Should You Choose a Puggle?

By Christy Taylor

You have decided to buy a dog. But what kind of dog should you buy? You need a dog that will match your temperament and life style. Getting the wrong type of dog will lead to misery for both you and your pet. If you are an apartment dweller in the city, you can look at Puggles.

If you are wondering what I am talking about, don't worry. Puggles are not a breed that everyone is familiar with. They are a new cross breed, or hybrid, and were developed very recently. They are a cross between a Pug father and a Beagle mother. They are among the cutest of dogs and it is easy to fall in love with them. While it is never certain as to which character traits a dog will derive from which parent, Puggles, by and large, make ideal pets. From the Pug side they inherit their laid back nature that makes them perfect for living in apartments. Their Beagle side gives them their sturdy structure, inquisitiveness and energy that make them much more fun than most other lap dogs. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent and social dogs.

• Great with children because they are calm and patient, Puggles are perfect family dogs. At ease with strangers, you don't have to worry about leashing or crating them when you have visitors, unless the visitors are of that strange part of the population that does not like dogs.

• Being lapdogs, they are happy indoors, as long as they can play in the house. However, their Beagle blood makes them energetic so they will need long walks to burn up the unused energy. If this is not to your taste, avoid Puggles.

• If you live in a warm climate, keep in mind that Puggles are more sensitive to heat than other dogs and need to be kept cool. Care needs to be taken about exercising them in warm conditions because they tend to overheat themselves and fall sick.

• Puggles are inquisitive dogs and like to investigate anything new. They can also be mischievous. This can make them great fun to be around, but again, if this kind of behavior is not to your taste, avoid the Puggle and go in for a more docile breed.

• If you are looking for a watchdog, a Puggle is not for you. They are far to friendly to fit this role.

• Puggles are sturdy dogs and are not specially prone to any diseases. Regular check ups at the vet and immunizations is enough.

• Puggles are low maintenance dogs. Regular brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping and tooth brushing are all they need in the way of routine care.

• Although they have short coats, they do shed a lot, especially in winter so keep this in mind if you have any allergies that could be affected by this.

• Being sociable by nature and craving companionship, Puggles are not the kind of dogs who are happy by themselves alone in a house for extended periods of time.

So if you want a dog that is suited for apartment life but at the same time want a dog with the energy to run around and play with, the Puggle is for you.

Christy Taylor, author, is a breeder of Puggles. She also is the proud owner of her very own Puggles. Learn more about Puggles by visiting her website at http://www.pugglehugs.com