Читать книгу Puggle - Miriam Fields-Babineau - Страница 15

Puggles love to be right where their owners are.

Snuggle Puggle

As the Pug and the Beagle share many character traits, combining the two breeds does not do much to change the intrinsic nature of either breed in the offspring. We’ve mentioned that both breeds are eager to please, loyal, hard-working, fairly active dogs who learn quickly. Nobody is a stranger to either breed, and both will “sound the alarm” when it comes to alerting their owners to intrusions on their property or friends approaching.

A Puggle can always find a place to snuggle.

Like his Beagle ancestors, a Puggle is sure to follow his nose.

Puggles are great with children, although their energy may be too much for young children. Puggles are always very willing to cuddle with youngsters, though. Older children often do well with Puggles because the dogs are happy to romp and play for long periods of time. They don’t mind a slight amount of rough and tumble, nor do they get mouthy or pushy. In fact, there is hardly a Puggle that has shown any aggressive tendencies, even when frightened.

Puggles are very social. They easily accept other dogs and new people. In fact, they welcome newcomers into the pack with delight. Although a Puggle may bark when a stranger is near his home, he will not go into any type of “attack mode.” As soon as he has a chance to sniff the stranger, that person or animal is welcomed. A Puggle can’t be counted on to protect home and family unless the intruder is intimidated by the mere sound of the canine.

A designer wardrobe for a designer dog… a sweater for a Puggle in cold weather is both fashionable and functional.

Puggles are intelligent. Shown how to do something a few times, they have a good understanding of the exercise and delight in performing it. In fact, they love to show off. It’s rare to go through a day with a Puggle and not laugh at his antics or be amazed by what he can do.

Ready to play with a friend or with a toy.

With these characteristics, Puggles have a tendency to outfox their owners if not trained and guided. This is typical of any intelligent animal who learns how to get what he wants through a little ingenuity. A Puggle will try displaying a certain behavior and, if rewarded in some manner, he will continue to perform this behavior. Puggle owners must train their dogs! Training brings harmony. The dog will learn proper guidelines and happily abide by them.

Physically, Puggles are fairly sturdy dogs, but they cannot withstand extreme temperatures for long periods of time without protection. Have fun choosing a Puggle wardrobe, as they do need winter coats when going out in the cold. In extreme heat, don’t allow the Puggle to exercise outside without plenty of water and access to shade. This is not necessarily due to their breed combination but more to their size, as small dogs do not have the same ability to control their body temperatures as larger dogs. While their short coats are helpful in keeping them cooler in warmer climates, it doesn’t do them any favors in cold climates.

In many breeds a particular sex might be preferred to ensure desired characteristics. For example, many female dogs tend to be easier to train, while male dogs might be more territorial. Puggles also tend to have sex-specific temperaments. The male Puggle is a little lazy and laid-back, while the female Puggle is more inquisitive, energetic and eager to be involved in family activities. Both are great watchdogs; if you live in an apartment community, it will be important to train your Puggle not to bark at every little sound, only when someone is actually at your door.

The Ideal Family for a Puggle:

• Gives the dog outdoor walks (in addition to potty trips) or playtime at least once per day

• Takes the time to train and stimulate their dog

• Continually offers positive reinforcement and new stimuli in the dog’s environment

• Spends a lot of time with their dog; Puggles thrive on attention

• Gives the dog time to play with other dogs; this hybrid is very social

• Maintains a regular daily routine and schedule

• Has children in the family who love the dog

Your Puggle can’t wait for you to get home!

Keeping in mind the Puggle’s behavior characteristics, we must consider who would make an ideal Puggle owner. This isn’t a dog for everyone. An active family who has the time and desire to include the dog in their daily routines is a perfect home for a Puggle. This is a dog who needs attention and company. Puggles may become very depressed if left alone for long periods of time, especially if crated. If you’re busy, the little dog will happily trot by your side or sit under your chair, or, preferably, sit in your lap. A Puggle who spends too much time alone is likely to become destructive and develop separation anxiety.