Petopedia
Puggle: A second generation Puggle, with one Puggle parent and a pedigree Pug parent.

Puggle

United States, Doodles and designer crosses

Size
Small
Height
25–38 cm
Weight
7–14 kg
Life expectancy
10–15 yrs
  • Cheerful
  • Comical
  • Nosy
  • Sociable
Energy3 of 5
Grooming needs2 of 5
Trainability3 of 5

Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.

About the Puggle

The Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. It usually has a wrinkled forehead, a muzzle longer than a Pug's and the Beagle's droopy ears. Adults are compact and sturdy, though some look much more like one parent than the other.

Temperament

Puggles tend to be cheerful, sociable and comical. The Beagle side often brings a powerful nose and a habit of following it, along with baying or howling, while the Pug side adds a love of cuddles.

Exercise

Daily walks totalling about an hour and some sniffing games suit most. A secure lead or long line is wise, since scent can override recall. Avoid hard exercise in heat, particularly for shorter-faced dogs.

Grooming

The short coat sheds quite a lot but is simple to care for with a weekly brush. Clean facial folds and check the ears regularly.

Care & wellbeing

A longer muzzle usually means easier breathing than a Pug, but not always, so look for puppies whose parents breathe quietly. Puggles love food and gain weight easily. Laboured breathing, collapse or overheating need emergency veterinary care.

Daily needs at a glance

For a typical 10.5 kg adult
Water
420 ml–630 ml
a day
Energy
≈ 650 kcal
a day, neutered adult
Exercise
60–90 min
a day
Grooming
A brush once a week

Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet

Living with a Puggle

Shedding4 of 5
Good with children4 of 5
Apartment living4 of 5

Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.

History

Pug and Beagle crosses were produced in the United States in the 1980s and became fashionable in the early 2000s. The Puggle was one of the best-known designer dogs of that period. Some breeders now produce multigenerational Puggles, but most are still first crosses.

Health

The breed can be prone to

  • Breathing problems in shorter-faced dogs
  • Obesity
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye conditions such as cherry eye

Health tests to ask a breeder about

  • Patella check
  • Hip scoring
  • Eye examination
  • Breathing assessment of the Pug parent

Not every Puggle is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.

Cost to keep

Lower than average
  • Smaller food bills and medicine doses
  • Little or no professional grooming needed
  • A 10–15 year commitment
  • Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance

A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.

Is a Puggle right for you?

Could suit

  • Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
  • People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
  • Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met

Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.

Common questions

How big does a Puggle get?

Adult Puggles typically stand about 25–38 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 7–14 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.

How long do Puggles live?

Typically 10–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.

How much exercise does a Puggle need?

As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.

How much grooming does a Puggle need?

A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.

Are Puggles easy to train?

Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.

Do Puggles shed?

Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.

Are Puggles good with children?

They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.

Can a Puggle live in a flat?

Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.

What health problems do Puggles have?

The breed can be prone to breathing problems in shorter-faced dogs, obesity, patellar luxation. Not every Puggle is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.

Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.

Breed details

Country of origin
United States
Type
Doodles and designer crosses
Recognition
A crossbreed, not recognised by kennel clubs