Puggle Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. It is a cheerful, curious and food-loving small dog with a short coat, a wrinkled face and a nose that tracks scents.

Origins and appearance

The cross has been bred in North America since the late twentieth century. Puggles are small and sturdy, with a rounded head, a moderately short muzzle, drop ears, a smooth coat in fawn, black, tricolor or red and white and a tail that may curl. Muzzle length varies widely.

Temperament

They are cheerful, friendly and curious. They tend to love people and are often good with children and other pets. They are food-motivated and can be stubborn. Many have a Beagle voice. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, with walks and play. They love sniffing. They need secure fencing, since many follow scents. Avoid exercise in hot weather.

Training

They are intelligent but stubborn. Use positive methods, food rewards and short sessions, and measure treats. Early socialization helps. Teach recall carefully, and use a lead outside. See how to use treats in dog training.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. Clean the facial wrinkles if present, clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

A cross can inherit conditions from either parent. Topics include:

• Obesity. See obesity risks in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Breathing problems, more likely in short-muzzled dogs. See brachycephalic breed health issues
• Skin fold dermatitis. See dog skin fold dermatitis
• Eye conditions, including dry eye. See dry eye in dogs
• Hip dysplasia and spinal conditions

Living with a Puggle

They suit families and singles who want a cheerful companion and will manage weight. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to long hours alone or hot climates.

A typical day

A Puggle wants a morning walk, play, a nap, family time and an evening sniffing stroll. Many are lively indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys and measured meals. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, vet care and possibly insurance. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They overheat easily and feel the cold. Provide shade, water and a coat in winter. They travel well in a secure crate.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include overfeeding, exercising in heat, trusting the dog off lead and ignoring breathing noise.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about breathing, eye and spine health in the parents and meet them. Choose a puppy with a longer muzzle and open nostrils, since they tend to breathe better.

The scent hound inside

The Beagle side makes many Puggles follow scents and find food. Secure bins, use a harness and long line and offer sniffing walks. Scent games at home give the nose a job.

Muzzle matters

Puggles vary from Pug-like faces to Beagle-like faces. Dogs with longer muzzles generally breathe more easily and tolerate heat better. If you choose a puppy, ask a vet to check the airways, and consider what level of snoring and effort is normal.

Daily care checklist

• A walk with time to sniff.
• Measured meals and no table scraps.
• Brushing and wiping the face.
• Ear checks.
• Company and a comfortable bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Puggle suits easygoing owners who want a cheerful, small dog and will manage weight and heat. It may not suit those wanting a quiet dog. For a parent breed, see the Beagle.

The takeaway

Puggles are cheerful, curious and food-driven, and they need weight control, exercise and attention to breathing.