Gothamist: Move Over, Cockapoo - It's Puggle Time

dommod

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:23:53 -0500

There is a reason that the Creator placed pugs in China and beagles on an island thousands of miles away. People who mix breeds are arrogantly playing God. If you buy one of these things you are dooming yourself and it to a lifetime of pain. Breed-mixers should be shot.

guest

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:30:51 -0500

May I point out that the internet is not a place for ignorant people to mouth-off at the latest thing that gets their panties in a bunch. While I respect you may have a PASSIONATE opinion about adopting shelter dogs (God bless you, mighty saint) but you should have no right to haggle people for trying new things. Everyone knows this was probably a happy accident that many people fell in love with, which is why it is in high demand and expensive. People have a right to breed, purchase and love whatever they choose, just like you have the right to call them dumb. AND MIGHT I ADD THAT MY PUGGLE, ISABELLE IS THE SMARTEST, HAPPIEST, MORE LOVING PET I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT HER GENETIC MAKEUP!

guest

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:05:33 -0500

Why go to a shelter and buy a dog? Thats like saying I have $10,000 and a reputable car lot has 6 of the same kind of vehicles I am looking for and I get my pick, or I could go to a junkyard and get the car same car if they have one and have no idea the history of the car, or who owned it or anything like that

guest

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 04:14:29 -0500

I want to comment on Puggles. First off to you snobs who think dog breeding is an art form or something super sacred - get a life! Different breeds of dogs have been mating with each other since times of acient Egypt. I understand you like your exclusive club - that your pure breed comes from a long line - blah.. blah.. blah - It is as bad as New England WASPS or British Royalty. While im not dissing you outright - I think if you want to play in your exclusive dog breed club and be proud and such amongst other snobs - by all means enjoy and I wish the best to you and your Pets (SINCERLY). Don't bust (dissrespect) on Mutt owners or DESIGNER DOG owners becuase they aren't exclusive and such as your burebreed. There not Bastards or Abominations. There just DOGS. There pets. They are ment to be loved by a family. Provide secuity and companionship for people. To be taken care of properly and to be LOVED. I always have had mutts, different breeds ect. MY mom had a EXCLUSIVE poodle when I was 2 or so and Lasted till about 10 - then I had another poodle, then a Chow Mix, a Newfundland (really big dog) and a Golden Labador Retreiver. I personally love big dogs. Im 33 now and Married. My wife (she comes from a family of small dogs, shitzu, yorkee ect.) liked my Golden Lab, but when she pasased on - we held off for a bit as we were living in a apartment in a Family home and were moving inside of 1 year. She also has allergies and is very sensitive to dog hair. We looked into Hypo/allerggentic dogs - (I didn't like any of them - Yorkiepoo, cockapoo, shitzulab - whatever they are) I spent weeks on the net looking at Hypoallergetic dogs. I really wanted another Lab. I was told NO. Finally even though they shed - but lightly, I was introducted to the Puggle. I read about them and was a bit apprechensive to it - based on what sites said about their temperment, hyperactiveness, ability to train - ect... BUT IT WAS SO CUTE. Also we wanted to get the dog right before we moved so we could train her at home where I had family to watch her and lookout for her when we worked and went out and such. My family was aganst the idea - but knew the dog would be confined to hall and bathroom (large area - see Daphne Puggle Videos on Google) so she wouldn't ruin anything. We went ahead and found a breeder who wanted a REASONABLE PRICE OF $300 for the dog. That included a bunch of starter stuff, a few vet visits and vaccinations already administered and a 3 month health guarentee. We had to drive almost 80 miles (about 1 1/2 hrs) each way to get her - but it was worth it. We have had Daphne the Puggle since March. About 5 months - she just turned 7 months old. Yes she is Hyper - Yes she likes to play bite (but it don't hurt and she will stop if you tell her too / a few times) She loves toys and bones. She loves to run around the yard and play fetch - especially with things too big for her - like a frisbee - If she gains another few inches and about 10 lbs more the frisbee would be perfect for her. I love her - I love how cute she is - I love her personality - I love her playfullness and YES I HAVE ACCEPTED THE FACT THAT SHE WILL BECOME A DOG AND I WILL STILL OVER HER THE SAME. She had one Puppy close call - She bit through a Box fan Wire (that was in the hall to keep us all cool.) Thank God I was home. I saved her life and she was 100% FINE. We are alot closer since then - not that we needed that to get closer - just made me realise how much I really care for my puggle, my pet, my friend, my girl. My wife loves her too. She does get a bit spoiled - but for good reason. She has learned - Up / Down - SIT, Give Paw, Give both paws, Fetch, the names of each of her toys - New Bear, Soccer Bear, Bone, Ball, Frisbee and treat. She loves Cold water from the bottle as I pour it. She actully likes Beer - She knocked one over and started drinking it - She didn't get much but when ever I drink a beer - she jumps on my lap and puts her tounge down the bottle top to try to get some (very Cute). She has a Beagle like Howl Bark and a wussy bark. I like the Beagle bark it's more vicious and scares the Religious freeks who knock on my door at 7am on Sat and Sunday. I really enjoy the Puggle - I was even thiking about getting another one so she has a friend, but I feel bad about sharing my love for 2 dogs. I dont't want her to resent me or think I am giving up on her. If you like cute, playful dogs and you can get one for a reasonable price - I reccomend the puggle 100%. They are good, loyal and very pretty dogs. I don't buy the designer label they slap on the puggle - to me she is worth $300 or so - any puppy is worth atleast a few hundred for the time and money it takes to raise a puppy and care for them until they can go on their own to a new home. No way do I think a puggle is worth more than $400 bux. They are not a Gucci bag or something - it is a animal - a pet - a friend and lastly - according to the snobby people - A MUTT - but a very cute mutt.

guest

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:21:40 -0500

i just bought a puggle and now im haing second thoughts granted she is the most cutest thing in the world and she is so friendly and good with kids but man she can get so annoying she nips when playing and her bark sounds like scratching nails on a chalk board..i dont want to get rid of it since my kids love her

Jen

Tue, 22 May 2007 15:39:53 -0500

I have had my puggle, Buster for 8 months now and we love him to death but cannot get him to stop his aggressive behavior!!!! CONSTANTLY biting and jumping on everyone...we have tried everything from obedience training to seeing dog bahavioralists. With a baby on the way we need to find an answer or we may have to give him away:(

Jackie

Tue, 01 May 2007 19:59:52 -0500

puggles rule!!! I never knew bout this breed until my boyfriend mention that we should get one.. the minute I saw her puppy I fell in love... she is adorable... a lil crazy but she is perfect... they are the best!!

amandafaye21

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:49:11 -0500

We are the proud owners of a Bichon Frise. Due too my husbands allergies and the fact we are a military family we can only get non shedding and hypoallergenic dogs that weigh under 20 pounds. Small in case we move. Going to the pound it has been IMPOSSIBLE to find a dog under 20 pounds and with the right temperment for kids and hair for allergies. We LOVE our Bichon but we wanted our second fur baby to be different. Local rescue groups for Bichons, Havanese,Poodles and dogs that would fit our families needs all snatch them up from the pound. Then they refuse adoption to families with children and military families! So yes now we are getting a cockapoo. Not to be trendy, not to be jerks thats just dont care to give a homeless dog a chance. We have a need and the cockapoo fits that need for a senseible price, 400 and gas to travel and pick him up in person. I think its Fcked up to paint all owners of these "mutts" with the same paintbrush as shallow jerks immulating celebrities. I didnt even know what a cockapoo WAS until I came across the one we are buying.

tee

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:55:30 -0500

I have 2 puggles I adore! Lola 17 months and Zeus 8 months. As for those who think you should get pure bloods or just go to the pound, mind your own business. Your worried about the wrong things! I support my local animal shelter, my animals are spayed and neutered and well taken care of. Puggles fit my family and lifestyle perfectly. Most importantly they make me happy and give and receive unconditional LOVE!!!!!

puggle

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:55:14 -0500

we just bought a puggle for my daughter. we love her and she is great with children and no i didnt pay 900.00 for her. we payed just as much for her as we would of a big ugly dog from the pound. btw we checked there and there was nothing in the catagory that we wanted. she is smart and playful. she may be a mutt but i wouldnt have another full blooded dog.

Heather

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:52:38 -0500

I am a new owner of a puggle and I can't believe that so many people are spending there time putting down a cute puppy.....Knowone is asking you to purchase one. I could care less if it is recongnized by the AKC. This isn't any different then finding any other object that is a new disign and paying 3 or 5 time more for it because it is a well liked style. So why are you people so offended

Kris

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:03:32 -0500

I own a Puggle and I don't care if she is considered a mutt or not. She is the sweetest most adorable animal I have ever had. I've always had full blooded dogs and she is by far the best pup I have owned.

freebutnotrich

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:52:54 -0500

Puggles are wonderful dogs and make wonderful family pets. http://www.cafepress.com/freebutnotrich/1639844

Pug lover

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 09:27:52 -0500

Just so you know, the AKC DOES NOT condone puggles nor does it look like it will be accepted as a breed.

Pug Lover

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:18:58 -0500

In my honest opinion, you shouldn't be breeding Pug's and Beagles period. I have gone over the list of health problems and my oh my is that list long. If you want to know what kind of health problems that both breeds can have, here is a link that shows you all of the beagles potential health problems: http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/beagle_health_problems.htm. And of course here is the link for all potential Pug health problems: http://www.barkbytes.com/bremed/pug.htm. Now if you love Pugs as much as I do, you wouldn't dare to cross breed them with a Beagle. Pugs can be rather expensive on their own but when you cross breed it with a breed that has just as many health problems as the Pug itself, your looking at a long and painfull future not only for your wallet, but for your beloved pet as well. if you know anyone that is considering a Puggle, steer them in the direction of one or the other of the two breeds and inform them of what kind of health problems "Puggles" can have. Besides, $650-$900 for a dog that is basically a mut and not "cute" at all, is ridiclous. If you want a dog for a small apartment, try a Toy breed, not some concotion of man's sick need to cross breed two breeds that just shouldn't be.

D Matteson

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:13:02 -0500

We found a puggle at our local animal shelter. She is 6 months old and is perfectly potty trained and so far has been great - Since she was a stray - I worried a bit that she would have some terrible habit that made her owner turn her loose and not come looking for her - so far, we haven't found any problems - she's loving and happy.

Grant Christy

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:37:02 -0500

Singer George Michael lends the piano on which John Lennon wrote Imagine to an anti-war exhibition...

Bgdqduibryo

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:10:27 -0500

horse fetish milk fetish

Shaneebug

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 12:26:22 -0500

I'm having the hardest time finding a reputable puggle breeder in the Phila Tri State Area. I would also be interested in finding a home bred puggle as well. I'm highly opposed to Puppy Mills and refuse to buy from a Pet store. I'm skeptical about buyin on line b/c I want to personally pick my puppy from a liter. Can anyone help me. I wouldn't mind traveling to Maryland or New York either. Thanks

david smith

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 09:11:28 -0500

i am i trested in buyimg the dog eny one wish to sell u can send to my mail

Tophsdad

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:37:45 -0500

Having the summer off from work and being out of NYC in the "country", I debated getting a dog and training him during this time off. One day, i came across an ad in the paper for "puggles" from a beagle breeder. I googled the term and up popped the cutest picutres ever. I started to read up and was sold on two facts: 1) they are great apt dogs and 2) they can be litter box trained. I made an appt to go to the breeders and thought I walked into heaven. Seven little sweet and cute puggles were napping all over one another. The biggest of the brood, a male, picked me. I didn't pick him! He has been amazing. Besides being a show-stopper with that face of his, he is the smartest dog i have ever encountered. His training has been easy - too easy in fact. He picked up housetraining in one day at the age of 7 weeks. By week 8, he was litter box trained and when to use the box vs go outside. He is so lovely to have around. Little did I know about the backlash that exists towards his hybrid mix. People, chill out. At this stage of my life, I wanted a puppy and I wanted him from a breeder. If I lived outside of the city and if I had more space to house the dog, I would most definitely have looked at a rescue/shelter pet. Unfortunately, I have a modest sized apt on the 15th floor of a Manhattan apt bldg. What would be even worse would be for me to rescue a dog, have its behavioral issues reek havoc on my life and then have to send that dog back to a shelter. That's a risk I cannot afford to take at this point. So before people judge me for owning a "designer" dog, don't discount the time and consideration I put into the decision to make sure it was the right move for me and my dog.

Andy

Sun, 28 May 2006 08:26:06 -0500

When you're looking for a new dog or puppy, it's always best to look at an animal rescue building or SPCA first. Now, I'm not saying you have to get a dog there, but remember that if the dog isn't adopted they might have to put it down. That being said, I think that the puggle isn't that easy on the eyes (if you catch my drift). The puggle will never become more popular than the cockapoo. I have a cockapoo (Ellie) and I have a friend who has a cockapoo, and they are the most lovable, friendlest dogs you can get.

Renee

Wed, 17 May 2006 14:14:28 -0500

i have a puggle and he is one of the cutest and friendliest dogs I have ever owned. He is a good listener and a great pup companion. In my opinion puggles are the sweetest dogs ever. To each his own!!!

Judi

Sat, 13 May 2006 09:21:52 -0500

I have a 2 y.o. puggle {Frankie} that I took home because she was too cute to leave in a cage and it turned out that she is the smartest dog I have ever owned. And trust me growing up on a farm I had plenty of dogs in my life. I have a form of muscular dystrophy and I fall frequently, well one day I fell and Frankie ran to get my husband and when he wasn't home she came and maneuvered herself under my head like a pillow until I had the strength to get up {without any prompting} I was not only amazed but I was moved to tears by her loyalty. She has done this now several times and has also learned to assist me in other ways just by learning my routine. It's funny, I went looking for a dog because I was lonely when my hubby went to work and I was home due to my condition and not only did I get a cute puggle to love I also got a friend who watches out for me and anticipates my needs. Who could ask for anything more.

www.pugglemaniaonline.com

Thu, 04 May 2006 10:27:15 -0500

Even AKC purebred dogs started out as "Mutts". There are only a few original breeds which roots trace back to the wolf, dingo, ECT. Every now and then a combination of breeds creates a superior dog. This is absolutely the case with THE PUGGLE!! It is one of the best combinations of size, intelligence, looks, and a catchy name, which accounts for why it is become one of the most desired dogs in the world!!

laura bednarski

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 23:12:14 -0500

I think people should get the dog they want. You are going to be with that dog for many many years so you should pick a dog that you fall in love with. For our family this was the puggle!!! I am so sick of the designer dog crap. I had a mixed breed growing up. It was a mutt but a great mutt. Our puggle jasmine is a mutt and we love her. I think everyone whould get the dog they want.

Puggle

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 20:32:46 -0500

Puggles are the best! www.puggle.org

Fingermint

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:49:02 -0500

Is a Puggle + Puggle breed ok, does anyone have pictures

DaveD

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 23:51:25 -0500

My girlfriend just bought a puggle. It's parents were both puggles, so it is possible to have a pure bred puggle to puggle. From my understanding this breed was an attempted to correct some of the breathing problems inherant in the pug line. Now I don't think what she paid for it is anything but robbery, but he is a DAMN cute little dog and he is VERY intelligent. He is loving and a bundle of pure energy that is driving my girlfriend crazy! I get to doggie sit him next week and work on getting him completely paper trained (he is doing wonderfully) and I kind of look forward to spending time with him ... now if I can only get some free time with my girlfriend again ... hmmmm. :-)

Kaela

Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:15:32 -0500

Being a dog expert I do know that yes, you must create mutts before you have a new breed. It true to say that every "purebred" has ancestors that were crossed. But these dogs were bred for a purpose, not to be "cute" like puggles, cockapoos and schnoodles. These are not NON SHEDDING hypoallergenic dogs. People that are allergic to dogs are allegic not to the HAIR but to the DANDER, these are little flakes of dead skin. If you dog has skin, it has dander. As far as the non shedding goes... well every dog w/ hair shedds. With poodles or Havaneses you just might not notice it because it becomes entwinded with the other hair there for causing matts (if not regularly brushed) and can be quite painful to remove not to mention costly. Let's all try not to show our ignorance and do a little research first. If you have questions on fidning the right pet for you, feel free to email me : rosetatju11@yahoo.com

Dawn

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 08:36:19 -0500

We accidentally came across our puggle at a pet store. We weren't looking to buy, just looking. When we saw Daisy, she stuck out amongst the other dogs there and we couldn't resist her. We were previously wanting to adopt but when we met Daisy, we fell in love with her. We had never heard of a puggle before and were quite surprised to recently find out that they're considered designer dogs. We just liked her because she was cute and friendly. She is a little over a year old now and has turned into the most affectionate and sweetest dog I have ever come across. She is certainly a joy.

Amy

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 22:56:16 -0500

Fantastic. A $900 mutt. I have a shih poo (or shits poo as my husband refers to her lovingly ;) A fantastic dog we adopted. If at all possible ADOPT people, there are some wonderful organizations out there and if you insist on a 'designer dog' at LEAST go to a reputable breeder.

alex

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 20:56:44 -0500

i think mixed breed are great; whether hinze 57 dogs or the more specific mixes i.e. puggles,labradoodles etc.. what angers me are the people selling these "mutts" -i say that w/ love and respect- for 100's to 1000's of dollars. many of these designer dogs are unfortunetly destined for the pound due to finiky fashion or unforseen/undesierable character traits of breeding different purebreds and worse case, puppy mills with NO care of genetic or physical health. todays purebreds had an orignal NEED.keeping up w/ the Jones is not one.if you want a mix,ADOPT. if you want purebred mutt, for dogs sake, research who your buying from and don't be stupid and pay 100's or 1000's of $$'s. i interbred my amstaff to my bullmastiff and the sire and dam came from quality,recorded backgrounds. i love this mix and sold the pups for the cost of the spay/nueter and only sold to buyers that understood the dogs and who i felt comfortable to sell to. thanks for reading my rant

dez

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 11:35:03 -0500

gosh, if you get a dog from the shelter you can have your own SPECIAL mixed breed that no one else could possibly replicate. one of a kind! this fascination with breeding mutts and calling them the perfect mix for this and that is downright irresponsible. ADOPT A PET! DONT GIVE INTO THE TRENDS! THEN GEORGE W. BUSH WINS!

Mimi

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 20:00:57 -0500

It's sad that inscrupulous puppy millers are trying to make big bucks off the unwary and the trendy. Nine hundred bucks for a mutt of uncertain genetic heritage? No thanks! I have three beagles -- bright, happy, adorable, loving, and never bred. There are too many homeless dogs (of all kinds) already.

Diann

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:41:09 -0500

Okay..I just remember when Disney's 101 Dalmations came out..so many people wanted one..and where did it get them. The shelter. We see pics of actors/actress in the magazine who have this dog, and kids automatically say mom, dad can I have one. All the kids have one and if I don't I won't be popular. Please!!let's stop the killing of innocent animals because it's a fashion decor fad. These poor dogs didn't want to be this way, their puppy farms do, so they can have their 15 min. of fame. Shame on them and shame on us for making it this in dog.

Stephanie

Sat, 12 Nov 2005 15:39:03 -0500

I had never heard of a puggle until my daughter purchased one in June 05. They weren't as popular then as they are now. I myself have a German Rottweiler. He's 4 months old and the two of them play pretty well together. The puggle is quite annoying. His bark is unusually and he can be extremely hyper. I love my rottie....sorry to say more than I do the puggle. The puggle is way to hyper and extremely spoiled. My daughter didn't pay 650 or any where between 900 for her puggle. I believe it's because she purchased it when they weren't popular. Yes he is funny looking, but it's my children's dog, not mine. I love my rottie.

mandy

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 19:55:16 -0500

I have a puggle and didn't even know it. Got him from a shelter for a 100 bucks, and he even came potty-trained. He is a great dog, but so is my other shelter mutt (a lab-pit mix). Check a shelter before dropping $900.

wuukiee

Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:02:19 -0500

Mixing two breeds can creates a new breed. Or you can call them mutts. Semantics, people, semantics. Actually, no. A breed is a strain of animal (dog, in this case) in which size, temperment, personality, and physical confirmation have been proven to breed true over multiple generations. I expect a cocker spaniel to be a midsized, longer-than-tall, curly-coated dog with an easygoing, friendly nature. I expect a Sheltie to be a disturbingly intelligent, keen, finely built small to midsized dog with a thick double coat, a long plumed tail, and the typical white collar/tail tips/blaze/socks. These designer mutts don't breed true yet at all. The last three goldendoodles(all golden x poodle cross, not goldendoodle x goldendoodle) I've met? 1) Had a very thick, dense, heavy golden retriever coat with just a little more wave in it than usual, and feathering on the tail, and big floppy golden ears. However the dog had a poodle build--taller, finer boned, finer features. The the muzzle and cheekbones were the heavier, more square golden type on the otherwise finer frame, which made the dog look very strange. Golden-type personality. 2) Had a very strange, spiky, curly, rough coat. It felt like it should be on a wire-coated terrier more than anything. The color was a washed-out cream that was neither golden nor white. Dog had a standard Golden build, but lacked tail and leg feathers. Very aloof. 3) Had a very fluffy, curly, flyaway coat--strands of wispy hair shooting out every which way. Coat was a dull grey-black color. Slim face and long legs of a poodle, but the stockier body of a golden. Dog was *extremely* high strung and nervous. None of these dogs were at ALL alike, but they were all "goldendoodles". There's absolutely no standardisation. They're not a breed, and until there's some agreement on what a goldendoodle "should" be, the never will be a breed. After that consensus, it'll take at least 6-7 generations to get these traits to breed true to type. Now, these mixes can BECOME breeds. The original labradoodle breeders in Australia have come up with a standard for the labradoodle, from personality to coat type to build, etc, etc. A small number of them have been breeding multiple generations with that type in mind, and the traits are starting to breed true. I have no doubt the Australian-style labradoodle will become a new breed in the next 20 years. American labradoodles, not so much--very little Australian blood has been imported. Most American 'doodles are still in the lab x poodle generation, or the first or OCCASIONALLY second labradoodle x labradoodle generation, and the dogs are throwing every concievable type, tempernment, and size. Same with most other mixes. There's nothing in the current breeding practices to even consider them anywhere near being a genuine breed.

Lori

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 21:07:05 -0500

I work for a Pug rescue organization in Connecticut and also posted some commentary on my blog today regarding the current Puggle craze. It's so so sad to be on the "other" side and see the horrific results of this Designer Dog Breeding. I saw stories today about Puggles on NBC, Today Show, MSN, didn't even know about the NY Post article until reading your blog. Unreal.

Stacy

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 14:53:10 -0500

Malcolm has a good point. Why don't they breed them responsibly? I don't know, maybe because they are more interested in the 900 dollar price tag? Maybe because all the quality pugs are going to reputible pug breeders and quality beagles going to reputible beagle breeders? Maybe the reputible breeders are reluctant to create a new breed when there are so many mutts languishing in the pounds, so they figure they should focus on improving the breeds that already exist. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (the dogs made popular by the Elizabeth Taylor dog that was on Sex and the City) were a created breed fairly recently (relatively speaking). Because not too much attention was paid on the breeding stock, there is now a HUGE problem with heart conditions on those little dogs. It is incredibly difficult to just start up a new breed. And since puggles and other designer mutts are typically bred by crossing one breed with another, they do not breed true. Puggles will be VERY different from each other in appearance, temperment, and health, and until puggle x puggle has been bred for many many generations (10-20 years will usually give it enough generations to start to breed true) you just don't know what kind of issues will crop up in each litter. And as with the spaniels I mentioned, unless you are super super careful about the stock you pick to start your breeding problem, and how you proceed with the breeding program, the smallest genetic disease can become a major problem in the entire breed. And with pugs in particular, breeding, skin, and eye problems tend to be issues, so if you get a pug without any of those issues, why would you use it to create a new breed when instead, it can be used in a pug breeding program to inject some really great genes into a line that suffers from various problems. I'm certainly not against creating new breeds, but people must think about it long and hard. They must know WHY this new breed will be better than the old breed. They must have the very best stock to start the program, and the very best plan to continue the program for 10-20 years (minimum) to make sure that the breed is off to a good start. I just don't see that AT ALL with puggle breeders. I think puggles are ADORABLE, but I'll get mine at the shelter.

richard sutherland

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 14:08:52 -0500

I am the proud owner of a borderline collie. A wonderful category as collie dogs really get around after a day with the sheep. We have determined the collie ingredient by the markings - painter tail, white ruff, etc but the other bits we are less sure of. Lab? Borzoi? As for temperament....well, imagine a work-shy border collie with a huge appetite.

richard sutherland

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 14:07:44 -0500

malcolm

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 11:34:57 -0500

maybe if someone just started breeding them nicely, like all those other nice breeders, then people wouldn't have to buy them through puppy mills. and maybe we could come to an agreement that if you breed two puggles you would get a puggle? and who got to decide when the centuries-long human project of creating dog breeds was complete? and why do all dogs have to have a "purpose" (like herding) for which most people nowadays never use them?

Josh

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 03:03:58 -0500

Just another example of anti-pug prejudice. Pugs are the perfect dog and don't need to be "improved." Anyone dumb enough to spend up to $900 to breed a pug to look like some other kind of dog doesn't deserve to have that kind of money lying around.

Melissa

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 21:40:19 -0500

The Mayor's Alliance also has a list of shelters and rescue groups in the city http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/. Adopt!

Lilitu

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 19:39:44 -0500

My neighbor has what they're calling a 'Labradoodle'. She's a yellow Lab/toy poodle mix that came out to be about 25 lbs of long-legged joyful cuteness. A beautiful, sweet, loving mutt. I dog sit for her occasionally and she's fabulous. For the record, my neighbor adopted her, from the same place I got my first wonderful mutt (German shepherd/Collie). My second wonderful mutt was a foundling, and we have no idea what he is, which just makes him even better.

Stacy

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 17:57:29 -0500

Lots of good responses. a) get your dog from a rescue whenever possible, and when it is not possible, buy from a reputable breeder. Note: breeders of these designer mutts are rarely "reputable." b) Pugs are actually extremely intelligent. My parents' pug is the smartest dog I've ever met. He has a huge vocabulary, understands lots of things, is very well trained, etc. c) "Hybrid Vigor" is a myth. If you breed two dogs with genetic issues together, regardless of if they are of the same breed, different breeds, or both of them are total mutts, you are going to end up with puppies with the same sorts of genetic diseases. Also, in the case with "puggles" other issues can become a problem. Pugs have very short noses. They also aren't super active dogs. Sure, they like to run and play from time to time, but usually, they are quite content to snuggle and cuddle with you. This is because of hundreds (thousands?) of years of breeding to create a cute little lap dog. Short noses make breathing hard, but because pugs aren't super on the go dogs, it isn't an issue for a well-bred pug (a poorly bred pug is a different story entirely). Well, Beagles are GO-GO-GO dogs. They are constantly nose the the ground, chasing squirrels, running around. They are very active hunting dogs. This is due to hundreds of years of breeding to create a hunting dog that enjoyed chasing small animals. They have long snouts to help them breath while active. When you breed them together, you have the potential to create a dog that is very active but doesn't breathe well, which is a serious health risk.

Tom

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 17:26:38 -0500

I like all dogs.

David

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 15:07:39 -0500

People are so pathetic.... go adopt a dog from a shelter and stop being a bunch of prima donna, spoiled self-indulged freaks.

toni acock

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:43:50 -0500

We love pugs...why would you want to saddle pugs with the long low profile of a beagle? They are perfect as they are. Same with miniature beagles. I wouldn't let the dog in this photo watch me undress. he is too weird.

Heather

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:16:17 -0500

Mixing two breeds doesn't create a new breed. If you breed a collie to a collie, you get collies. You don't get cockapoos by breeding cockapoos to cockapoos. You get them by breeding cocker spaniels to poodles. That makes them a mixed-breed dog. There's no insult implied. Mixes are nice dogs. But the problem here is the puppy mills are into these mixes big-time, because they don't have to mess with registration. Buyer beware.

x

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:13:46 -0500

I have a husky/lab cross which makes him either a labsky or a huskador, but he is a great shelter dog and not an intentional mix. The purpose of the various poodle mixes is to hopefully combine the non-shedding hypoallergenic qualities of the poodle with desirable qualities of other breeds. I am not sure the purpose of the puggle. There are lots of small dogs out there, including, beagles and pugs and lots of unintentional mixed breeds.

stefanie

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:11:21 -0500

this are apt to be dumb, dumb dogs. although lovable and sweet, pugs and beagles are two of the dumbest breeds out there. i fear for these coming "dogtards" and for their owners.

adopt

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:09:11 -0500

seriously - adopt. petfinder.com ASPCA

Karen

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:03:38 -0500

The purebred breeds were created by breeding dogs with different qualities. They didn't spring up fully formed through some sort of doggy intelligent design. Mixing two breeds can creates a new breed. Or you can call them mutts. Semantics, people, semantics.

smitty

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 13:50:54 -0500

petfinder.org, my friends, petfinder.org.

M-J Milloy

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 13:35:39 -0500

Why does anyone feel the need to try to "improve" on a pug, the more perfect and noble of any dog breed?

pugsley

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:59:31 -0500

The puggle is the best dog ever.

Dirk

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:54:26 -0500

Growing up, our family had a Chihuahua-Daschund mutt. From now on, I'm going to say he's a fany pedigree dog... a Dashuahua... or perhaps a Chischund...

Lynn

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:27:25 -0500

as the proud mother of 2 shelter mutts, I agree with Jen, ADOPT MORE DOGS instead of breeding new ones to suit your fancy bag.

oh man

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:25:45 -0500

this one in the picture is actually cute. I knew one (with an appropriately irritating name) and it was the ugliest, most cracked out dog I have ever come into contact with. And yes, hr, it is a mutt. A $900 mutt.

rev pays

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:12:11 -0500

that's one freaky looking dog. Perfect for practicing punt kicks.

shiner

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:05:48 -0500

When you stated "Is science going too far?", are you saying that they perform artificial insemination? I always thought that they just put two dogs in the same room to let them do their thing. I guess that takes longer. Sorry i am ignorant.

s

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:05:34 -0500

Dog or Big-Eye Art? http://besmirched.tripod.com/guide.html

Carolyn

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:00:29 -0500

I have a 6 year old Jack Russell-Shih Tzu mix. It was an "accident" between an 8 year old JRT mom and an 8 month old Shih Tzu dad and everyone of the puppies from the litter was adopted and found a loving home. Needless to say I think Daisy, my Jack-Shit, is the cutest dog out there and I wonder why the breed hasn't caught on when there are all of these other goofy mixes. I have only met one other Jack-shit, and it was very cute and friendly- and I wonder why this cross-breed hasn't taken off, despite the profane name.

g

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 11:59:59 -0500

If you call it a "certified pre-owned vehicle" instead of a "used car," you'll get more money for it. Give it a cute name or call it a "custom breed" and you'll make fashion-conscious suckers part with more money than they would for a mutt. Cute, but not $900 cute.

hr

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 11:51:55 -0500

It's called a mutt. When you breed two different types of dogs, you can't create a new breed, give it a cute marketable name. They're called mutts.