Editor’s note: you could be sorely disappointed if you buy a Puggle assuming that potential genetic problems were eliminated just by crossing two breeds.

Just as we haven’t eliminated genetic problems in humans by requiring that we marry outside the family, good genes in dogs are more complicated — it takes more than crossing breeds to create a healthy dog.

Because of the current rage for Puggles, puppy mills across the country have gone into overdrive in their attempts to make a quick buck. None of these puppies, many of which will show up at pet stores, will have had the planning, care or nurturing they need. If you need to buy a Puggle, get one from a genuine breeder — the kind that asks you a lot of nosy questions, charges a fair price, and only has a few litters a year. Please, do not buy a Puggle from a pet store — the conditions in puppy mills are terrible.

And finally, please consider getting a shelter dog who really needs you instead of a designer dog.

By Sara C

What in the world is a puggle?

One fine day a pug was off gallivanting around when he came across a spirited little beagle, their eyes met and well — the rest is history!

Puggles are part of a new trend of “designer dogs,” like the schnoodle and the cockabiche. They are popping up in more places and are receiving more press at the moment than purebreds. They’re also commanding prices that rival and even exceed the prices of their full-blooded compatriots. Fortunately, I purchased my puggle before their popularity soared.

I originally wanted to buy a pug, but there were none available at the time, though a litter of puggles was. The pups were advertised at $250 each, less than 1/3 the price of a pug. That still seemed expensive to me for what was essentially a mutt, or so I thought.

A little background on the two breeds — Beagles are high-strung but also very sporty, while pugs aren’t very athletic, but have a calm, relaxing demeanor — a well-bred and socialized pug isn’t yippy, overexcited, or insecure. Happily, puggles do not generally howl like beagles, and don’t have the breathing problems that are often associated with the pug. Mix the two together and you might enjoy the best attributes of both.

I was curious, so I went and checked out that litter of puggles. They were, of course, extraordinarily cute and charming. Since I couldn’t find a pug and really wanted a dog, I went ahead and purchased one, a cute little female. What a great decision that was! :)

A puggle combines the strong physical attributes of the beagle with the even, mellow temperament of the pug, making for a calm small dog — how rare is that?

They have the wrinkled face of a pug while having the longer legs of a beagle. Puggles usually get to be 15-20 pounds as adults, are 12-15″ high at the shoulder, and are tan or brown with a black muzzle, earning them the well-deserved nickname of “miniature mastiffs.”

Purebred dog breeders naturally have problems with these crossbreeds, as many have spent a great deal of time and money perfecting the bloodlines of their breed and don’t like the attention these “mutts” are receiving. There is a widely held notion that these “mutts” are actually healthier than purebreds, which I have always believed. A cross between 2 breeds of any dog should eliminate genetic problems that may exist in either breed, because 90% of genetic problems are recessive, meaning both parents must carry the abnormal gene.

If you want a better chance of having health problems with your dog then buy a purebred! If you want a pet that is unique and healthy then buy a puggle, or go to the local shelter and adopt!

Sara writes articles for www.schmeg.com

Visit her at: Chestnut Creek Gift Baskets | Candles