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.
