Puggles, a cross between a beagle and a pug, combine the best of both breeds to produce an adorable, high-energy little dog. They are a "designer dog," not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), the largest breeding organization in the United States; the NKC (National Kennel Club); the Canadian Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club as an accepted breed. Several smaller US kennel clubs accept the Puggle as a recognized breed. Because of this, it's difficult to determine an exact standard. We'll provide as much information as possible on what to look for if you're considering a Puggle as a pet, or looking to purchase one.

These dogs are quickly becoming popular because of their excellent personality qualities, their small size - and darn it, they're just cute! They weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder. All in all, they're a very good size for our more compact modern living spaces. The majority of Puggles are fawn colored, with a black muzzle. However, there are other colors: black, as well as multicolored black/brown.

The shortened muzzle of a pug seems to be a recessive trait in Puggles and most of the dogs have a longer muzzle, which reduces the risks of respiratory problems typically found in pugs. It is very unusual to find a Puggle with a pug mug. Their tails tend to have the length of a beagle's, but can be curled, like a pug's. They also tend overall to be healthier than either of the parent breeds, but are prone to heart disease, back problems and cleft palate, problems which plague the beagle breed. Even without a shortened muzzle (pug mug), they do have some respiratory problems and tend to snore. Make certain you carefully check the dog's nose and mouth for deformities. They also do not typically experience problems with hip dysplasia or Legg-Perthes disease commonly found in the pug breed.

The great thing about Puggle is they have a really easy-going temperament; they're affectionate and good with children, so they make a good family pet. They can be very independent but are worth the effort it takes to train them. Having a well-trained dog is important, so make sure you take your pup to doggy class.

By now, you might be asking yourself: "Why is she capitalizing Puggle like a proper noun, but not pug and beagle?" Well - I'm a bit of a grammar and punctuation fanatic. Both pug and beagle have been common references and are no longer considered proper nouns. Being designer dogs and all, Puggle is still a proper noun. I hope that answers all the really hard questions!

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You may see advertisements for "pocket Puggles." We get e-mail, asking about breeders who have "pocket Puggles," "mini Puggles," or "toy Puggles."

Since Puggles are not a recognized breed, the size of the dog is not defined and there are no classifications for "mini" or "toy" sizes. Typically, people are referring to a smaller-sized dog.

Buyers seeking smaller Puggles (in the size range most people would be thinking of when using the terms "pocket," "mini" or "toy") should be aware that a Puggle smaller than approximately 12 inches and weighing 18 pounds may experience health issues due to the smaller size and may be the result of inappropriate breeding. They may be the (unhealthy) runt of a litter and experience lifelong health issues as a result. There is also a possibility that dogs sold as "Pocket Puggles" are not actually a Beagle/Pug mix, but a rat terrier/Pug mix.

Puggles are typically bred from a female Beagle and a male Pug, because the Beagle is the larger of the two breeds. The health issues of both breeds are usually offset by the expanded gene pool and characteristics of one breed balancing out the deficits characteristics in the other breed. This is one reason Puggles are a popular "designer" breed of dog (aside from the fact that they're darn cute). Attempting to obtain a smaller dog from both these breeds would likely result in reintroduction of the genetic deficits inherent in each individual breed and therefore is discouraged in the responsible Puggle breeder community.

Before you buy a dog from a breeder claiming to have "Pocket Puggles," make sure you ask detailed questions. Although your Puggle will not have a registration, the parents should. You have every right to ask for details about the parents, their registration and their size to make sure you are getting a genuine Puggle. Prospective buyers of dogs advertised as "Pocket Puggles" should also inquire about the general health of the breeding couple and ask to see pictures.

In short, there is no such thing, really, as a "Pocket Puggle." You may buy a dog advertised to be a "Pocket Puggle," only to find it's no smaller than any other Puggle.