Every pet owner wants to bring home their new pet knowing that there will not be problems when it comes to how they act towards other animals, but even more, towards people. Puggles are an adorable hybrid breed between a pug and beagle, but are they aggressive?
Due to the nature of the breeds that combine to create the puggle breed, puggles are typically very well-natured dogs who are not aggressive. They are very playful, gentle, and affectionate dogs. However, like many other breeds, they can be provoked if they feel threatened in various situations.
Puggles are the type of dog breed that people constantly seek out. They are an adorable mix of beagle and pug, are always ready to play, are great with kids and even strangers, and are always ready for the next adventure. Continue reading to understand what exactly a puggle is, if they are ever aggressive, what they look like, get to know their general temperament, and consider a few of the cons of puggles before bringing this sweet breed home.
What is a Puggle?
If you are new to the mixed breed genre, you may say the word “puggle” and feel like you are saying a name that came from a child’s imagination. The term is rather silly, but it perfectly combines the two breeds that came together to create such a great new dog. The term “puggle” was created due to the breeding of a male pug and a female beagle. However, even with this new breed, puggles are still not considered to be official by the AKC.
Why is that, you ask? The puggle is actually a relatively new breed that was first bred in the 1990s. The intention behind this cross-breed was to try and illuminate some characteristics that were not ideal in both the pug and the beagle and to produce something that had the more desirable qualities of each breed. This approach may seem brilliant, however, genetics are not so predictable and the perfect puggle is not always born.
For puggles, many of them have certain qualities that many owners are very fond of. However, there is always the chance that you could get a puggle that has been bred and unfortunately carried over less desired qualities like stubbornness, a lack of affection, or even health problems that are typically either associated with pugs or with beagles. When it comes to crossbreeding, it is always a toss up of which characteristics were passed on – good or bad.
Are Puggles Ever Aggressive?
No one ever wants to come home with a playful little puppy, only to realize that when they are grown they are aggressive and difficult to manage. Aggression is the type of behavior that is extremely challenging to tame and it is also one that can rear its ugly head out of the blue, no matter how well trained you think your pup has become. Therefore, many potential dog owners look for a breed that is simply not inclined to aggression.
If you are someone who is looking for the perfect dog that is very low on the aggression scale, a puggle may be perfect for you. Puggles are very excitable, they are very fun-loving, they are very curious, they can sometimes be very stubborn, and there are many other different things. However, one thing they are not is aggressive. They are not naturally inclined to this behavior due to what their breed is made up of.
By made up of, this is referring to the two different breeds that make up the puggle – the pug and the beagle. Pugs, by nature, are also very gentle pets that do not typically show aggression unless they are confronted or are fooled with while they are eating. Just the same, beagles are also not naturally aggressive dogs. They are wonderful for hunting, but not in a way that is confrontational. This is why the puggle is considered to be non-aggressive.
It is always important to remember that any animal has the potential to be aggressive though. They may not be naturally inclined, but if puggles are proved enough, they will show a side that many owners do not want to see. Always avoid interacting with your puggle when they are eating and never allow them to be played with improperly with small children. Moments like these can be a quick gateway to an aggressive moment for your puggle.
What Does a Puggle Look Like?
Now that you know what a puggle is and thankfully, that they are not the type of animal that tends towards aggression, you may be wondering what exactly they look like. Being a combination of a pug and a beagle, the breed could certainly be something more horrifying than cute. Contrary to your imagination though, puggles are generally thought to be very adorable, scruffy, and snuggleable pets.
The quickest way to describe the appearance of a puggle is to imagine a beagle’s body with the face and tail of a pug. Puggles range from 13 to 18 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 18 to 30 pounds, qualifying them as a more medium-sized breed. Their size is very ideal for those who do not want a dog that is too small, but also are not interested in having a dog that takes up too much space within their home.
The physical features of a puggle include a face with an extended snout that can sometimes be colored black. The skin of the face can oftentimes also be wrinkled as a pugs would be, but a bit less severe. They have medium-length ears that droop and short coarse fur. Puggles have a long torso with long legs and a short curled tail that also is indicative of the pug’s contribution to the breed. They vary in color such as red, tan, black, and even lemon.
What is the General Temperament of Puggles?
You know that puggles are not aggressive, which is a relief for those of you looking to bring one into your home. If they are not aggressive, then what do their general temperaments typically look like? With aggression out of the way, there are still traits that some dog owners prefer over others, and with every dog, before you bring them home, it is important to have a good grasp on what their overall disposition typically includes.
Puggles Are Friendly
Puggles are generally very friendly. A problem that many dog owners face is that their pet is very friendly with them, but when it comes to taking them for walks in public or having guests in their home, they tend to shy away and retreat to solitude. Although this is not nearly as problematic as aggression, it can be very frustrating to owners who have trouble with their pets trying to retreat. Puggles are typically always happy to meet someone new though.
Puggles are Outgoing
Puggles are also very outgoing. Their friendliness gives great evidence to this as it is a quality that certainly extends from their outgoing personalities. If you were to name any breed as the “life of the party,” the puggle would get this award. They are lively, are always happy to play, refuse to be shy in social situations, and are happy to be the show when a scene needs a little livening up.
Puggles are Affectionate
Puggles are very affectionate. Some of the biggest motivations behind people bringing home animals is to have a companion that they can show affection to and that they can receive back. Puggles are very apt to affection and are wonderful dogs for those who want a pet that will not resist cuddly, the little squeezes of small children, or miss an opportunity to curl up the couch with you for an afternoon nap.
Are There Any Cons to Puggles?
Reading through, at this point, it would seem as if there couldn’t be many cons when it comes to the puggle breed. It is important to always know every characteristic of an animal before you bring them home though and one con to you may be a pro for another owner. Take these different potential disadvantages of a puggle and be sure to weigh them against all the good that comes along with them as well.
Puggles are Inclined to Bark
Barking may not bother someone living on a large piece of land, but it can be a huge problem for another individual living in an apartment complex. By nature, they are oftentimes inclined to bark at something that moves quickly, when they see another animal (especially cats) and will also bark when they are startled or fearful. This can certainly be trained, but it can be difficult due to their natural inclination to be relatively noisy.
Puggles Need Adequate Exercise
Puggles are very curious dogs and they are also very active. They are not happy to sit in the house for days on end and need to be walked regularly. Even more, they also need the ability to explore and run. If they are not given this, they can begin to get very bored and can become very destructive within their home to occupy themselves. Lack of exercise can also cause them to bark more often, making exercise a double win for behavioral tamers.
Puggles Shed Moderately
Shedding is not a problem for some owners, but for others, this can be a big issue, even moderately so. Puggles have short and coarse fur, which can either be a blessing or curse when it comes to shedding. The fur is short, so it does not pile up. However, due to its coarseness, it can get easily buried and stuck into other fabric items with your home like furniture and clothing.
