How to Care for a Pocket Puggle

The puggle is a hybrid breed of dog obtained by combining a pug and a beagle. The puggle is small; adults weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and measure between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulders. Pocket puggles have weights and heights situated at the lower range of these measurements. Puggles have short, smooth coats for easy maintenance. However, you should pay attention to your dog's diet and vaccinations during the first year of its life.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy food and treats
  • Food and water bowls
  • Bed and warm blankets
  • Jacket
  • Toys
  • Comb and brush
  • Shampoo
  • Ear cleaning solution
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • File
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your puggle to a veterinarian, who will assess its health and give you a health card.

    • 2

      Establish a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends four core vaccines for puppies: rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis.

    • 3

      Give your pocket puggle puppy food formulated for small-sized puppies. The nutritional needs of a growing puppy are different than the requirements for an adult, and a puppy may eat twice as much as an adult. Once the puggle becomes an adult, after about nine to 12 months, switch to adult food.

    • 4

      Keep a water bowl with fresh water in the house so your puggle has access to it.

    • 5

      Administer treats to your pocket puggle, especially while you train it. Puggles are intelligent and easily trainable, and treats typically work best for positive reinforcement. Opt for chew treats, which promote dental health and prevent the risks of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

    • 6

      Keep your pocket puggle warm. Increase the room tempreature and provide your dog with a bed and warm blanket. Puggles have low tolerance for the cold and are prone to hypothermia, especially puppies who have difficulty regulating their body temperatures. Check if your puppy is shaking or has pale gums, which are signs of hypothermia. When taking your pet outside in the winter, put warm jacket on it.

    • 7

      Take your pocket puggle for walks or play with it daily. Pocket puggles are active, like to play and need up to 30 minutes of exercise per day. Give your pet toys while you are away, so it won't get bored and develop unwanted behaviors like chewing or digging. Avoid walks and activities in extreme weather conditions.

    • 8

      Groom your pocket puggle on a weekly basis. Puggles shed moderately, and during shedding season, increase the frequency of combing and brushing.

    • 9

      Bathe your pocket puggle once a month. Avoid bathing it more frequently to prevent dry skin. After the bath, clean the puggle's ears and the area around the eyes.

    • 10

      Brush your mini puggle's teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Take your pet for a yearly cleaning at a veterinary dental clinic.

    • 11

      File your pocket puggle's nails. A file allows you to remove only small portions, so you won't harm the quick of the nail.