Puggle - The Best of a Pug and Beagle?

Welcome to the modern world of dog breeding.  Breeders are out to create the perfect hybrid breed of dog and one of the best they have come upon to date is the puggle.  By breeding a female pug with a male beagle, breeders have created a hybrid breed of dog that has all of the best traits of each of these well known breeds.  While this combination has eliminated the breathing issues commonly found in pugs and the howl of the beagle, there are still issues with this breed that people should be aware of prior to picking up one of these little guys.  Even though these dogs are truly adoring and lovable, they do tend to be a little excitable and high strung.  However, you should not let this put you off if you have a little patience and take the time to exercise your new companion.

Some people have been somewhat misled into thinking that these dogs just stroll around without a care in the world.  While the puggle does make for a loving and cuddly dog, they can also be a holy terror if you fail to give them the attention that this bouncy breed requires.  Failing to recognize these facts can result in quite the surprise when this little dog strolls through your door for the first time.  While they do require lots of exercise and attention, this is nothing that cannot be overcome with the proper routine.  As with any dog, a good start to the day is a good brisk 30 to 45 minute walk to burn off some of the natural energy your puggle possesses.  In addition to being good exercise for your dog, a daily walk helps in the bonding process between canine and human.

Once you learn to control his or her higher energy level, you will find this little 15 to 20 pound giant to be a great family dog.  Puggles grow to be somewhere around 10 to 15 inches tall and have a short coat of hair.  Commonly, you will find they are fawn, black, beige or any combination of these colors and usually have the black face of the pug.  If you are familiar with an English Mastiff breed, a puggle looks like a miniature version of the Mastiff.  Their skin tends to appear loose on their bodies, and their tail is curly along with a wrinkled face.

Along with playtime and exercise, the best way to ensure the health of this breed, or any dog for that matter, is good preventive health care with a good veterinarian.  Also, remember when feeding your puggle that they are small dogs and even though they are quite active, one cup of food per day will usually be adequate to keep your dog fit and trim.  This is just a rule of thumb mind you and you may need to alter the amount based on the type food you feed your pup and the manufacturers recommendation for the dogs weight.  Watch your puggles and be sure they do not get too slim or too plump and, of course, consult with your vet for their recommendation also.

While many of the breathing problems associated with the pug breed have been bred out of these animals, your puggle does have a short compact snout and breathing problems could occur if you over exercise your dog during extremely hot weather.  Outside of this issue, puggles are no more susceptible to any other health issues than other breed of dogs.  Keep in mind that routine checkups and following good common sense will keep your dog healthy for many years to come.

While a puggle is definitely not born the perfect dog, attention to their characteristics can go a long way towards making him one.  If you are willing to give your dog lots of love, attention, walks and other other forms of playtime and exercise, I think you will find that this rambunctious little ball of fur will make you and your family a great and loyal companion for a long, long time.