell a strange scent! Therefore, keep them on the leash at all times.
The Puggle is indeed a unique, special, and loving companion that is a great pet especially for families with children. It is also a very good dog breed for inexperienced dog owners.