Puggle Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

9-15 kg

Height

33-38 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Puggle

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for a canine companion to join you as part of the family, a Puggle could be the perfect breed.

Its small size and playful nature make Puggles the ideal dog for families with small children, or anyone who wants a friendly and gentle furry friend.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Puggles, from their origin and history and what they should eat to their temperament and personality.

What is the history & origin of the Puggle?

First bred by dog breeders in the United States, the Puggle was created to be a designer breed.

The goal of this cross-breeding was to create a healthy companion dog that was less likely to suffer from the health and behavioural issues found in Pugs and Beagles. Although Puggles are less likely to inherit these issues, there’s still a risk that they could inherit both.

Puggles went mainstream in the 1990s when many dog breeders started breeding and selling them to wealthy and celebrity owners.

What is a Puggle breed?

A puggle dog is a crossbreed between a Pug and a Beagle. They feature many characteristics of both breeds, such as the wrinkles of the pug and the longer snout, ears, and tail from the Beagle side.

These designer dogs are often said to resemble miniature Mastiffs, and their unique appearance is nothing other than adorable! Their charming looks and laidback personality has been an incentive for dog owners for years, and they’ve been a popular breed of choice since the 1990s.

Who is a Puggle best for?

Puggles are great companion dogs with a very social nature, so they get along with almost anyone.

Both the Pug and the Beagle are extremely friendly dogs, and so are Puggles. Although some might tend to howl, a trait inherited from the Beagle, they’ll never show aggression towards humans or other dogs.

These mixed breed dogs love the company of other dogs, so they’re likely to be playful when you encounter other dog walkers. They’re also one of the best dog breeds for families with children, as they’re gentle-natured.

Puggle Grooming & Shedding

Puggles have a short and smooth double coat. Their undercoat is short and dense, and a slightly longer topcoat grows over it. Their dog hair colouring can range from fawn, red, black, tawny, or a mixture of colours.

This designer dog is considered a moderate shedder, so at long as you brush him weekly to get rid of loose hair, it shouldn’t be a big problem. Bathe your Puggle when it’s necessary, and be sure to keep the folds on its skin free of dirt and excess moisture. After washing, be sure to dry between these folds to prevent any chance of infection.

It’s also a good idea to brush your Puggle’s teeth at least twice a week to remove any buildup and bacteria. Be sure to keep your Puggle’s nails short, you shouldn’t be able to hear them tapping on the floor as he walks. This means he won’t accidentally scratch you or other animals when playing.

When it comes to grooming, it’s a good idea to introduce it from the beginning. When you get your Puggle puppy, be sure to handle him often so he gets used to it. Turn grooming into a positive experience by rewarding good behaviour with praise and treats. This will also make it much less taxing when your pup needs a veterinary examination as an adult.

Do Puggles bark a lot?

Most Puggles are typically indoor dogs. They love spending time with people, but they can bark a lot out of excitement, and some even tend to howl – which are traits inherited from the Beagle parent.

What is the average weight & height of a Puggle dog?

Puggles are relatively little dogs, with most growing to between 33-38 cm and weighing between 9-15 kilos.

Are Puggles easy to train?

Puggles are an intelligent crossbreed, so they’re relatively easy to train. Sometimes they can be stubborn, so it’s a good idea to ensure training sessions are as fun and interesting as possible so they don’t get bored.

Consistency is key when training Puggles. Positive reinforcement training is one technique that works well with this breed, as they’re very food-oriented so will love getting tasty treats as a reward for their good behaviour.

How do Puggles behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Both the Beagle and the Pug are friendly and sweet dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. Puggles are energetic small pets that are always ready to play and run around. The Puggle temperament is generally welcoming, and they’re one of the best breeds for cuddling!

That being said, they do have a stubborn streak that can sometimes overtake their friendly nature. But their best traits are their high energy and affectionate temperament. They need regular mental stimulation and vigorous exercise to tire them out and ensure they’re not hyperactive throughout the day.

Socializing them when they’re younger is the best way to ensure Puggle puppies grow up into well-rounded dogs that get along with other pets.

Does the Puggle have any common health issues?

Although they’re healthier dogs than their parent breeds, Puggles can still experience some genetic health problems that can affect their quality of life. Every dog is different, so it’s a good idea to be aware of them so you know how to handle them when they arise.

Puggles are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and cherry eye. Stenotic nares is another issue to watch out for in this breed and is what causes noisy breathing which can sometimes be fatal.

Breed clubs exist to ensure the overall health, wellbeing, training and care of Puggles is managed properly. If you’re passionate about Puggles and want to maintain the correct breeding of them you might consider joining a club in your area.

What is the lifespan of a Puggle?

The average lifespan for this breed of dog is 12-15 years, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their company and cuddles.

How much does a Puggle need to be fed?

It’s recommended that you feed Puggles five to eight 1.5 cups of quality dog food each day. This can be divided into two meals to sustain them throughout the day.

How much your Puggle will eat depends on his age, size, and the amount of dog sports he participates in. Note that Puggles are also quite prone to obesity, so be sure to dedicate specific times of day to feeding, rather than leaving food out all day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Puggle in Australia?

The price of Puggles in Australia can vary depending on if you buy them from a pet store or a private breeder. Typically, you can expect to pay in the price range of $1200-$2000 for a dog of this breed. They are much cheaper to buy than their purebred parent dogs.

You can also check if there’s a rescue group in your area that has any Puggles, just make sure they’ve undergone any necessary health clearances before you welcome them to the family.

Puggle FAQs

Do Puggles suffer from separation anxiety?

Pugs and beagles are both prone to separation anxiety, which means that Puggles can be too. Beagles are pack dogs, meaning they like the company of other dogs and humans alike. So you might encounter some problems when leaving them alone. However, the right training or ensuring they have an animal companion can help to combat this.

What’s the difference between a Pug and a Puggle?

Pugs are purebred dogs, whereas a Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. This means Puggles have a different set of features, combining both the looks and temperament of both breeds.

Do Puggles get along with cats?

Pugs are one of the best breeds for getting along with cats, and Puggles have inherited this characteristic. Generally, if you have a cat and you decide to buy a Puggle they should have no problem getting along, and might even play together when left at home.

Do Puggles get cold easily?

Puggles have quite a thick coat of dense fur, so they won’t get cold easily in regular temperatures. However, when the weather gets chilly they might suffer the cold more. Generally, when the temperature is lower than 7 degrees Celsius, you should exercise caution when taking small dogs outside.