If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix the squishy face of a Pug with the cheeky charm of a Beagle, the answer is the Puggle. Imagine a clown in a dog suit who can sniff out a biscuit at 100 yards and then hog your pillow at night — that’s your Puggle.
First bred in the US in the 1980s, Puggles were one of the original “designer dogs.” They were meant to blend the Pug’s lovable lapdog nature with the Beagle’s energy and intelligence. And while every Puggle is a bit different, one thing’s guaranteed: they’ll keep you entertained.
Thinking of letting a little comedian loose in your life? Check out the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you decide.
Pickles’ Aside: They don’t just wag their tails — they wag their whole bodies.
Great Names for a Puggle
These little characters need names that match their comedy act.
Cheeky clowns: Waffle, Pickle, Rascal, Tizzy, Noodle, Chaos
Classic charmers: Alfie, Daisy, Max, Bella, Charlie, Ruby
Quirky funsters: Biscuit, Tater, Gizmo, Pogo, Munchkin, Buttons
Heritage nods: Darwin, Florence, Winston, Churchill, Beatrix, Byron
Still scratching your head? Try the Dog Name Generator for more inspiration.
Exercise
Don’t be fooled by their squishy Pug side — the Beagle genes mean Puggles love a good stomp across the fields. They’re sniffers, chasers, and full of beans.
One owner confessed: “He’ll happily do a long walk, but then he crashes out like he’s done a marathon.” Another laughed: “She’s small, but she’ll outpace me if she catches a scent. Nose down, ears flapping — gone!”
Daily needs:
- 45–90 minutes of walking
- Scent games and puzzle toys to satisfy the Beagle brain
- Ball games and bursts of zoomies in the garden
Pickles’ Aside: Walkies with a Puggle = cardio for you, comedy for the neighbours.
Spaniel Energy / Prey Drive Warning
Thanks to their Beagle side, many Puggles love to follow their noses. Recall can be sketchy if a squirrel dashes by, so keep the lead handy.
Temperament
Puggles are charm machines. They’re sociable, loving, and happiest when they’re smack bang in the middle of family life. But don’t expect a pushover — they can also be stubborn little rascals.
Traits you’ll notice:
- Affectionate and loyal
- Playful and clownish
- Can be vocal (they inherit the Beagle howl)
- Sometimes wilful — they like to do things on their terms
Owners often say things like: “He’s the sweetest cuddle bug but also the cheekiest thief — socks, sandwiches, anything not nailed down.”
Pickles’ Aside: Sofa hog, bed hog, heart hog.
Training
Training a Puggle is part joy, part challenge. They’re smart enough to learn quickly, but stubborn enough to pretend they didn’t hear you. Food is your secret weapon — they’ll do backflips for a treat.
How to succeed:
- Keep sessions short, fun, and reward-heavy
- Work on recall from day one
- Use variety — they get bored with repetition
- Socialisation is vital to stop them barking at everything
An owner said: “Ours learned sit and paw in a week, but ‘come here’ still seems optional.”
Need a bit of backup? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can keep things fresh when your Puggle decides the pigeon on the fence is more interesting than you.
Stubborn Streak Warning
Be patient. They’ll test your resolve, but consistency wins.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Puggles are more bark than bite. They’ll alert you when someone’s at the door (sometimes a bit too enthusiastically), but once introductions are done, they’re usually all wags and kisses.
Other Animals
Generally, Puggles get on with other dogs — they’re sociable little things. But that Beagle prey drive can kick in with cats or rabbits. Early introductions and training make all the difference.
One owner admitted: “She’s fine with our lab, but the neighbour’s cat is a different story. Full chase mode.”
Grooming
One of the perks of a Puggle is the low-maintenance coat. Their short hair just needs a weekly brush and the occasional bath. But don’t relax completely — they shed more than you’d think, so keep the hoover ready.
Routine:
- Weekly brushing
- Nail trims every few weeks
- Ear checks (Puggles inherit floppy ears from both sides)
- Regular dental care
Health
Crossbreeds like the Puggle often dodge the worst of their parent breeds’ issues, but they can still inherit problems.
Common ones include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity (they love food)
- Breathing issues (if the Pug side is strong)
- Ear infections (floppy ears again)
Owners often say: “Keep the weight off — that’s the biggest challenge. They’ll eat anything, even things that aren’t food.”
Always check breeders carefully and use the Best in Breeder Guide to avoid heartbreak.
Health Burden Warning
Watch their weight and breathing closely. Exercise and diet management are essential.
Cost of Ownership
In the UK, expect to budget:
- Puppy price: £800–£1,500
- Insurance: £25–£60/month
- Food: £25–£50/month
- Grooming: £100/year (minimal if you DIY)
- Vet bills: £200–£500/year, more if health issues arise
Famous Owners & Moments
- Jake Gyllenhaal has been spotted with a Puggle.
- They were once dubbed “the trendiest dog in New York” when designer crossbreeds first boomed.
- Their expressive faces have made them social media favourites.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re lazy lapdogs.” | Puggles are surprisingly energetic thanks to their Beagle side. |
| “They don’t shed.” | They shed plenty — hoovers at the ready. |
| “Crossbreeds are always healthy.” | They can inherit issues from both parent breeds. |
FAQs
Do Puggles bark a lot?
Yes, they’re quite vocal — expect howls, barks, and grumbles.
Are they good with children?
Yes, they’re playful and affectionate, but supervision is always important.
Do they need lots of exercise?
Yes, around an hour or more a day, plus playtime.
Can they live in a flat?
Yes, but you’ll need to commit to walks and mental stimulation to stop boredom barking.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
A Puggle will bring joy, laughter, and a fair bit of chaos into your life. They’re affectionate, cuddly, and endlessly entertaining — the kind of dog that makes even the grumpiest days better. But they’re not all soft cushions and cuddles. Beagle genes mean energy and stubbornness, Pug genes mean a tendency to overeat and snore, and together they can be vocal, mischievous, and a bit of a handful.
If you’re ready for a clownish companion who’ll love your family, keep you on your toes, and probably steal your socks, then a Puggle might just be your perfect match. Start off right with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and celebrate your new best mate with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small to medium
- Weight: 7–14 kg
- Height: 25–38 cm
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, funny, loyal
- Challenging Trait: Vocal, stubborn, prone to overeating