Puggle (Beagle & Pug Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits
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| Height: | 10–16 inches |
| Weight: | 14–30 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Any hound color, silver, apricot, fawn, black, often with a black mask and ears |
| Suitable for: | Families with children, those looking for a people-loving dog, country or city living |
| Temperament: | Outgoing, Loving, Affectionate, Curious, Intelligent, Eager to please, Gets along well with children, Stubborn |
The Puggle was originally an accidental mixing of the Pug and Beagle. But once breeders met these charming pups and saw how healthy they were, the Puggle quickly became a famous designer dog. And we can see why! Puggles are some of the kindest and most loving companion dogs around.
These upbeat, pint-sized adventurers are bright, curious, and love spending quality time with their families. They have a mix of the best traits of the Beagle and Pug. To get a better idea of the history of the Puggle, here’s a little background on the parent breeds.
The Beagle as we know it today originated in England over 150 years ago. They were developed as hunters and hounds but have become most popular in recent years as companion dogs. Beagles have been one of the most popular breeds in North America for over 25 years.
The Pug, on the other hand, is an ancient breed. The progenitors of the Pug likely originated in China over 2,000 years ago! They began as the pets of royalty, slowly made their way to Tibet and Japan, and appeared in Europe around the 16th or 17th century.
Puggle Puppies
Though Puggles have a frowning, serious expression, they’re incredibly fun! They’re exceptionally playful and affectionate, make wonderful family dogs, and love being around people.
That funny, grumpy face alone has been many a prospective dog owner’s undoing. Before going to a breeder or shelter, it would be wise to consider if you have the finances, time, and energy to dedicate to a dog for the next 15 years. Because once you meet them, trust us, you’re a goner!
If you are getting your Puggle from a breeder, don’t be embarrassed to ask for advice and recommendations. A knowledgeable breeder can tell you about food choices, toys and games, socialization techniques, and health care.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Puggle
1. Beagles Used to Be Tiny Too
When the Beagle breed was being established, there was a larger differentiation in size than there is now. According to the 18th-century poet Gervase Markham, some Beagles were bred to be so tiny that they could sit in the palm of your hand or be tucked inside a lady’s kirtle!
Though they were small for a hound, they were no less capable than their bigger cousins. The same poet wrote of the Beagle that they “run as cunningly as any hound whatere, only their musick is very small like reeds.” Beagles are bigger now but just as quick, alert, and sweet!
2. Pugs Are Tiny Mastiffs
It is a commonly accepted theory that Pugs were initially bred as miniature mastiffs. They have the same personality and goodwill towards family but none of the slobber or crushed furniture!
In ancient times, Pugs were kept by Chinese royalty, but as the breed spread in popularity, they found a home with the Buddhist monks in temples all across Tibet. Though they started as a longer, leaner breed, they have slowly been guided to their current pudgy and adorable shape.
3. Puggles Are a Healthier Mix Than Either Parent Breed
The Puggle is a resounding example of a mixed breed that is healthier than either of the parents! The longer snout of the Beagle effectively cuts out any of the common brachycephalic issues that Pugs are prone to. A Puggle’s eyes are also significantly healthier than most Pugs, and they are no longer likely to pop out (yikes!) or suffer from congenital eyelid abnormalities.
On the flip side, the Pug also brings amazing benefits to this mixed breed. Pugs are some of the friendliest, most easy-going dogs around, and this predominate personality trait smooths out the often nervous and anxious Beagle.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Puggle 🧠
These are some of the happiest and friendliest little dogs around! Puggles are a charming mix of good-natured, independent, loving, and inquisitive. They are total people-pleasers and love playing with children and other animals.
Puggles will flourish in an environment where they can be close to people and do best with couples or families with children. They love to follow family members around and get their noses in everything you do!
Although their muzzles are much less squished down than the Pug, don’t be surprised if your Puggle is a snorer. Puggles are famous for their expressive vocalizations and howl, snort, and otherwise “talk” in ways that defy simple barking.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Few smaller dog breeds are as loving, patient, and cuddly as the Puggle. Though we all have different personalities, we’ve never met a Puggle who didn’t enjoy spending time with children.
Socializing your Puggle and children with each other early on is sensible, but they are naturally friendly. And don’t shirk teaching your kids how to respect a dog, as the small stature of Puggles can make them easier targets for bullying.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Puggle’s extroversion with people also translates to other dogs and animals. Puggles are genial and kind dogs with other animals, making them an excellent choice for a multi-pet home. And with some socializing, it’ll be smooth sailing!
When letting your pets interact, the only thing to remember is that Puggles can inherit a hunting instinct from their Beagle parent. Supervising a Puggle’s initial interactions with cats and avoiding interaction with small pets and prey animals may be wise.
Things to Know When Owning a Puggle
Are you mulling over whether the Puggle is for you? Here’s a basic rundown of the day-to-day care and upkeep required for Puggles.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Commercial dog foods can be an excellent way to ensure your Puggle gets a well-balanced diet. Look for formulas designed for smaller breeds and avoid questionable by-product ingredients and excessive grains. Whole foods are great for dogs; they need animal proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and veggies too!
Puggles are naturally chubby, and you should keep an eye on their weight to ensure it doesn’t veer into unhealthy territory. Lean proteins like fish and fowl will serve these little adventurers well, giving them plenty of energy to burn without weighing them down.
Exercise 🐕
Apartment dwellers are ideal owners for Puggles, but they can be excellent companions for nearly any living situation! We recommend giving your Puggle at least one long walk a day and providing indoor activities. They don’t need a lot of exercise, but they love playing with the family.
Puggles deeply enjoy a good outdoor adventure where they can smell absolutely everything. But they are also conveniently sized, have moderate energy levels, and are social enough that city living with sufficient exercise suits them.
However, the Beagle and Pug mix can be very sensitive to heat, so avoid taking them out during the hottest parts of the day. If they spend time outdoors, ensure they have a shady, cool area to relax.
Training 🦮
The Puggle is a charming mixture of eager-to-please and stubborn. They love entertaining you and receiving endless affection but don’t like being bossed around. A gentle owner with plenty of patience is needed to train the Puggle properly.
When you’re learning to communicate with and provide guidance for your Puggle, we recommend positive reinforcement training. Don’t give them repetitive tasks, as they may grow bored and distracted, but give them lots of praise and snacks when they follow directions.
The most important command you can instill in a Puggle is recall or “come.” These inquisitive dogs inherit the love of pursuing a scent from the Beagle and can become distracted when off-leash.
Grooming ✂️
Puggles are moderate shedders and benefit from having their coats brushed a few times a week. With a low-key routine, their short hair is simple to maintain. All Puggles must have their ears, teeth, and nails checked to keep them healthy. E
Their ears should be swabbed of excess dirt and wax, and their teeth must be brushed every week. You must also trim their nails so they don’t curl, crack, or get caught in rugs and clothing.
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Health and Conditions ❤️
The Puggle is a perfect example of how mixing purebred dogs can result in a significantly healthier pup. For example, the muzzle shape of the Beagle gives a Puggle’s sinuses more room and prevents the breathing-related issues of the Pug. And the relaxed temperament of the Pug mellows the sometimes anxious Beagle.
Though very healthy and unlikely to be prone to severe conditions, a Puggle can inherit any of the common ailments of their parent breeds. To be as thorough as possible, here is a list of the health concerns.
- Sensitivity to heat
- Deformities of the eye, nose, mouth
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Luxating patellas
- Cleft palate
- Demodectic mange
- Dwarfism
- Hypothyroidism
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Pug dog encephalitis
- Epilepsy
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Musladin Lueke syndrome (MLS)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
Male vs Female
The male Puggle is a little larger and more likely to mark territory with urine or display sexually aggressive behaviors (e.g., mounting or humping). Female Puggles are more delicate and less chunky. They are often quieter and more relaxed than their male counterparts.
Final Thoughts
So, is the Puggle the right dog for you?
If you’re a dog lover who is looking for a city-friendly breed, the Puggle should be at the top of your list. And if you seek an affectionate companion for you or your children, the Puggle simply cannot be beaten! As an absolute charmer, the Puggle will win your heart immediately, and keep it!
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Featured Photo Credit: Needpix
