The Puggle is a designer dog breed that was first intentionally bred in the 1980s by combining the Pug and Beagle breeds. As the popularity of designer breeds increased, the Puggle was one of the main benefactors of this newfound love, and potential owners were especially intrigued by this friendly, sociable, lively little dog with a face so cute it is only matched by the breed’s love for its humans.

However, as with any breed, whether it is a purebred or a hybrid, there are pros and cons to owning a Puggle. For a start, you can never be entirely sure whether you will get a dog closer to the Beagle or the Pug, or something that falls right in the middle, which is the ultimate aim when breeding designer dogs.

Below, we look at 12 Puggle facts that could help you decide whether this is the right breed for your home and family.

The 12 Incredible Puggle Facts

1. The Puggle Is a Designer Dog Breed

A designer dog breed has been “designed” to combine the benefits of both parent dogs. The Labradoodle is perhaps one of the best known, and the Doodle aimed to create a service dog as intelligent and trainable as the Labrador but that had the hypoallergenic properties of the Poodle.

In the case of the Puggle, the aim was to create a breed that was loving and fun but less likely to exhibit hound-like qualities, such as the wanderlust of the Beagle parent. However, simply breeding two different breeds does not guarantee that you will get the desirable traits of both parent dogs.

More often than not, you get a mixing pot of characteristics and can never quite be sure what you are going to get.

---

2. They Were First Intentionally Bred in the 1980s

Pugs and Beagles may have naturally bred for centuries. Beagles originate in 19^th Century England, whereas Pugs are thousands of years old and the two are similarly sized enough that they could have naturally bred with one another if they came into contact.

However, it was in the 1980s that the two breeds were intentionally bred to create the Puggle. The cross was first created in the U.S., and it soon became a very popular option with potential dog owners here and around the world.

---

3. In 2005, Puggles Were the Most Widely Owned of All Designer Breeds

In fact, such was the popularity of the cross that it became the most widely owned of all designer breeds. Its popularity likely stems from its size. It is small enough that it can easily live in an apartment and is generally easy to handle.

It is also a loving and friendly dog that will generally be at home cuddled up on the sofa with its owner, although it does tend to be quite a lively dog so it can be a good option for owners that want an energetic little pup that is willing to play and provides its owners with daily exercise.

It also has the adorable look of the Pug’s face and the attractive body of the Beagle.

---

4. They Can Be Expensive

Generally, purebred dogs cost considerably more than crosses and mutts. Anything that is recognized by the American Kennel Club or other international clubs will attract a higher price tag. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the Puggle is one such exception.

As a result of its incredible popularity with prospective owners, Puggles can cost as much as some purebred dogs, and this price increase may put some potential owners off. It is possible to find Puggles in shelters, and adopting a dog means you not only provide it with a loving home but you free up space for another dog in need of help. Adopting costs are typically lower than purchase costs.

---

5. Puggles Tend to Be Friendly And Sociable

Beagles and Pugs are both amiable little dogs, so it isn’t surprising that the resulting Puggle hybrid is also said to be a friendly dog. It is considered sociable and will get along with other dogs as well as family and strangers.

The Beagle is a pack-hunting dog, which means it is used to living with and being brought up with other dogs. Hunting dogs also need to get along with their owners. Pugs were bred to be companion dogs, so they are happy spending every minute possible with their humans.

---

6. They Can Have a Very Stubborn Streak

While it can be difficult to predict exactly what characteristics a Puggle will have, depending on which parent breed it is most like, one trait that you should expect to experience from this hybrid is stubbornness.

The Pug is used to getting its own way and basically doing what it likes, which gives it a stubborn streak. The Beagle, on the other hand, is independent because it was trained and raised to chase down small animals. This independent streak can also lead to stubbornness. The result of mixing two stubborn breeds is that you will get a stubborn hybrid breed.

---

7. Puggles Are Heavy Shedders

Another trait you should expect from your Puggle is that it will be a heavy shedder. Most dogs shed, with mild shedding throughout the year, and two periods of heavy shedding in fall and spring.

Dogs shed their coats during these times to get rid of one seasonal coat and replace it with a coat more appropriate for the upcoming weather conditions. Although the Puggle has a short coat, you should expect them to lose a lot of hair throughout the year, especially during those prominent shedding periods.

---

8. They Are Easy to Groom

To help manage shedding and prevent too much fur from getting onto furniture, on clothes, and up noses, you should brush the coat regularly. This removes dead hairs, and it also helps spread natural oils through the coat which helps keep it healthy. An unhealthy coat is more likely to shed heavily, so not only does grooming keep a coat looking attractive, but it also helps minimize and control shedding.

Regular brushing is important for all breeds, even the Puggle. But the short coat of the Puggle means that it is easy to maintain. Brush the coat a few minutes every day or give a slightly longer brush two or three times a week for the best results.

---

9. Puggles Are Loud Snorers…and Breathers

The Puggle adopts the brachycephalic facial features of the Pug. This means that the face is squat and essentially pressed up. It’s what gives the Pug its unique look, but the squashed nose also means that Pugs can make some very unusual noises.

Puggles, like Pugs, are prone to snoring. And they sound like they’re snoring even when they’re awake. If you’re hoping for a silent dog, the Puggle is not it.

---

10. Their Facial Features Make Them Somewhat Prone to Illness

Those brachycephalic features do make breathing more difficult for the Puggle. As well as causing prominent snoring and louder breathing, it can lead to some health concerns and illnesses.

Puggles are prone to breathing difficulties and their bulging eyes mean they can also suffer eye problems. Some Puggle puppies need operations to help manage the facial features and to ensure they don’t cause too many problems for the pup.

---

11. Puggles Are Active Little Dogs

Pugs are fun and Beagles were bred to chase wild game. This combination means that, although the breed is small, you will be getting a lively and active little canine companion that enjoys walks and also enjoys playing active games in the house as well as out of it.

Expect to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise every day, which can come in the form of regular walks as well as active playtime. The Puggle can do well in agility if you can overcome that stubborn streak enough to be able to train them, and if you can convince the Beagle not to want to run away whenever it is let off the leash.

---

12. You Can’t Be Entirely Sure of What You’re Going to Get

Designer dog breeds aim to enjoy the best features and traits of both parent breeds, but it can take generation after generation of intentional breeding and back breeding to develop desirable traits and discourage undesirable ones.

Even though the Puggle breed was introduced in the 1980s, there is no guarantee that you’re getting a fourth-, third-, or even second-generation Puggle. Yours could be a direct descendant of a Beagle and Pug, and this means that you can never quite be sure what characteristics the puppy will inherit from which parent breed.

There is a good chance the dog will be lively, stubborn, and a heavy shedder because both parent breeds share these traits.

Conclusion

The Puggle is one of the most popular and commonly owned hybrid dog breeds and was intentionally bred in the 1980s by combining the Pug and the Beagle. It is not officially recognized as a breed, because it is a hybrid of two other breeds.

Although it is generally thought of as being a friendly, lively dog, it is also considered stubborn and independent. And, if your Puggle takes on the traits of the Beagle, it can be prone to wanderlust and attempt to escape at every opportunity.  It’s also expensive for a hybrid breed, thanks to that popularity, so if you’re looking for an inexpensive breed, you will need to look elsewhere.

---

Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock