Facts on Puggle Puppies

Puggle History

• A Wisconsin dog breeder named Wallace Havens is thought to be the originator of the Puggle mix in the 1980s. He is also the person who coined the name of the breed. He was the first to register a Puggle puppy with the American Canine Hybrid Club, an organization that catalogs crossbred dogs. By 2000, Havens and other kennel owners began selling Puggles on a large commercial scale.

Physical Traits

• According to Puggle.org, Puggle puppies have a short, smooth coat that is usually brown or tan. They often have a black ̶0;mask̶1; on their faces. Rarely, you will see Puggles with black, white or tri-colored coats. Young Puggles have stocky bodies with short legs, and tails that tend to curl up over their backs. Their foreheads are full of wrinkles and their ears are long and drooping. Puggles have noses that are longer than a Pug̵7;s, so they are not usually plagued with the breathing problems and loud snoring that their relatives sometimes experience. A Puggle pup will grow to a height of about 12 inches at the shoulder and will probably weigh between 15 and 30 pounds as an adult.

Temperament and Personality

• Puggle puppies are outgoing and will easily make friends will all members of a family including other pets. They are social animals that like to stay in close contact with their human companions. Puggle pups may bark at visitors to their home, but do so because they are eager to welcome a new friend. These dogs are good with children as well as adults and rarely show any kind of aggression. They have a sharp sense of smell like their Beagle relatives and will enjoy spending time outside, following the trail of scents they pick up.

Choosing a Puggle

• If you decide to bring a Puggle puppy into your home, it is important to choose one that is healthy and strong. You should look for a pup that is curious and friendly. One that hangs back or growls may be ill. Puggle Savvy says a healthy Puggle will have white teeth and pink gums. His ears will be clean with no sign of discharge or odor, and his eyes will be clear and bright. His feet should face forward rather than pointing inward or outward. The dog should walk with no sign of a limp. A healthy Puggle̵7;s coat will be smooth and soft with no rough patches or bare spots.

Care and Grooming

• Your young Puggle will require minimal grooming. A good brushing every few days to remove excess hair is about all that is needed. Bathing is not necessary more than once a month and should be done with a top-quality canine shampoo designed to prevent dry skin in dogs. Your Puggle pup will need to get some exercise every day to stay in good physical condition and prevent boredom and behavior problems. Walking with a human companion, playing fetch, frolicking in a fenced yard or visiting a dog park are all ways to keep Puggles active and healthy. Your young Puggle should see a veterinarian for a general health exam as soon as you bring him home. The vet will also give you recommendations for a schedule of vaccinations that should be followed closely.