Pooch Master - Sam The Dog Trainer- Dog Training - Behaviorist

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.