Are you looking to learn how to breed Puggles? Whether you want to become a breeder of this designer dog or you simply want to own one, our guide will tell you everything about this cross between a Beagle and a Pug.
It is one of the most popular pug cross breeds thanks to its intelligence and personality. We are going to review its appearance, temperament, health issues, and other breeding-specific aspects to bring you a complete panorama about this crossbreed.
What is a Puggle?
A Puggle is a mix between a Beagle and a Pug, both purebred breeds. Therefore, it falls into the category of a crossbreed or designer dog. They were bred in the USA during the 80s, but it was not until the early 2000s that they started to gain popularity.
These designer dogs were created and sold because some owners wanted a dog that breaks the mold, which had an original and distinctive look, and that is how the Puggle was born. Furthermore, its temperament is ideal for a companion dog, and in many cases, also as a therapy dog. Therefore, the purposes of Puggles have been growing with the passing of time.
Background of Puggle Breeding
To understand more about one of the most popular crossbreeds as of now, let us review everything about its background, to understand where they come from, their popularity, temperament, and appearance.
Origin
The first Puggle was breed in the 1980s. The man responsible for this was Wallace Havens, and he was the first one to register a Puggle at the American Canine Hybrid Club. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that the major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) do not recognize the Puggle as a breed as it is a crossbreed.
Even though they appeared for the first time in the 80s, they only became commercially available at the beginning of 2000, and since then, they have been ranked as one of the most popular designer dogs in the world. Similar to other designer dogs, they do not have a long history of their origin.
Popularity of Puggles
Puggles are one of the most popular designer dog in the world, and even though we cannot obtain an official ranking such as the AKC’s popularity ranking, based on the demand and number of breeders, we can see that they have plenty of fans.
Puggles have made the news several times. For example, this article by TDN from 2007 highlights the growing popularity of hybrid dogs, but especially the rising of the Puggle. In 2006, the Seattle Times posted an article that classified it as the new hot dog in the US, where they talked about why people fell in love with this new crossbreed dog. To measure their popularity, it is also useful to see how many celebrities own one, and the list is not short:
- Julianne Moore
- Sylvester Stallone
- James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano)
- Jake Gyllenhaal
This also was a factor that catapulted Puggles to fame. Especially when Moore and Gyllenhaal bought their own, because it brought them plenty of media coverage, and soon all of their fans also wanted to own a Puggle.
Appearance
To help you spot an ideal Puggle, we need to learn more about its appearance standards. Below you will find all the information you need.
Size
Even though the size can vary – because it is a crossbreed dog – these are the most common measures:
- Height: 8 to 15 inches
- Weight: 14 to 40 pounds
Because we are talking about a crossbreed, there are not official size standards. Nonetheless, as an aspiring breeder or owner, you should aim to get a dog that falls within these ranges.
Body
The ideal body of the Puggle is long, stocky and thick. Furthermore, the back is level and extends into a long tail. In conclusion, its body adopts the athletic and muscular essence of the beagle.
Thanks to this contexture, unlike the Pug, the Puggle can reach a decent land speed, and in terms of athletic performance, it is vastly superior. Therefore, its exercise requirements are higher than a pug.
Head
The head of the Puggle resembles that of the Pug: round and full. Nonetheless, in some cases, it can look like the head of the Beagle: long and lean. As it is a crossbreed, the possibility is always there. Apart from that, it is also important to note the following aspects:
- Face: Wrinkled and droops moderately around the muzzle and the eyes. Furthermore, some puggles have black masks on the face
- Eyes: Large and expressive, dark-colored
- Muzzle: Long and soft, dark-colored
- Ears: Beagle-like ears
As you can see, this crossbreed adopts different aspects of each breed in different regions of the head. That is why, in order to make it look more like one of the parents, some breeders opt for breeding puppies using back breeding, to a distant purebred Pug or Beagle.
Coat
The coat of the Puggle is double, smooth and short. The outer coat is longer, whereas the undercoat is dense and short. It can come in the following colors:
- Black
- Red
- Tan
- Lemon
- Fawn
- Parti-colored (any of the previous colors mixed with white)
Temperament
Before buying a Puggle, you need to know more about its temperament. The same goes if you are an aspiring breeder because it will help you to target the right type of owners. To bring you a concise analysis, we have divided this section into pros, cons and ideal owners. Let us get started.
Pros
Puggles have a sweet and friendly temperament, which makes them friendly towards other dogs and especially pleasing with their owners. They are very affectionate towards their family, and therefore, they make excellent companions. Even though they have a tendency to be lazy, they are playful. Therefore, they can be excellent for families with kids; nonetheless, you need to instruct your children on how to play with your Puggle to avoid injuries.
They have a calm temperament, and therefore, they are not excessive barkers. They are ideal for living in departments since they do not occupy much space and their behavior will not cause problems when you train it properly since puppyhood.
Cons
They might have a prey chasing instinct if they inherited more traits from their beagle ancestry. Therefore, be careful if you have small pets at home such as rabbits.
They also tend to be stubborn, which makes them more challenging to train, although not impossible. Seasoned dog owners will be able to handle it perfectly, whereas beginners are prone to facing difficulties. Finally, even though their loving nature is a plus, it also makes them clingy, and therefore, they can develop separation anxiety easily.
Ideal Owners
The Puggle is ideal for owners who live in small spaces and need an excellent companion that has minimal exercise requirements. As long as you teach your kids how to play with your pup, it is also an ideal choice for a family with kids. Due to the petite size of Puggles, you need to teach your children how to play with them to avoid injuries.
Furthermore, it is important to mention that Puggles are amazing therapy dogs since they provide all the attention, comfort and affection that patients need. Therefore, if you are looking for this type of dog, then the Puggle will meet your expectations. Nonetheless, you will have to get it certified at any of the following institutions:
Activity Requirements of a Puggle
You need to walk your puggle at least 15-20 minutes a day, and if you can do it twice, then try to do so. Even though they tend to be lazy, you still need to fulfill their activity requirements in order to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Nonetheless, they are more active than pugs. If you can add in a short session of playtime, then it will also help to keep your pet free of stress and satisfied.
Regarding playtime sessions, you need to keep them engaged and always add a bit of novelty since they are smart and like to be mentally stimulated with new scenarios or challenges. It is essential to meet the exercise requirements of your puppy, to stop it from developing destructive behaviors and anxiety, which can trigger plenty of problems in your pet.
Health Issues When Breeding Puggles
If you are planning to breed this dog, or you want to buy your own puggle, then it is essential to be aware of the potential health issues that this breed might present. Generally, it is a healthy crossbreed and they can live up to 13 years, 10-15 the most usual range. By providing it a proper diet and enough mental and physical stimulation, they can live long and happy lives.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a disorder that affects the nictitating membrane, which provokes the gland to prelude from the eye, forming a red and fleshy mass. Fortunately, it only affects the appearance of your dog because it rarely causes pain or discomfort.
Even though the causes remain controversial, some evidence suggests that it might be caused by certain genetic factors. Therefore, it makes it even more important to screen the parents before breeding a puggle, to reduce the chances of developing this disorder. The only way to cure cherry eye is via surgery, which, fortunately, has an excellent success rate and poses no side effects.
Epilepsy
It is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, and it is characterized by recurring and uncontrollable seizures. According to the latest stats, the incidence rate might be as high as 0.75% in the general dog population. If your dog suffers from epilepsy, then it will display the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Stiffening
- Jerking
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooling
- Collapsing
The only treatment for epilepsy to reduce the incidence rate of seizures is accomplished by using specific drugs such as diazepam, phenobarbital, or potassium bromide. In fact, monotherapy with phenobarbital has a high success rate. In this study, the researchers found out that 63.30% of dogs that underwent this type of therapy did not develop cluster seizures with a 3-year follow up, and three dogs from this group were free of seizures.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism affects the normal production of thyroxine, which is the hormone in charge of controlling the metabolism of your pet. When it happens, it tends to show the following symptoms:
- Hair loss
- Black patches on skin
- Slow heart rate
- Recurrent infections
- Muscle loss
- Seizures
- Infertility
Therefore, it is important to diagnose it early to begin treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, it can be controlled by medicating your dog with levothyroxine, which acts as a replacement of thyroxine. It is the most effective drug for hypothyroidism and it is approved by the FDA.
Patellar Luxation
It occurs when the patella – the kneecap – is dislocated from its normal anatomical position, which causes your dog to hold up its hind legs for some minutes. It can range from grade I to grade IV to represent severity, and it makes the knees of your dog more vulnerable to certain issues such as torn cruciate ligaments.
Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, and according to some stats, the incidence rate might be as high as 1.30%. Furthermore, female dogs and toy/small breeds tend to develop it more than other dogs. If your dog has patellar luxation, then it will exhibit the following symptoms:
- Licking at the knee
- Limping
- Crying
- Discomfort when walking
- Walking/running on three legs
For mild cases, your veterinarian will opt for non-surgical treatment. However, if we are talking about a grade III or grade IV patellar luxation, then surgery will be necessary.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a health issue that affects the normal formation of the hip socket. It ranges from mild to severe, and in the most extreme cases, it can cause arthritis of the joints and lameness. You can identify it via the following signs:
- Abnormally wide space between the legs
- Narrow stance
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to exercise
- Grating in the joint when your dog moves
- Limited range of motion
Fortunately, it is possible to treat hip dysplasia via weight reduction, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, in the most severe cases, it might require surgical intervention.
Stenotic Nares
Stenotic Nares is when the nostrils are narrow or pinched, and unfortunately, it is a genetic defect. Because one of the parents is a Pug, which is a brachycephalic breed, Puggles are also prone to developing Stenotic Nares. It makes it difficult for your dog to breathe, and eventually, it might make breathing impossible, which inevitably leads to death. These are the most common signs of stenotic nares:
- Intolerance to exercise
- Noisy and difficult breathing
- Bluish gums
- Fainting
- Weakness and lethargy
The only way to treat it is via surgery, which involves a wedge resection of the nasal issue, with the objective of widening the nasal passageways.
Breeding Puggles
Now we have covered everything regarding its appearance, temperament, and health. It is time to talk about the most breeding-specific factors when breeding pugs.
What is the Average Litter Size of a Puggle?
The average litter size of a puggle ranges from 2 to 4 puppies. Usually, during the first pregnancy, the output will be minimal, maxing at 2 pups in most cases. It is the normal litter size for most small dog breeds.
Furthermore, it is important to note that since we are talking about a crossbreed, the puppies might look different from each other, even if they come from the same litter. This is because of genetic variance. Some will look more like a pug, whereas others will look more like a beagle.
Dystocia in Puggles
Puggles are more predisposed to dystocia issues due to their large head and the size of their shoulders. Furthermore, the incidence rate is higher if it is the first pregnancy. Even though we do not have an incidence rate for Puggles, according to stats, Pugs are 11.3% more likely to experience dystocia. Furthermore, regarding Beagles, they are also more predisposed to suffering dystocia. In consequence, crossbreeding these two breeds will have a similar incident rate.
Therefore, you should be ready for this scenario, in order to assist the bitch during birthing. Of course, a veterinarian should be present due to the higher chances of dystocia. It can be caused due to different factors such as an oversized fetus, uterine inertia and inadequate size of the birth canal. Regarding the treatment, over 60% of cases require surgery; nonetheless, your veterinarian might also use oxytocin, calcium gluconate and intravenous fluids.
What is the Average Price of Puggle Puppies?
The price ranges from $1,000 to $5,000+ USD, depending on the influential factors of the bloodline, pedigree, documents, health registers/examinations and reputation of the breeder. It also depends on the percentage of each breed present in the cross. Below you will find real-life examples:
- A female puggle puppy that is ¾ pug and ¼ beagle with proper documentation, vet examination, and 3-year health guarantee will cost you $1,500 USD.
- A puppy with a normal composition of 50% pug and 50% beagle with vet examination, proper documentation and health guarantee will cost you $800 USD.
As you can see, the nearer a Puggle genetically to a Pug, the more expensive it will be. The top prices that reach as high as $5,000 USD come from exclusive breeders who use pugs from top bloodlines. Even though it is possible to find puggles selling for as low as $300 USD in certain marketplaces, you should be wary of such pups, because in this case, it is an offer that sounds too good to be true. Now you have an idea about the budget you will need to buy your own puggle, and if you are an aspiring breeder, then now you know how to elevate the price of your pups.
Breeding Puggles – FAQ
Aspiring owners or breeders of puggles tend to ask these questions the most. You will find them below with a concise answer.
Are Puggles Hypoallergenic?
The puggle is not a hypoallergenic dog. They tend to shed regularly, and therefore, they might trigger allergies. Nonetheless, puggles who have a black Pug parent tend to shed less, because they only have a one-layer coat.
Furthermore, they need weekly brushing because they tend to shed a lot of loose and dead hair, which as you can easily guess, is contrary to what you should find in a real hypoallergenic dog. Nonetheless, some breeders opt for mixing a puggle with a poodle to make it non-shedding. Therefore, if you really want to own a puggle yet you are prone to allergies, then this might be the best option for you.
Are Puggles Lazy?
Puggles tend to be lazy, and therefore, they often need an incentive to exercise. They have no problems sleeping all day, which makes it ideal for certain types of people, whereas a total no-go for active people who like to play a lot with their pet. Nonetheless, they still need to meet their physical activity requirements. Due to their small size and lazy nature, they only need short 15-20-minute walks and some playtime to keep them active and healthy.
Furthermore, even though they are smart dogs, due to their laziness they can become a challenge to train. However, it is important to note that not all puggles are lazy. In fact, some are very active and play like puppies even when they are adults. According to owners, as puggles age, they tend to adopt the personality of beagles, which results in being more physically active.
Do Puggles Have Separation Anxiety like Other Small Breeds?
Puggles are very sensitive to separation, and therefore, they can develop anxiety easily, even more than other small breeds such as the Pomeranian. Since Pugs and Beagles need plenty of attention and affection, this trait will also be present in your Puggle. Even if you are gone for just one hour, they will always greet you with extreme excitement. Therefore, they need your presence and lots of attention regularly.
In consequence, they are not ideal dogs for people who live alone and leave their home for several hours every day, since it will hurt them emotionally and physically. A common trick to combat their separation anxiety when you really have to leave it alone for more hours than expected is to spray a few essential oils such as lavender. It will calm down your puggle and ease the struggle.
Why do Puggles Need Extra Attention?
Since Pugs and Beagles need more attention and affection than most breeds, then your puggle will also need it. This is because of the high genetic probability of this behavioral trait being passed from the parents to the offspring. They can become very clingy especially when they are still in puppyhood, both from mimicking their mother and behavioral traits. Therefore, you should only own a puggle if you are willing to bring it all the attention and affection it needs since a lack of it will make it develop several negative or destructive behaviors.
Are Puggles Easy to Train?
Puggles are smart yet they tend to be stubborn and lazy, which makes them moderately challenging to train, although not hard. The key to making it easy to train a puggle is to make the training sessions as fun and involving as possible. In addition, make them short yet more frequent.
Furthermore, since they require plenty of attention, the best way to train them is with incentives. Of course, you should avoid punishments, since it affects them profoundly and will disrupt the efficacy of the training. Therefore, new owners will find it harder to train, whereas seasoned trainer should not have problems beyond a slight challenge, due to their stubbornness and laziness.
Puggles are currently the most popular designer breed and many wish to know the details of how to breed Puggles. Breeders and owners alike are interested in their affectionate temperament and unique appearance. Now you should be aware of all the puggles’ pros and cons and be ready to add one or more of these little guys to your life.