20 Things You Didn’t Know about The Puggle
When a person is trying to decide what type of dog to get, it can be a bit overwhelming, considering the number of choices that are available. After all, you have to decide what type of dog really works best for you and then go from there. You might be wondering about a certain breed such as a Puggle, a name that is commonly attached to a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. A lot of people think these dogs are quite cute and as a result, they’re fairly popular. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place if you yourself are wanting to learn more about this breed that’s only been around for a relatively short period of time. Here are 20 things you should know before adopting one yourself.
1. They have a short history compared to other breeds
Most dog breeds have been in existence for decades. Many have been around for centuries. The Puggle, on the other hand, has been around for a much shorter time span, only since the 1990s. They are often referred to as designer breeds, referring to a breed of dog that has been carefully bred to employ only the best characteristics of the two parent breeds.
2. Breeders have a very specific goal in mind
Many times, the goal is to achieve the best characteristics of the two parent breeds in question without passing on some of the genetic traits that are less desirable. In the case of the Puggle, the idea was to breed an energetic yet lovable dog that has some of the visible characteristics of each dog breed, yet doesn’t have many of the health problems that are commonly associated with both Beagles and Pugs. As a matter of fact, breeders were trying for a dog that would have a laid-back disco position, just like Pugs frequently do, yet would not suffer from the breathing problems that are so typical of them and other flat faced dogs. The hope was that the Beagle’s longer nose would solve this problem, thereby helping the dog become healthier.
3. It’s all about the energy
At the same time, breeders were hoping to make the often overly energetic Beagle a bit more calm by bringing in the genetic disposition of the Pug. As previously mentioned, it all started with one breeder in the 1990s. Since that time, the breed has become overwhelmingly popular. Nevertheless, breeders don’t always get what they’re hoping for, even when they have done their level best to ensure that things go their way. In fact, there are Puggles that have an extremely hyper disposition, much like the Beagle. In addition, there are also those dogs who have inherited the Pug’s breathing problems.
4. Things don’t always go according to plan
It’s important to remember that no matter how careful you select the breeding program, the way the genes are distributed within each individual cannot be predicted with pinpoint accuracy. Unfortunately, this means a lot of Puggles end up in shelters. The ones that are considered less desirable, who still have a relatively flat face and the aforementioned breathing problems that go with it or who are too hyper, are often considered unworthy of being adopted out for a price. As a result, they’re often sent to shelters to live out their days.
5. Size does matter
For the most part, Puggles have a tendency to be larger than the Pug, but not quite as large as a full-blood Beagle. More often than not, they’re anywhere from 25 to 30 inches high once they’ve become a fully grown adult. In addition, they typically weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 pounds, although that too can vary by two or three pounds in either direction.
6. They have a relatively long lifespan
Perhaps the thing that is most surprising for the Puggle is its lifespan. Typically, a dog of this breed can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Much of that can be attributed to the Pug, as smaller dogs have a tendency to live longer than do larger dogs. As a result, it isn’t all that uncommon to see a smaller dog like a Pug that lives for 15 years or even slightly longer. In addition, their life span is also prolonged slightly because of the longer nose that the Puggle typically has as a direct result of crossbreeding with the Beagle.
7. They need exercise
Puggles need a great deal of exercise. Without it, you run the risk of having a dog that is more than willing to tear up virtually anything around your house in order to expend that energy. More often than not, they need at least half an hour of exercise on a daily basis, sometimes more.
8. They like to dig- a lot
One of the more frustrating things about Puggles is that they seem to have an overwhelming tendency to dig. If they don’t get enough exercise, this is usually one of the first things that they decide to do. Even when they do get plenty of exercise, they sometimes decide to dig anyway. Every dog owner knows that this can be one of the most frustrating things they’ll ever experience. Most dogs have a tendency to dig but in many cases, it can eventually be trained out of them so that they no longer want to do it. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case with the Puggle. Beagles have an uncanny desire to dig and the Puggle has unfortunately inherited this desire more often than not. It can be very difficult for dog owners because even when the types of techniques that are typically employed to get a dog to stop digging are utilized, they don’t always work. In short, owners who are thinking about adopting a Puggle and also have a yard that they value a great deal may not be doing themselves any favors by adopting a breed of this type.
9. They shed
This one comes as a surprise to a lot of dog owners. You wouldn’t think that this particular breed of dog would have a
, but that is exactly what they have. As a matter of fact, they tend to shed a lot more than other dogs.In much the same way that they have a tendency to dig and tear up your yard, you may not be terribly interested in getting a Puggle if you genuinely value having a very clean home. It isn’t that people can’t have a Puggle and still have a clean house, but it certainly is more difficult to do so. As a matter of fact, if you plan on having a Puggle and you want your house to remain clean, you should probably be prepared to either hire someone to do the cleaning on your behalf or spend a good bit of your time cleaning up after them.
10. They need regular grooming
This one probably won’t surprise you all that much, considering the discussion about their shedding habits. If you want to minimize those shedding issues, one of the best ways that you can do so is to make sure that they are groomed on a regular basis. Sure, you can groom them yourself but it’s really best if you let a professional handle it on your behalf. That’s because they typically know more about getting the job done and doing it the right way than someone who isn’t in the business. It can make all the difference in the world in how well your dog is groomed and how much he sheds after the fact. That’s why it’s important to choose a groomer that works well for you and the breed of dog that you have.
11. They snore a lot
Despite the fact that breeders have tried to get rid of the flat faced issues associated with Pugs, Puggles have a tendency to snore quite a lot. If you’re a seasoned pet owner, this probably won’t bother you. However, you can scare the socks off someone who has only recently adopted a pet and has never thought about a dog snoring before, only to walk down a long, dark hallway at night and hear snoring coming from somewhere in the darkness. Chances are, you’ll get used to it soon enough if you want a Puggle.
12. They tend to be headstrong
Headstrong is a nice way to put it. The truth is, these dogs have a tendency to be as stubborn as the day is long. They’re smart, make no mistake about it. That said, they’re not particularly interested in doing something just because you want them to do it. As a result, they are much more likely to do things their own way, whether you like it or not. If you have something that you want them to do and they’re not in the mood, it can become very easy to get into a situation where the two of you end up butting heads.
13. They’re not always easy to train
That stubbornness often makes them rather difficult to train. It certainly isn’t because they’re not smart enough to understand what you’re asking them to do. In fact, quite the opposite is true. They usually know exactly what you want. Whether or not they plan on doing it is an entirely different story, one that often changes from moment to moment depending on their mood. Suffice it to say that if they’re not in the mood to be trained at any one given time, they’re probably not going to do whatever you’re asking them to do.
14. They’re not cheap
Unless you’re fortunate enough to find one at a shelter that you can then adopt, these dogs do not come cheap. As a matter of fact, it’s not at all uncommon to pay in excess of $1,500 for a puppy. Considering the fact that a fair amount of Puggles do find their ways into shelters, there’s a fairly decent chance that you might be able to find one through those means. If not, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money in order to get one.
15. They often have their own health concerns
Puggles were originally bred to get rid of some of the health concerns associated with Beagles and Pugs. Over the years, they have developed health concerns of their own. They tend not to see especially well in the dark but more seriously, they also have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia as they get older. This can make it extremely painful and even impossible for them to walk.
16. They like to socialize
Puggles have a tendency to socialize well with just about everyone. They generally tend to like people and they get along well with other dogs. It typically means that they’re a good fit for households that have a lot of people coming and going as well as other pets.
17. They like to chew things
It has been previously mentioned that Puggles sometimes have a tendency to be a bit destructive. In addition to digging, they also like to chew things, often things that they’re not supposed to be chewing in the first place. For the most part, it comes back to making sure that they get regular exercise but if they’re still chewing practically everything in sight after they’ve come in from exercise, it can be a difficult habit to break them from.
18. They also bark a lot
Ask anyone who’s ever owned a Puggle in the past, and they will tell you that they bark a lot. This isn’t something that bothers all pet owners, but it drives others absolutely nuts. It is something that’s worth considering before you decide to get this particular breed, as you need to know whether or not the breed is right for you before you bring one home.
19. They’re loyal
Puggles may be a bit destructive and they may be loud, but they’re also fiercely loyal. When they decide that they have bonded with someone, they have a tendency to be loyal to that individual to a fault.
20. They typically like going on adventures
Puggles can be weird when it comes to getting exercise. They do tend to do well with people when they’re walking, but they’re not especially great for people who prefer to jog. On the other hand, if you like going on an outdoor adventure that involves a lot of hiking over rugged terrain, most Puggles will eat that up all day long.