- Puggle (dog)
primarysources|date=July 2008 Infobox Dogbreed
country =United States
image_caption = The appearance of a Puggle
name = Puggle
notrecognized = truePuggle is a type of domestic dog, a
cross breed of aBeagle and aPug . Technically amutt , the Puggle is often called a hybrid breed.Appearance
Puggles tend to be between 15–35 pounds and stand 15–20 inches at the shoulders. They are classified as a lap dog because of their relatively small size and demeanour. While colors vary, the vast majority are fawn colored. There are also completely black as well as multicolored (like mixes of black and brown) puggles. There are advantages for the mix breed. For instance, while pugs tend to have pushed in faces, puggles do not. This reduces the risk of the respiratory problems that are associated with pugs.
As puggles inherit differing and unpredictable ratios of traits the beagle and the pug, their appearances may vary. Puggles have a tail the length of a
beagle , but it tends to be curled like that of apug . They also often display anunderbite , a trait they inherit from their Pug parent.Health
The Puggle is healthier than both of its parent breeds, because of hybrid vigor, also called
Heterosis . However, they are prone to heart disease, back problems, and cleft palate, like the Beagle. Because of Pug influence, the Puggle does have some breathing problems and tends to snore when it sleeps. Puppies can be prone to deformities of the mouth and nose if not carefully bred. Eye and eyelid problems are also seen. The Puggle has a longer nose than the Pug and is at less risk of heatstroke. They also do not experience such problems with hip dysplasia or legg-perthes disease, like the Pug does. Unlike the Beagle, Puggles rarely, if ever, experience demodectic mange, dwarfism, or hypothyroidism.Maintenance
Puggles are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They need occasional baths, nail clippings, tooth brushings, and ear cleanings. Puggles are not
hypoallergenic , as neither a Beagle nor a Pug are hypoallergenic. [cite web|url=http://pugglezone.com/?l=/Puggle.asp|title=Puggle Breed Info|publisher=PuggleZone|date=2008|accessdate=2008-04-06] Puggles shed, so to help prevent excessive fur cleanup, it is recommended to occasionally brush a Puggle with a fur-removing brush. Puggles actually require a great deal of fur cleanup in the winter if they are kept inside because of the cold. The nails of Puggles grow particularly long if an owner does not walk them often.Temperament
This breed has an affectionate nature and is great with children. Puggles do have a tendency to wander off if on scent. Puggles are loving, affectionate dogs that are good with children and their families. They are very independent and can be difficult to train at times, but are eager to please.
Miscellaneous
The AKC, the UKC, the NKC, The CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and Continental Kennel Clubs do not recognize puggles as a breed. The ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club), UABR (United All Breed Registry), APRI (American Pet Registry Inc.), ICA (International Canine Association) and CKC (Continental Kennel Club) recognized the Puggle as a purebred. Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America offers a registry for sterile puggles. [cite web|url=http://pugglezone.com/?l=/Puggle.asp|title=Puggle Breed Info|publisher=PuggleZone|date=2008|accessdate=2008-04-06] Some canine clubs offer these events to mixed breed dogs. [cite web|url=http://pugglezone.com/?l=/Puggle.asp|title=Puggle Breed Info|publisher=PuggleZone|date=2008|accessdate=2008-04-06]
It has been observed that puggles most closely resemble neither pugs nor beagles amongst purebred dogs. With short, broad muzzles, a fawn, shorthaired body, and drooping ears, the puggle closely resembles a small version of the
English Mastiff . Although only one-fifth of the mastiff's size, the puggle looks very much like a miniature mastiff both in appearance and behavior.Notes
References
* [http://www.observer.com/node/39084 "New York Observer" article about Puggles]
* [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/29/earlyshow/contributors/debbyeturner/main646223.shtml CBS news article "Designer Mutts"]External links
* [http://Puggle.org Puggle.org : A site dedicated to puggles]
* [http://www.PuggleManiaOnline.com Puggle Mania Online - A resource for puggle fans]
* [http://www.PuggleSpace.com PuggleSpace.com : A Puggle fan site]
* [http://www.pugglesville.com Pugglesville.com : Adorable Puggles]
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