Puggle

Breed Type: Crossbreed
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Color & patterns: Red
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Puggle - red
Puggle - red
Puggles are equal parts active playmate and snuggly companion. The Beagle-Pug mixed breed is playful, outgoing and eager to charm everyone they meet but they are most loyal to their families and want to spend as much time with their people as possible. Despite their lap dog size, Puggles don’t want to spend all of their time snuggling; they are active and love to be on the go so be prepared to offer plenty of exercise.

Puggle characteristics

Learn about about Puggle basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Puggle facts.

Average height

12-16 inches (30.5-40.6cm)

Average weight

15-30 pounds (6.8-13.6 kg)

Average lifespan

10-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
What is the lifespan of a Puggle?

A Puggle’s life expectancy is about 10 to 15 years, but it takes about one year for Puggles to reach their full-grown size.

Do Puggles shed?

Yes, Puggles are moderate shedders. Because Puggles inherit a smooth double coat from both sets of parents, Puggles tend to be a short-haired breed. Expect mild shedding all year long, with periods of moderate shedding as the seasons change. Brushing Puggles with a medium bristled brush at least twice a week can remove excess hair.

What colors do Puggles come in?

Although Beagles are tri-colored, Puggles tend to be a solid shade with coloring that ranges from fawn and gold to red, similar to a Pug. Typical Puggle colors include black, white, tan, lemon, fawn, and red.

What size is a full-grown Puggle?

A full-grown Puggle stands 12 to 16 inches tall and weighs less than 30 pounds. Puggles tend to look like a taller, leaner Pug (or a shorter, stockier Beagle). A smaller version of the Puggle that weighs less than 15 pounds is called a “pocket Puggle.”

Puggle temperament

Learn about about the Puggle temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Puggles good with children?

Yes, Puggles are good with children. They are popular family companions because they are known for being very playful and will happily romp with children. These pups’ sweet nature and playful personalities mean they’ll get along well with children and adults alike. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Puggles good with cats?

Yes, Puggles can be good with cats. But no two Puggles are alike; some might be more tolerant of cats than others. Beagles are hunting dogs and can be unpredictable with other pets, while Pugs are known for living happily with other pets, including cats. If you’re considering adopting a cat or already have one, early socialization can help you make sure that your Puggle is a well-mannered dog who can coexist with cats.

Do Puggles make good pets?

Yes, Puggles make good pets. They tend to be even-tempered, outgoing, loving, and affectionate. Puggles are less active than Beagles but more active than Pugs; they love long walks and long naps. Exercise is very important for helping Puggles maintain a healthy weight, especially because Pugs tend to be portly, and being overweight is unhealthy for dogs.

Do Puggles bark much?

Yes, Puggles tend to bark. They create symphonies of musical barking and baying to show off their vocal skills. But don’t worry: Not every Puggle lives to hear the sound of their own voice, and regular, consistent training can help curb excessive barking.

Are Puggles good family dogs?

Yes, Puggles are excellent family pets in the right environment. Puggles are very people-oriented and prefer spending most of their time with their pet parents. These companion dogs adore their people and don’t like being left alone for long periods, which means they’re prone to separation anxiety. Puggles are also energetic and will do best in homes with plenty of opportunities for physical activity, especially if they can curl up for a long nap or cuddle on the couch afterward.

Are Puggles easy to train?

Yes, Puggles can be easy to train because they are food-motivated. Offering treats during training can convince them to go along with the lesson and learn new commands. They are smart and eager to please, but their stubborn streak and independent natures can cause them to get distracted and make them a challenge to train. 

Puggles are sensitive, so focus on praise and other positive reinforcements instead. Start training your pup early to avoid unwanted behaviors, such as digging, barking, and chewing.

Puggle history

Learn about where this Puggle came from!

When were Puggles first bred?

Puggles were first intentionally bred in the 1990s in the United States and have remained a popular designer dog ever since. They have smooth coats, floppy ears, and short muzzles, giving them a Miniature Mastiff look. Depending on their parents’ genetics, some Puggles might get the signature black mask, while others might be a solid color.

Puggle health

Learn about about the Puggle health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Puggles hypoallergenic?

Like their parent breeds, Puggles are not hypoallergenic dogs. While they may shed less than some other breeds, they still produce dander, which is a common allergen. Dander is tiny flakes of skin shed by animals that are also found in their fur, saliva, and other bodily fluids.

Do Puggles have breathing issues?

Yes, Puggles can have breathing issues. A common health problem for dogs with short muzzles, including Pugs and Puggles, is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Signs include noisy breathing, snoring, and being easily overheated (dogs with short muzzles may have more trouble breathing in warm weather than other dogs). Brachycephalic dog breeds may also be more predisposed to eye problems, such as cherry eye, dry eye, and eye infections, so it’s important to keep the area around their muzzle and eyes clear of dirt and debris.

Are Puggles prone to certain health conditions?

Puggles are a generally healthy breed but can be diagnosed with some of the same health issues that affect the parent breeds, including certain blood disorders:

  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD): PKD is a rare disorder that causes the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia.

  • May-Hegglin Anomaly: This blood disorder causes deficiencies and abnormal shaping of the blood platelets essential in the clotting process.

  • Factor VII Deficiency: An inherited clotting disorder, this condition causes excessive bleeding after severe trauma or surgery. The symptoms tend to be mild, but some dogs can have severe reactions.

Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems such as obesity, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and dental problems.

Do Puggles need grooming?

Yes, Puggles need grooming, but they have a wash-and-go coat, and no professional grooming is required. Puggles with deeper wrinkles on their faces and bodies will need their folds wiped daily with a damp cloth or baby wipes (then dried) to keep them clean and prevent skin irritation and infections.

Find Puggle puppies near you

Adopting a Puggle

Learn about acquiring a Puggle - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.