Puggle

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 25 - 38cm M | 25 - 38cm F

Weight: 7 - 18kg M | 7 - 18kg F

Life Expectancy: 10 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The puggle is a crossbreed of two loveable canine breeds. As such, it is no surprise that it is one of the top 3 “designer dogs” favoured by many. As a mixed breed, it has the best of both of its parent breeds. It has an excellent sense of smell, a love for sniffing and tracking, and a high energy level. All that makes the puggle a little furry tornado of activity and fun.

A lapdog, this canine has a lot of affection to give and thus makes a great pet, especially for energetic families. It has a short coat that is easy to maintain, Its smashed-in face is easy to love; however, it is this physical characteristic that can trigger breathing issues at times. With the right care and regular cleaning, the puggle can zip through its breathing risks healthily, though.

History

A relatively new breed, the first puggle emerged in the 1980s in the USA. This canine was the result of the crossbreeding of a pug and a beagle, thus the portmanteau of the name. As such, the puggle has traits from both parent breeds. From the pug, this dog got its love for the home and an entertaining personality. It got its excellent nose and tendency to track from the beagle.

Further, it has been said that the pug traits were intended to tone down the beagle impulse for roaming and independence. However, the combination of such hereditary qualities cannot be controlled entirely. As such, not all puggle personalities are exactly alike, although there are common denominators, such as the affectionate and kind nature.

In the last few decades, puggle breeders have been more careful in choosing studs to ensure that the resulting pups are healthy. This crossbred canine has also become popular in various parts of the world, including the UK. It is still not yet recognised as a distinct breed by The Kennel Club, though.

Appearance and Grooming

This small dog stands 20–38 cm in height and weighs about 7–14 kg on average. It is not too small nor too big. Its small size makes it an appealing pet for those living in smaller accommodations, which also adds to its popularity.

As mentioned, the puggle inherits both pug and/or beagle traits. This means that some puggle puppies may have more beagle features, whilst others may look closer to a pug. However, this canine generally has a pushed-in, brachycephalic face, expressive eyes, and droopy ears, which is reminiscent of its beagle genes. Its body is thick, with legs on the shorter side. Its loins are rounded and well-muscled, and its back is level and firm. Its short tail curls over its back, and is perky.

Its short, straight-haired coat comes in a variety of colours, which also means there are black puggles. Most of them, though, come with a fawn coat and black mask. As such, it looks like a miniature version of the English mastiff.

The puggle has minimal grooming requirements as its coat is short and thus easy to maintain. Its facial folds or wrinkles need to be washed or wiped down, though, to prevent bacteria build-up.

Temperament and Intelligence

The puggle temperament has been likened to that of a small tornado. It is a lively, active dog that likes to sniff and track and also run about and play. It loves people and is very affectionate, which has earned it its lapdog reputation.

Even-tempered and very sociable, the puggle likes to be around its humans most of the time. As such, it does not like to be left alone, even for short periods. Some puggles may be a bit more independent, though, and can be left alone (but not for long).

Being an intelligent breed, this pooch is curious and likes to explore with its nose. It may also be prone to digging and escaping, which requires fencing reinforcements in homes with yards. It also has a stubborn streak, as both breed parents have this side to them. That being said, training sessions should be kept short and filled with praise and treats.

The puggle tends to inherit the barking and howling tendencies of both parents and are thus wont to do both. It is also recommended to socialise it at an early age to ensure that it develops into a balanced and mature dog.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your puggle will profit from important vitamins and minerals in his diet. Some of these include glucosamine and chondroitin, which are excellent supplements for joint strength, health, and mobility. Essential fatty acids are paramount for healthy joints, skin, coat, heart, liver, vision, and digestion. Calcium and phosphorus are also needed for strong bones. Vitamins A, C, and E are required for healthy vision and immune system. A protein-rich diet is essential for lean muscle development and to help your food-loving Puggle feel full longer and stay at a healthy weight. Prebiotics and/or probiotics aid in healthy digestion.

Choose a premium-quality dog food for your puggle that meets his daily calorie and nutritional needs. It should particularly cater to his age, breed, energy levels, and size. You can ask the vet for help in picking out the best high-quality dog food for your puggle.

Keep away from commercial dog food. It may be a cheap alternative, but it is low in nutritional value. Some commercial dog food brands also have additives and preservatives that are detrimental to his health. Never skip giving your dog fresh water, especially on a hot day. This will keep him hydrated and prevent heatstroke.

For a puggle puppy that is two months old, feed 105–109 g of food daily, depending also on his size and activity level. For one that is seven to ten months old, feed 115–155 g of food daily. When he turns eleven months and beyond, you can feed him with adult food.

An adult puggle weighing 7–12 kg should be fed about 131–225 g of food daily, also taking into consideration his activity level. For a puggle that weighs 14 kg and above, the daily portion ranges from 192 to 252 kg.

Health and Exercise

The average puggle lifespan is 10 to 15 years. This breed faces the possibility of developing a number of hereditary health issues, such as the following:

Cherry eye
Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia
Dry eye
Respiratory problems
Allergies
Reverse sneezing

Like its parent breeds, the puggle is very food motivated and has a hearty appetite. It will not think twice about wolfing down a treat even after being fed. As such, it is at risk of becoming overweight and developing complications from obesity. To counter this, manage its food intake and exercise it for at least 30 minutes daily. Being an active dog, it also needs to be mentally stimulated to keep it sufficiently occupied and happy.

Cost of Ownership

If you are interested in caring for a Puggle, be ready to pay £300 up to £700 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, be ready to spend £20-£30 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.

When it comes to healthcare, you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £18 a month for a time-limited cover up to £43 a month for a lifelong insurance cover. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size and weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £800 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £50-£80 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.

Puggle Breed Highlights

The puggle is an affectionate and energetic pet suitable for equally energetic owners and families.
Its short coat is easy to maintain.
This dog is brachycephalic and is vulnerable to respiratory issues.
This pooch is very intelligent and is thus easy to train.
The puggle tends to bark and howl at times.