Twenty years ago, the hybrid Puggle came in to being and since then its popularity has risen to unexpected heights and it is now known as the most famous of the hybrids. The Puggle is the result of intermixing a female beagle and a male pug and this was done during the 1980’s when the US was focused on developing new breeds of dogs. Dog breeder Wallace Haven developed the Puggle in Wisconsin, USA.
The Puggle is famous as a lap dog and many famous people such as Uma Thurman and Julianne Moore are known to own one. Countless of articles pertaining to the Puggle are also said to have contributed to the fame of this hybrid. Finally in 2000, Wallace Haven began commercially breeding the Puggle.
This dog can be easily described as a little English Mastiff because it holds similarity to this rather massive breed both in appearance and behavior. The Puggle, like the English Mastiff, has a broad muzzle, short coat, and drooping ears. However, because the Puggle is a hybrid, there is no standard when it comes to its exact behavior and appearance since it may inherit different characteristics from the parents in varying degrees.
Commonly, the Puggle weighs 15 to 30 pounds and stands 10 to 15 inches at the withers. Some Puggles may also have larger and fuller heads while some have it thinner and smaller. The tail of the Puggle is also long like the beagle but curls up like the Pug and that some may have the Pugs underbite and some may not have it.
The body of the Puggle may be described as stocky and muscled with a coat that’s short and smooth; the forehead is wrinkled and the legs are short. Common coat colors of the Puggle are fawn, white, black, and multicolored such as a combination of brown and black. This coat also sheds heavily that’s why this dog is not suited with people who have allergies to dog hair and dander.
Grooming this dog requires daily coat brushing with the use of a fur-removing brush and occasional baths. The eyes also produce discharge that’s why it is important to keep the face, especially the wrinkly parts, and under eyes clean using a warm washcloth. Nail clipping should be frequently done because a Puggle’s nails grow rather quickly.
This hybrid may not be overly active but it is a high energy dog that has an independent and curious spirit; training sessions may sometimes be a challenge with the Puggle. This dog should be kept healthy by indulging him to some playing, running, or walking around a wide yard or a park. This dog, like the Beagle, loves to dig and howl, and like the Puggle, it loves to follow around the scent it finds interesting.
This hybrid is very friendly, loves to meet new dog breeds and other animals, and loves to be with people, even the new ones, especially children and older people. This dog is very affectionate and has a great desire to receive attention and love from humans. It loves to get close to people that it enjoys licking, nuzzling and bonding with them.
