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What is a Puggle?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

A Puggle is an example of the new trend in creating dog hybrids. Dog hybrids, also known as crossbreeds or designer dogs, are dogs born from parents of two different breeds. These mixes, rather than being accidental, are planned to obtain certain characteristics in the new puppy.

A Puggle is one of the most popular designer dogs. A mix of a Pug and a Beagle, Puggles is supposed to be very affectionate and great with children, and these are the primary reasons the breed was created. Despite being highly energetic, a Puggle is also a great lap dog. They do well in apartments despite being lively and slightly hyper. Critics will argue, with reason, that every time you cross two breeds, there are no guarantees as to how the puppy will turn out. While a Puggle has some distinct characteristics, the truth is that some will be more pug and others more beagle. Most Puggles do howl, however, just as Beagles do.

Puggles are half pug and half beagle.
Puggles are half pug and half beagle.

A Puggle is short-haired, with a wrinkly face and a stocky body. They have a short nose like Pugs, and a slender body, like Beagles. Puggles average about 17 pounds (7.7 kg) and stand not taller than 15 inches (38.1 cm) at the shoulder. They are medium shedders, so people who have allergies should keep this in mind. One of the biggest benefits of a Puggle is the fact that their noses are not as flat as a Pug's, so they do better in hot weather and have less breathing problems.

A Puggle generally has a body like a Beagle.
A Puggle generally has a body like a Beagle.

Like all designer dogs, a Puggle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any other major organization, but they are accepted in some dog shows. Because of continuous problems, a new organization called the American Canine Hybrid Club was recently created. Aimed to designer dog owners, it will register mixed dogs for a small fee.

Many critics argue than creating new breeds is irresponsible, as there are already many animals without a home. Others worry than because there is no control, mixing breeds like this may lead to health problems, unscrupulous breeding, and abuse. To avoid these and other problems, make sure you do your research before getting a Puggle or any other dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a puggle?

A puggle is the adorable offspring of a female echidna, also known as a spiny anteater. These egg-laying mammals are one of the only two types of monotremes, the other being the platypus. Puggles hatch from eggs and are carried in their mother's pouch until they develop spines, making them unique among mammals.

How does a puggle develop inside its mother's pouch?

After hatching from its egg, a puggle remains in its mother's pouch for up to two months. During this time, it feeds on milk secreted from the mother's mammary glands and grows rapidly. The pouch provides a safe and warm environment for the puggle to develop its spines and fur before venturing into the outside world.

What do puggles eat when they are young?

Young puggles feed exclusively on their mother's milk for the first few months of life. Echidna milk is rich in fat and nutrients, which is essential for the puggle's growth and development. Once they leave the pouch and begin to mature, they will start to mimic adult echidna behavior, foraging for ants, termites, and other small invertebrates.

Are puggles related to hedgehogs or porcupines?

Despite their spiny appearance, puggles are not closely related to hedgehogs or porcupines. They are monotremes, a distinct branch of mammals that lay eggs. Hedgehogs and porcupines are placental mammals, which give birth to live young. The resemblance is due to convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits to adapt to similar environments or lifestyles.

How long does it take for a puggle to reach maturity?

Echidnas, including puggles, are slow-growing animals. It can take a puggle up to a year to become fully independent. Sexual maturity is reached at about five years of age. Echidnas have a long lifespan, with some living up to 50 years in captivity, according to studies on their longevity and breeding habits.

Are puggles at risk in their natural habitat?

Puggles, like adult echidnas, face threats from habitat loss, predation by introduced species like foxes and feral cats, and vehicle collisions. However, echidnas are listed as species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List, indicating that they are not currently at high risk of extinction in the wild.

Discussion Comments

Terry

In Tasmania, where I live and work in Native Animal Rescue, a Puggle is the name given to a baby Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus.

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    • Puggles are half pug and half beagle.
      By: biglama
      Puggles are half pug and half beagle.
    • A Puggle generally has a body like a Beagle.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      A Puggle generally has a body like a Beagle.