The Puggle

The Puggle is a hybrid dog that has been developed by crossing the Pug and the Beagle.
 
The Puggle has an average weight of 15 to 30 lbs, and a height of 13 to 15 inches at the withers.  Even though the color of the Puggle's coat may vary, the majority of them are fawn.  However, the Puggle can also come in black or multicolored.  One of the great advantages of this breed is that Pugs have a pushed-in face, whereas the Puggle does not.  This of course, lessens the risk of the respiratory problems, which are so common in Pugs.

The appearance of the Puggle does vary between dogs.  The reason for this is that some Puggles may have more characteristics from either the Pug or the Beagle.  This is because of the decreased ability to predict which characteristics the Puggle will have inherited from which parent.  The Puggle is referred to as a "designer dog" and is extremely playful.  High levels of energy are generally exhibited from Puggles, but at the same time they are very loving dogs.  This breed is classified as a lap dog due to their relatively small size and manner. 

The Puggle's tail is the same length as the Beagle, but curls like a Pug.  The Puggle also tends to avoid many difficulties with joints, eyes, and skin wrinkles that are common to pugs because of their longer legs, eye socket size, and less flattering wrinkles. 

Another benefit of the Puggle is that their longer nasal cavity helps them to tolerate the heat and they are less likely to get overheated whilst outside in the summer, whereas the Pug is susceptible to heat stroke. 

On the other hand, the Puggle's nasal cavity is more likely to be shorter than, and not as efficient as that of the Beagle, which could cause difficulties if the Puggle inherited the Beagles love of running.  It has not been discovered at present as to whether the Puggles are prone to the same health risks as the purebred Beagle.

Puggles are a reasonably low maintenance breed.  They only require occasional bathing with nail clipping, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing.  They are not hypoallergenic, as neither is the Pug or Beagle.  Puggles do shed their fur; therefore, it is advised to occasionally brush a Puggle with a fur removing brush, to prevent great amounts of cleaning up of fur in the home as well as use a dog car seat cover in your car.  Nonetheless, Puggles do shed a great amount of fur in the winter months if they stay indoors, because of the heat.  One other very important factor is that the toenails of the Puggle do grow particularly long if their owner does not take them for walks on a regular basis.

Puggles are an extremely cheerful breed that loves to play and wear cool dog coats, but also tire very quickly and retire for a short nap.  They are affectionate and generally get along with children.  They have the friendly, laid-back character of both breeds.  The Puggle varies as to how often it barks.  Certain Puggles inherit the odd, nasal baying of Beagles, whilst others have a mix of baying and cooing. 

Puggles, do at times, display a desire to chase rabbits, squirrels, and any other backyard intruder, as they inherit the hunting instincts of the Beagle.  They may also exhibit a tendency to stalk such prey, and owners should monitor the dog if their home is in an area that is noted for rodents or smaller marsupials.

The Puggle tends to enjoy agility trials and obedience along with field trials.  These events are offered to mixed breed dogs by some canine clubs.  The Puggle tends to take after its purebred relatives when it comes to such events and dog shows, and they do have a reputation of being relatively easy to train.