Puggle
| Puggle | |
|---|---|
 Puggle | |
| Origin | United States |
| Breed status | Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
Puggle is a type of domestic dog, a cross breed of a Beagle and a Pug. Technically a mixed-breed dog, the Puggle is also described as a hybrid breed or a "designer dog".
Appearance
Puggles tend to be between 15–25 pounds and stand 15–20 inches at the shoulders. They are classified as a lap dog because of their relatively small size and demeanour. While colors vary, the vast majority are fawn colored. There are also completely black as well as multicolored (like mixes of black and brown) puggles. There are advantages for the mix breed. For instance, while pugs tend to have pushed in faces, puggles do not. This reduces the risk of the respiratory problems that are associated with pugs.
As puggles inherit differing and unpredictable ratios of traits the beagle and the pug, their appearances may vary. Puggles have a tail the length of a beagle, but it tends to be curled like that of a pug. They also often display an underbite, a trait they inherit from their Pug parent.
Health
Contrary to popular belief, the Puggle is not necessarily healthier than its parent breeds.[1] Both Beagles and Pugs can suffer from cherry eye, epilepsy, skin infections, luxating patellas, back ailments, and other genetic disorders that can be passed onto their puppies.
Puggles also occasionally inherit hip dysplasia from one of the parents. While these disorders can be avoided through careful selection of parents, they are common enough to warrant concern. In addition, Puggles can suffer from the respiratory ailments commonly found in Pugs, which might be problematic when combined with the Beagle's higher levels of energy. Some Puggles have demonstrated problems with harsh weather, and, as with all other hybrid dogs, there is little predictability as to which parental genetic traits will be prevalent in offspring.
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Male Puggle Puppy
Maintenance
Puggles are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They need occasional baths, nail clippings, tooth brushings, and ear cleanings. Puggles are not hypoallergenic, as neither a Beagle nor a Pug are hypoallergenic.[2] Puggles shed, so to help prevent excessive fur cleanup, it is recommended to occasionally brush a Puggle with a fur-removing brush. Puggles actually require a great deal of fur cleanup in the winter if they are kept inside because of the cold. The nails of Puggles grow particularly long if an owner does not walk them often.
Temperament
This breed has an affectionate nature and are typically well suited to families with children. Puggles have a tendency to wander off if they catch interesting scents. Puggles tend to exhibit higher degrees of independence and can be difficult to train at times, but are generally dogs who are eager to please.
Miscellaneous
The AKC, the UKC, the NKC, The CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and Continental Kennel Clubs do not recognize puggles as a breed.[3] The ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club), UABR (United All Breed Registry), APRI (American Pet Registry Inc.), ICA (International Canine Association) and CKC (Continental Kennel Club) recognized the Puggle as a purebred. Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America offers a registry for sterile puggles.[4] Some canine clubs offer these events to mixed breed dogs.[5]
It has been observed that puggles most closely resemble neither pugs nor beagles amongst purebred dogs. With short, broad muzzles, a fawn, shorthaired body, and drooping ears, the puggle closely resembles a small version of the English Mastiff. Although only one-fifth of the mastiff's size, the puggle looks very much like a miniature mastiff both in appearance and behavior.
Notes
- ^ "Designer Dogs: Meet the Puggle". FOXNews. 2005-11-04. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
- ^ "Puggle Breed Info". PuggleZone. 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ "Designer Dogs: Meet the Puggle". FOXNews. 2005-11-04. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
- ^ "Puggle Breed Info". PuggleZone. 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ "Puggle Breed Info". PuggleZone. 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
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