Thursday, November 17, 2005

With so many dog buying and breeding fads out there, I figured it was about time to elaborate on the Puggle, a cross between a Pug and a Beagle.

The Latest Fad: The Puggle

All over the internet, you see people gushing over this new “breed”. They say what a great dog it is, how wonderful it is with everyone, etc. However, it is too soon to call it a breed. I'll consider it a breed when I see: a.) dedicated breeders, b.) breeders doing all the research and proper genetic screening necessary to create healthy, well adjusted dogs, c.) breeders forming a functional breed club, d.) at least 50 breeders, spread across the world, who are actively showing, and obtaining obedience titles on their Puggles, and e.) breeders, as part of a Breed Club, agreeing to a Breed Standard for this dog. Until then, it is still a mutt. I like mutts, but this isn't yet a "breed", and I think unsuspecting, novice buyers need to understand that.

Yeah. Like I believe all that hype.

You might wish to re-examine your praise for this new breed. Though I am all in favor of creating new breeds, this is going to be a new scenthound, and carry most of the traits of a beagle. Beagles are not for everyone, and neither are Puggles.

You really aren’t going to know whether this is a good breed until we have more history.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to judge a dog until it is at least a couple of years old, so we really don’t know how these dogs are going to turn out. Just remember… after the “101 Dalmatians” movies, everyone rushed out to get a Dalmatian… and then 2 years later, the local dog shelters were full of them. People found out they weren’t the dog that was sold in the movies… or the dog that was sold by unscrupulous breeders who got into the breed for some fast bucks.

BOTH PUGS AND BEAGLES HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS

What health problems will the Puggle have? They will most likely get a combination of the health issues of both parent breeds. Good breeders go out of their way to do genetic screening to try and eliminate major health issues. Puggle breeders aren’t doing this. So, you might just be buying the $15,000 dog (medical bills over the life of the dog… I’ve seen it…)

The Puggle

This breed is a combination of Pugs and Beagles. They are mainly being sold as a result of their unique looks and small size. I think this is a terrible combination of breeds. The dogs won’t be easy to own or train, will be especially difficult with small children (most likely very mouthy/ bitey), and might bring along health problems. I wouldn’t recommend getting such a dog. Both breeds are harder to house train, both are highly food oriented, neither are known to obey very well, and both have an excellent sense of smell. Thus, you’ve got yourself a new kind of scent hound, with unknown behavioral propensities, and being sold purely on looks and unique availability. Few people are suited to owning a scent hound. Unles you'd be comfortable owning a beagle or basset hound, I wouldn't recommend getting a Puggle. You will probably tire of the dog and give it to a shelter... but not before you get so aggravated that you harm the pup in the process. Scent hounds can be great dogs, but they aren't for everybody, especially people who aren't patient to properly house train a small dog that won't be very obedient. You can bet these dogs will become aggressive if they are treated roughly.

What Are The Main Selling Points For The Puggle?

Cute Puppies. Yes, the puppies are cute. All babies are cute. I’m sure Stalin was a cute baby, too. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll like the adult dog. It is stupid to buy a dog based on how cute the puppies appear.

Uniqueness. Yes, this is a new fad, and there aren’t very many Puggles. But, there are LOTS of rare breeds in the world. Pick one of them, if rarity is a valuable trait for you. But, smallpox is rare, too. Do you want smallpox? Just because something is rare doesn’t mean it is something you want for yourself.

My Recommendation?

For now…

DON’T GET A PUGGLE!
UPDATE: I have had more time since I originally posted this article. I have worked with and been around many Puggles since. They are nice dogs... provided you understand that you need to raise and train them properly. Yes, they are a lot like Beagles, and so if you like a Beagle, and understand that temperament, then you'll do OK with a Puggle. And my warnings about potential behavior problems has held true. Puggle owners have primarily struggled with the same issues Beagle owners have to face: aggression, brattiness and house training problems. All this can be headed off if you get a trainer and don't try to do this stuff yourself, or let the problem get so bad that everyone in the household hates your dog and forces you to get rid of it. I like the Puggle, I don't like fads. I don't like seeing dogs suffer because of stupid people making impulse puppy purchase decisions.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

"I also have read in quite a few places that mixed breed dogs are generally more healthy than purebred dogs because they pick up the best qualities from each breed, not the worst. It'sexplained by basic genetics."

How stupid do you need to be to believe this?

So if you take Anna Nicole Smith and Bill Gates you end up with a beautiful skinny blonde genius?

So many misconceptions have been started by the phrase . . "I read somewhere . . ."

Who do you think writes these things up?! Well the puppy mills who are pumping out these Designer dogs with no interest in the health of these dogs at all but instead of the loads of cash they are racking in of course. Do your research from reputible sources.

dreamcarr said...

Just because you may have a puggle who is easy to train doens't mean everyone will. A puggle is NOT a breed - its a mutt! You never know what you are gonna get with a mutt - thats whole point - its a mix. You dunno how it will be mixed. Predicting temperment is what PUREBREDS are for.

Unless you rescued your puggle, you bought it from an unethical breeder. NO reputable breeder creates mutts - think about it - it makes no sense.

I am not saying you do not have a great dog, but please do not support the greedy act of bringing mutts into this world for profit. Do not buy a puggle!

Oliver the Puggle said...

Our Puggle Rocks!!!

robyn7555 said...

Mostly for DREAMCARR:
Ok first off...are you a breeder?
Let me just say that I grew up in a family that bred Tree Walker Hounds. These beautiful dogs were not even listed by AKC at the time. However, they have been one of the most sought after by royalty and gamers alike for hundreds of years.

I have a lot of experience with beagles, owning 3 AKC registered beagles myself. The AKC registered Pug we bred our Sadie with belongs to a close friend of ours who also owns 2 puggles. These are the most loving, precious animals.

By the way, ALL breeds have health issues that are identified by their individual breed. Just because AKC says something is a breed doesn't mean that others don't make wonderful members of the family.

What experience do you have that gives you the right to bash people or precious little animals that continue to bring so much joy into people's lives?

You really need to find a hobby if this is the only way you can occupy your time.

I will agree with you on ONE point. Some people who are charging up to $1500 for a dog need to be strung up by their toenails.

However, from those of us who are responsible, experienced breeders...get a life

robyn7555 said...

To Dreamcarr and all others who have felt the need to spout off misnomers about Puggles. Check out this link.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/history.cfm

This link is from AKC.ORG regarding the Golden Retiever which has been the most popular family dog for years. Read it you may learn something about the history of dogs.

You are obviously not qualified in any way shape or form to tote off misnomers to anyone.. let alone preach to an experienced breeder who has experience with everything from Tree Walker Hounds to Beagles and Pugs to Yorkshire Terriers. I've bred them, I've owned them and I've trained them. Oh! And Puggles too. All dogs are different no matter what the breed. There will be good eggs and bad just like humans.

Leeann said...

Why don't you show me a dog that doesn't have any health problems? a previous poster was right: you've obviously never owned a Puggle, and I would think you would know that no two dogs are alike. I understand you have to be somewhat general, but this is obviously a biased blog. My Puggle is very sweet, and yes, she can be annoying, but what dog isn't? My Puggle is as different as night and day from one of my co-worker's Puggles, and her two Puggles are very different from each other also. And, my Puggle is very smart. Also, my Puggle is 4 years old, and she has had no health problems.

Unknown said...

i love my puggle! she will be 2yrs in august.
she was fairly easy to housebreak & picked up "sit" & "stay" very easily.
however, she does not come when called (i mean, she knows youre saying her name - she look at you - she just wont venture over to you).
also, she eats/chews EVERYTHING - from garbage to my leather couch to poop in the dogrun to woodchips to my dining room table.
(if anyone has any - helpful - suggestions i would appreciate it)
thanks

rbrduky said...

As everyone else has stated, you are plain dumb. I have owned my PUGGLE for a year, and she is the best dog I have ever had, and I have had my fair share of pups. Bella, my PUGGLE, was VERY VERY easy to train, even though I moved from apartment, to a house, back to an apartment all within a year for school. Also, I have three nephews under the age of 7 and she got along with them perfectly. She loved them, protected them, kissed them every chance she got, and has never bitten anyone.

Have you ever owned a puggle? Have you ever even seen a puggle other than on the internet? I think not, because, wannabe Cesar Millan, you know nothing.


For anyone who reads this, dont listen to the idiot....BUY A PUGGLE!

they are compassionate, loving, friendly, and EXTREMELY LOYAL!!!!!

Unknown said...

We own 2 puggles and they are the best dogs. They do need extra attention, like at least 1/2hr to an hour walk daily, but other than they are angels. This sounds like the AKC posting filth as usual.

cheek9728 said...

I own a puggle and everything you claimed is completely untrue. My dog was easily house trained and is wonderful with kids --even infants! He is the most lovable and caring dog and honestly the best dog I've ever had. I don't know what I'd do without him! I highly recommend pug/beagle mixes to anyone. Also, we have had absolutely no health problems except he has a slightly sensitive stomach. We solved this by giving him Science Diet. Learn your facts before you speak...seriously.

cheek9728 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

whether or not they have health problems; puggles kill many shelter dogs chances at survival. people who pay thousands for mutts who are quite frankly very ugly (and yes you stuckup morons who support bad breeding they have SERIOUS health problems) are idiots, enough said. you people who are still buying these mutt "puggles" make me sick. go light a cigar with a 100$ cause you really dont give a shit about your money

Sam Basso said...

Well, there has been quite a response to this post. No need to get nasty, however. I've trained Puggles, and they are, as I predicted, a lot like training Beagles. Beagles aren't for everyone, and neither are any other breed, including Puggles. The AKC has a procedure for developing and recognizing a new breed, and this one is still too new. They were originally selling for $2500 or more per pup, and that is a lot to spend on an unknown. I like Beagles and I like Pugs, but we still don't know how this breeding effort is panning out. There isn't enough data to know. The ones I have met have been pretty nice dogs, but they are going to be having the same issues as you would with a Beagle.

You want a Puggle? Get one. Enjoy the dog. I just don't want to see them end up in shelters, or abused for not being the dog that people wanted when they got the puppy. If you like Beagles, you'll like a Puggle.

murph said...

Re the Puggle issue:
We have a 1 1/2 year old female puggle (Tess-given to us by a young woman who gave up on her @ 6 months old)who we love but who is pretty aggressive at times with our 60 lb. boxer. Tess is food crazy and is forever looking for eats! We have her on Blue Buffalo dry which we believe is a great dog food. Our latest issue with her is that she's eating the boxer's stools. I'm picking up an RX from our vet in hopes of eliminating that problem. I've seen on the web that this can be a nutritional issue. Anyone have a comment? We think she's a great dog but definitely high energy and a bit on the pushy side. Our boxer can just sit on her to make her chill out. Only time will tell!

Unknown said...

I really dislike this breed as well. A friend of mine has one and he's housebroken and adorable, put a piece of food in the vicinity and the dog becomes a beast. Kujo at best! Terrible angry little dog. Horrible, it attacked both my boxer and my yorkie. After their dog bit me the owners recalled several other incidents where the dog bit other people who were just sitting around minding their own business.

Unknown said...

That is not true! Puggles dont have that much health issues. They get along PERFECTLY with kids and are the perfect cuddle buddy. My puggle eats human food and RARELY gets sick! You obviously havent owned a puggle!

Kristina said...

my mother( 62 years old) has a 6 month old puggle girl and she is a handful like any puppy. but i think her and i both agree this is a dog that has a lot of energy and needs constant training. this said she is going to search out a proper home for this little gal so she has a better owner match this time. HIGH HIGH ENERGY!!!!!!

Kevin Kaiser said...

I really WAS a cute baby. Remember baby Hitler? Now there was a CUTESTER!!! Mussolini was always a bit puggley, though.

-Stalin

Lily said...

What a dumb article. I have had my puggle for 2 years now and he's by far the best dog I have ever had and not hard to train and not "bitey" at all. As with any dog consistency is key in training your dog. And this is not the latest fad in mutts as you like to call them, puggles have been around since 1992. I would think that's plenty of time to know that they are generally healthy dogs without the genetic diseases that both pugs and beagles are known for. Puggles are probably too smart for you, so YOU should definitely not own one. Maybe a toy poodle will work out for you better

Just Me, Miss Lily said...

My boyfriend has a puggle, and it's probably going to destroy our relationship, because it's one of the most horrible, wretched dogs I've ever known. It is so stubborn that it does not respond to training, it whines and barks incessantly, and pees all over the house. I'm really starting to hate the dog, and I'm beginning to resent my boyfriend for continuing to subject me to such an awful animal. He claims that he is attached to it (and I can understand that), but I don't think I can tolerate looking at the thing for the 11 or so years left on its lifespan...

tracysorg01 said...

I totally disagree, we have a puggle and he has been the BEST dog ever! He doesn't have an ounce of agression in him! He is also very very smart and one of the easiest dogs I have ever trained.

Daniel said...

Hi Sam. I have to disagree with you when you say that puggles are difficult to train. My original decision to get a puggle was based on the blog "http://prestonthepuggle.com/". He is an incredible well trained puggle and is now a big brother to a one year old boy. My little puggle is two years old and although I'm not a professional trainer I've been able to teach her some basic obedience and other fun tricks. You are right when you mention that the breed is very food oriented. But that makes training even easier. I am able to use my dog's regular kibble for training and it works great.