Quick Take
- Standard Puggles must weigh 18 to 30 pounds to fulfill the 1980s designer dog health mandate.
- A malfunctioning thyroid gland triggers Hypothyroidism in Puggles when genetic health limits are breached.
- The longer nose was an intentional requirement to prevent inherited parent breed health issues.
- Initiating a social circle process at 10 weeks is mandatory to suppress inherited behavioral issues.
The puggle is a crossbreed between a pug and a beagle. These dogs are social and have a very vibrant personality, complemented by a very beautiful appearance. The puggle has a wrinkled body that is just like the pug it is bred from. However, their noses are longer than those of pugs. They make great family pets, have a friendly nature, and are also very intelligent.
These dogs are very affectionate and bring a lot of energy to your house. They are also known to be patient with the children of the house. However, it is also always said that they should be supervised around children.
3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Puggle
Before you decide to adopt from a rescue shelter or buy one from a breeder, understanding the personality and qualities of that Puggle can make a difference. Here are a few pros and cons of owning a Puggle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Active: These dogs are active and energetic and would instantly energize the atmosphere of your house. | Shedding: Just like their parents, these dogs also shed, which could be a problem for their owners. |
| Easy to train: They are not very difficult to train and would pick up commands quickly. | Supervision around children: These dogs have to be supervised if they are around children, especially infants, as they can unintentionally end up hurting them. |
| Intelligent: These dogs are very intelligent, which is why they can pick up commands quickly. | Health issues: These dogs can develop a variety of health issues. They can also develop obesity issues if they are overfed. |
History Of The Breed
The parent breeds of the puggle are the Pug and the Beagle, both very ancient breeds. The pug is a breed that began in China and can be dated back to 400 CE. They were bred as companion dogs for the very wealthy. The beagle is thought to have come from a large white scenthound called the Talbot hound that was brought into the United Kingdom in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror.
First bred in the United States, the puggle is a designer dog that started in the 1980s and has been registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club. The goal of this breed was to create a dog that was a healthy companion dog, one that was not as likely to inherit some of the behavioral and health issues of its parent breeds, the Pug and the Beagle.
Size And Weight

Puggles are small, usually weighing about 18 to 30 pounds and standing 13 to 15 inches.
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Considering the size of their parents, these hybrid dogs are compact. Puggles are about 13 to 15 inches in size and usually weigh about 18 to 30 pounds when they are fully grown. However, you can also find toy-sized Puggles, which are known to be less than 13 inches tall and weigh about 8 to 17 pounds.
Common Health Issues
The hybrid Puggles are crossbreeds, which can ultimately lead to the development of genetic health problems. Issues with the eyes and skin are rather common, but there are a few specific conditions that are a little more common.
Hypothyroidism, which impacts the dog’s thyroid gland, is one of the major concerns of this breed. Some Puggles are also at risk for epilepsy and patellar luxation, so you may want to see a veterinarian if any concerns arise. If your Puggle begins to limp or have difficulty walking, these symptoms could be a sign of hip dysplasia or arthritis.
Temperament

A Pug x Beagle mixed breed dog, also known as a “Puggle”, can bark a lot or can be friendly and social.
©Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com
It is not easy to determine what the temperament of these hybrid dogs might turn out to be, as they can mimic either of their parents’ personalities. If they turn out to be like beagles, they could bark a lot but have incredible intelligence. If their personality is more like the pug, they’ll likely be friendly and social. They are known to get along well with other pets.
If introduced into a social circle early on in life, these hybrid dogs can turn out to be very well-trained and can handle behavioral issues effectively. This socialization gives them a relatively welcoming temperament. These dogs can sometimes act stubborn while you are in the middle of training them.
How To Take Care Of A Puggle
With any animal that you adopt or rescue, preparing the home for them is of the utmost importance. Here are some ways to take care of the Puggle to make sure that they have a happy and healthy life with their family.
The Best Dog Food
To keep your dog healthy, you must give them the best possible food to meet the nutritional requirements of the dog. The type and amount that your dog will need as food will depend on his age, weight, size, and metabolism.
Avoid overfeeding your dog as it could lead to various health issues with your pup’s weight. These dogs should be fed high-quality dry food (like kibble). You need to break down their meals into two to three smaller portions, which can be given to these dogs throughout the day.
Maintenance And Grooming

Puggles don’t need to be bathed often, but should be brushed weekly.
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Puggles have short and coarse coats, and they should be brushed weekly with a rubber brush to remove the fur that they shed. However, they do not have to be bathed too often, only really requiring it on an “as needed” basis.
The Puggle still has basic grooming needs, including brushing your dog’s teeth regularly (to avoid any dental problems), cleaning the ears (to avoid infection or blockage), and trimming their nails as and when required.
Training

Puggles are not hard to train, but a positive attitude is best for them.
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Due to the intelligence of the parent breeds, the puggle is not very difficult to train. They are relatively people-friendly and are easy to train. They are sensitive to their owner’s behavior, which is why a positive attitude is of the utmost importance while training.
Consistency is the key with them, and negative punishment could harm these dogs. Even though positivity is the key, avoid overloading these dogs with treats because it can lead to weight issues, and it won’t teach them to impress their owner at all.
Exercise
Puggles are active and energetic, and will instantly make the family’s environment very energetic and happy. They are active and would need at least a 15-minute walk every day. They would also require some playtime in the house.
Puppies

Puggle puppies should be introduced to a social circle early in life so they don’t develop behavioral issues.
©anetapics/Shutterstock.com
You can take care of Puggle puppies much like the way you would take care of an adult Puggle. The only difference would be that you would need to introduce the puppies to a social circle early on in life so that they develop good habits and do not develop any behavioral issues. You would also need to feed the puppies food in smaller quantities spread into several meals throughout the day, as their tiny stomachs would not be able to take too much food at once.
Puggles And Children
These dogs are active, energetic, and playful around children. They tend to be patient with the kids in the house and can be good playmates when they grow up with the kids of the family. However, they should always be supervised when they are around children, especially infants. As sweet as the dog is, its playful nature can lead to accidental injuries.
Dogs Similar To The Puggle
If a Puggle isn’t the right pet for your family, that’s okay! Here are a few similar dogs.
- Pugs: The Pug has low maintenance needs and is relatively friendly. They also have a big personality.
- Beagles: These dogs are small in size and are playful. They are also friendly with the kids of the families.
- French Bulldogs: These dogs are quiet and low-maintenance. They make great companions and great family pets.
Famous Puggles
Several celebrities have been reported to own or have owned Puggle dogs, including Uma Thurman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kelly Osbourne, and Sylvester Stallone. The late James Gandolfini (who played Tony Soprano) was also known for his affinity for the hybrid dog.
Puggle Pictures
View all of our Puggle pictures in the gallery.
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