Autumnal

ARTICLES WRITTEN ABOUT PUGGLES

The following quote is from the Dogs Trust Chief Executive:

'The trouble with this trend is that it is just that - a trend. Dogs are not fashion accessories and we are very worried about what will happen to these dogs when the novelty has worn off and the fashion changes. If you are serious about getting a dog I strongly urge you to visit one of our Rehoming Centres, we have hundreds of beautiful crossbreeds looking for homes and you will be helping a dog in need.'

Another concern for The Dogs Trust is the inflated prices being charged, which the charity fears may attract unscrupulous breeders whose only interest is profit. Dogs Trust has been fighting against puppy farms for many years and advises the public to choose reputable breeders and not buy from pet shops or classified ads.

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This is a good description of the Puggle and could be the breed standard:

Otherwise known as:

'Puggle', Pug-Cross. Beagle-cross. (Also 'pugle', and 'pugel')

Dog Group Kennel Club:

Not Applicable. Cross Breed not recognised by any breed organisations around the world.

Cross Breed Classification:

Somewhere between a Pug (Toy Group) and a Beagle (Hound Group). This type of cross breed dog is mostly suitable as a companion animal for people who are not concerned about animal welfare or the fashion in which companion animals are bred and sold.

Description:

'Puggles', unlike their Pug counterpart have a little more of a protruding snout yet smaller snouts than their Beagle parents. The 'puggle' tends to be wrinkled and short and stubby, although even this will vary within dogs from the same litter.

Another myth is that 'puggles' howl less than a Beagle. Some do, however the process of cross breeding is unpredictable and some 'puggles' howl, some do not.

Like most cross bred dogs, you will not know what you are getting until the puppy grows up.

Coat Type:

Varies ... Puggle fur tends to be short like a Pug or a Beagle. The 'puggle' can be a number of colours. It is NOT always the tan colour you often see in the media and on "breeders" websites.

The 'puggle' can be black, tan, tricolour, white, or red.

The puppy coat does not stay the same for the entire life of the dog.

'Puggles' do NOT have allergy-free fur/non shedding fur. The media and breeders will often say the opposite to help sell the dogs (or a new/better story).

'Puggles' shed their fur like most dogs. A broom or vacuum will be required to clean this up.

Weight/ Height Range:

Miniature
Miniature to Medium
Medium
Medium to Large

'Puggles' vary from 25cm to 43cm (10” to 17”) and from 6-15kg (13lbs to 35lbs)!

Average Puppy Price / Buying a 'puggle':

Varies. Contact your local TV station and newspapers and enquire about which 'designer dog' is the next fad.

Puggles will be widely available at a fraction of the cost early 2007 in your local animal shelter. They go under their secret identities - "Pug Cross", and "Beagle Cross".

They may be currently available at your local pet store, who is most likely getting their dogs from a puppy mill or backyard breeders. Some choose to go direct to a 'backyard breeders' premises to buy their dog.

Expenses:

Most (not all) people who buy 'designer dogs' may regret not thinking about the time and commitment required to own a dog. An impoundment fee/ surrender fee will be charged by your local animal shelter when you discard it.

Most dog owners of this cross breed will require a matching handbag and other essential fashion accessories for their dog.

Lifespan:

1-2 years if bought for the wrong reasons.
Many 'puggles' are bought for the wrong reasons and will end up being dumped in animal shelters. It may be difficult to rehome 'puggles' when the fad dies down.

8 - 14 years
Pug X Beagles usually live between 8- 14years of age. Getting a dog from a reputable breeder will avoid some of the problems associated with puppy mill dogs, or dogs sold in pet shops.

'Puggle' history:

'Puggle' dogs fall into a category that has also been around for hundreds of years... cross breeds.

Most people do not intentional breed, cross breeds because the process of cross breeding is so unpredictable and the owner does not know what they are getting. Most cross breeds are accidental litters and end up in animal shelters.

'Puggle' traits:

Dogs that look poor, pitiful, weepy, sad and make the dog owner feel good / important.

Defects :

Like handbags, 'puggle' owners prefer to carry their dogs rather than walk them. This is great for sick puggles although not recommended for healthy 'puggles'. Bred mostly by unethical breeders, 'puggles' usually have a poor start to life, and health testing is usually over looked due to the "cross breeds being healthier" myth.

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DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Jenny of East Moline fell in love with "Shorty," a Puggle puppy from a Pet Store in Davenport. She couldn't wait to take him home and make him part of her family. What she did not know was that Shorty was a sick little dog.

Five days after he was brought home he became violently ill. He wouldn't eat or play, and had bad coughing spells.

Dr. Holly Bordner with the East Moline Animal Clinic diagnosed Shorty with a viral infection and a double hernia. Bordner says the hernia could be easily spotted by the Pet Store owner, and she says the viral infection was likely caught while Shorty was in the care of the breeder or pet store.

"An infection like this has about a seven day incubation period. So the puppy looks healthy when he's adopted and bam, the illness sets in. The pet store, in my professional opinion, should take some responsibility here," said Bordner.

Andersen spent $600 on the dog and more than $700 so far in vet bills. She wants her money back for the bills. The pet store owner says it's clear in contract, he's not responsible for vet bills after pets are purchased.

In a written statement, he says "Pet Store had no previous knowledge of any poor health conditions regarding the purchase of the dog. We still have not been informed of the extent of the illness. We offered a full refund of the dog, but the offer was refused. We have a variety of healthy and happy puppies available in the store at this time and for the last 13 years."

Andersen says she doesn't want a new dog. She wants the store to help with the bills.

According to the Better Business Bureau, Pet Store has an "Unsatisfactory Report." Three complaints have been filed on the store in the last 36 months. The Bureau does state the store has worked to rectify most of the complaints.

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