Puggle
Temperament:
The Puggle is not an officially recognized dog breed, but a cross between two breeds. The small dogs are bred as companion dogs and are very popular. Since the original breeds, Beagle and Pug, are very different, there are many variations of the Puggle.
Characteristics
For several years, the dog breeds Pug and Beagle have been purposefully crossed. The puppies are called Puggles and combine the characteristics of both breeds. Besides crossing purebred dogs, Puggle are also backcrossed.
Puggles are usually small dogs. However, the size and weight can vary greatly. If you have a Puggle puppy, it will probably be about the size of its parents. Puggles also vary in appearance, as the characteristics of their parents may be inherited to different degrees. The head of most Puggles clearly resembles the parent with Pug genes. However, most Puggles have a longer muzzle than a Pug and can breathe relatively well because of this. This fact is a reason for many people to keep a Puggle.
Since Pugs and Beagles come in different colors, Puggles also have different colorations. Relatively many Puggles have the typical black mask of the Pug, as well as a brown to gray coat. Like the parents, Puggles are always short haired.
When crossing dog breeds, the focus is on a friendly character. Many Puggles are good family dogs that enjoy spending time with their people. Many breeders expect the crossbreed to be a playful dog that barks little and has little hunting instinct. By selecting the parents, the breeder can have some influence on the character of the puppies. However, the puppies will always carry different character traits. In some cases the character will develop more according to one of the parents. If you want to keep a Puggle, you should be aware of this. Read up on the Beagle and the Pug in advance to be able to relate well to your dog.
The beagle is a hunting dog that hunts game in a pack. Beagles kept as companion dogs also have a strong hunting instinct. A distinctive feature of the Beagle is its good nose, which it uses to track down animals. The Beagle's hunting instinct can be a great challenge for its owners, as the dog wants to be kept busy in a manner appropriate to its species. Of course, the Beagle can pass this tendency on to the Puggle. If you want to take in a Puggle puppy, you should deal with the subject of hunting instinct.
The Pug has been a companion dog for thousands of years. Unlike the sporty Beagle, he is rather leisurely. Most Pugs do not have a hunting instinct. Their short muzzle is rather unsuitable for nose work and can lead to health problems. The Pug is characterized by its affection, which many people appreciate. Unfortunately, intensive breeding has led to a problematic body shape from which many Pugs suffer.
Many Puggles combine the characteristics of both breeds and balance the traits. However, the contrasting characteristics of the breeds can also lead to problems. The will to work and diligence of the Beagle contrasts with the leisurely nature of the Pug. Crossbreeds thus possess a character that is not always uncomplicated. Nevertheless, Puggles are generally considered to be rather easy-going and friendly dogs.
Most Puggles are agile and relatively persistent companion dogs that will gladly accompany you anywhere. Depending on the expression of the hunting instinct, you will also be able to let him run free. The Puggle needs basic training and should be kept well occupied. Otherwise dogs with a lot of Beagle content will get bored quickly and start to rummage on their own.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
A Puggle is usually unproblematic in feeding. You should be aware, however, that Beagles and Pugs are considered to be voracious eaters. Both breeds can easily develop obesity if given too much food. Their charming nature also contributes to them getting an extra treat more often. You should weigh your Puggle regularly to prevent fat deposits. It may make sense to feed a light food. If you feed your dog fresh food, you can control the ingredients well. In this case, vegetables are well suited as a saturation supplement.
If you can, you should ask about the feeding habits of the parents. The owners can also tell you if one of the animals is rather greedy. This way you can prepare yourself for what your dog will be like in adulthood. At the end of the day, food conversion is individual.
Puggle care
The Puggle has a short and soft coat that needs little grooming. You can regularly pamper your Puggle with a soft brush, which strengthens the bond. Most dogs enjoy this massage. You should check your dog's teeth every now and then. Smaller dogs often have dental problems, which can be prevented by regular chewing. For chewing, you can give your Puggle dried animal products. Such snacks take care of the teeth and are healthier than treats for chewing.
Both Pugs and Beagles have specific health problems that can be passed on to the Puggle. However, as with any pet, diseases can always occur, which then need to be treated. A crossbreed is therefore no protection against hereditary diseases, which must always be expected. Depending on the expression of the genes, the Puggle is a robust and agile companion.
Suitable accessories
You don't need any special accessories for your Puggle. As with any dog, you will need a collar and leash for walking and training. In puppyhood you can put a soft harness on your Puggle. Nevertheless, you should train the leash leadership from the beginning. Especially because of the Pug's breathing problems, the dog should not pull on the leash.
For everyday life you need a short leash. A drag line is good for practicing recall. This is especially important because the Beagle is a passionate hunter.
Your Puggle also needs a food bowl that you can easily clean. There are special bowls that prevent gorging. They are good for greedy dogs. Always provide your dog with a large water bowl.
A Puggle, like any dog, needs exercise and activity. This also includes that you play with him. Which toy you need for your Puggle can be different. If your Puggle has very dominant beagle genes, you will be able to please him with hunting toys. The Pugle is playful, but rather calm. If your Puggle reacts strongly to squeaky toys, you should not always provide them to him. For dogs with strong hunting instincts, a rope may be more appropriate than a squeaky toy.
Provide your Puggle with a cozy place to sleep. There is a wide range of dog beds for smaller dogs. You'll find out which bed your dog likes over time. Most dogs like baskets or pillows that provide warmth and protection.
For driving, your Puggle should be well tethered. A harness and car belt will prevent your dog from jumping around in the car. In the event of an accident, the harness will not only protect your dog, but you as well.
Origin & History
The Puggle is one of many crosses of two dog breeds. The first Puggles were bred in America. The breeder Wallace Havens not only mixed Beagle and Pug, but also crossed other breeds specifically. Unlike other crosses Wallace experimented with, the Puggle is rather common.
In Europe, the Puggle is not a recognized breed. In the USA, however, there are already some clubs that recognize the Puggle as an independent form. However, there is no uniform breed standard that describes the Puggle and its character.
The different Puggles are distinguished by their parents. An animal from the so-called F1 generation has parents of the breeds Pug and Beagle. Whether the animals are purebred and come from a recognized breeding line is the decision of the breeder. Since the Puggle is not a recognized breed, the parents do not have to have health certificates or a pedigree. The choice of parents is up to the breeder, who can give you information about their origin and health.
Some Puggles come from backcrosses. This means that a Puggle of the F1 generation is crossed with a Pug or a Beagle. A Puggle of the F2 generation probably has more characteristics of the dominant breed.
Most often, a female beagle is used for breeding. The reason for this is that pug bitches often have problems caring for the puppies due to their short snout.
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