The Puggle is the most popular small designer or hybrid dog breed. Puggles are a cross between the pure bred Pug and the pure bred Beagle. You can buy Puggles that are first generation and the resulting puppy will take on some combination of the breeding parents’ characteristics. You hope the breathing problems of the Pug and the scent hound “follow your nose” characteristics of the Beagle will be minimized. You can also buy Puggles that are the result of a multi-generational breeding program. The offspring are usually a result of the breeding parents both being Puggles and this program has probably been carried out over several generations. After many generations the Puggles will start to breed true, and the breeder will be able to tell you what characteristics you can expect in your new Puggle. Most American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds were developed by deliberate cross-breeding and then a multi-generational breeding program. The Silky Terrier is one fairly recent example of a
successful multi-generational cross breeding program between an Australian Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier that was recognized by the AKC in 1933. Puggles stand about 13 to 16 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh from 15 to 25 pounds. The majority of multi-generational Puggles tend to be fawn colored with wrinkled black masks like the Pug. This hybrid tends to have the longer body, increased size, longer nose and floppy ears like the Beagle. First generation Puggles could end up with any combination of the breeding parents’ characteristics and could turn out multi-colored or even solid black. Multi-generation Puggles are usually playful and energetic but also friendly and laid back. This hybrid can, like the Beagle, be somewhat independent and difficult to train. Puggles make good apartment dogs but need much more exercise than a Pug. They are medium shedders but unlike Pugs don’t snore or have gas. Puggles usually have a relatively standard bark. Although some first generation
Puggles have inherited the odd, baying sounds of the Beagle. The Puggle has longer legs, less protruding eyes, longer nasal cavity and fewer skin wrinkles than a Pug. This means that the Puggle doesn’t have as many of the health problems associated with the Pug and it does better in hot weather. However the Puggle may inherit some of the Beagles eye problems such as glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and cherry eye. The Puggle has become an extremely popular hybrid which commands higher prices than its pure bred parents. This is partially due to its status as a movie star pet and partially due to its cuteness and outgoing personality.
The
Shorkie
This cute little teddy bear of a dog is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier.
The hybrid Shorkie will stand between 6 to 10 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh between 5 to 11 pounds. To understand the temperament of a Shorkie, you first have to look at its founding breeding parents. Shih Tzus are outgoing, friendly, affectionate and charming small dogs. They make great apartment dogs and companion dogs for the elderly. They like everyone but are easily intimidated by toddlers and young children. Shihs do fine with older and more considerate children. They make great traveling companions and are friendly to most people. They are very difficult to housetrain. Yorkies on the other hand are lively and opinionated. They play hard and have limitless energy for a toy breed. They get along well with most pets but can be intimidated by small children. They make good watchdogs and will bark at strangers. Yorkies make good apartment dogs but need early socialization and obedience training to control barking. The resulting hybrid Shorkie is a fairly independent breed
that is intelligent, lovable, affectionate, sociable, and cheerful. The sweet and playful Shorkie is a little more laid back than the Yorkie and likes to cuddle. Shorkies still seem to dislike warm weather, probably because of their long and thick coats. If their coats are allowed to grow out, expect to spend a fair amount of time grooming them. You will have to groom the Shorkie daily and spend a fair amount of time on tangles. Most Shorkie owners usually opt for a short puppy cut or Schnauzer trim which is easy to manage. Some Shorkies take after the Yorkie and are very low-shedding breeds. Most Shorkies are somewhat difficult to housetrain. Shorkies are good apartment dogs and don’t need a lot of exercise but are happy to accompany their owners on daily walks.
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