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Puggle’s Willful Temperament​​: Tips On Taming Your Unruly Fur Baby

Got an adorable Puggle pup? I’m certain that now your life is far from being boring, for sure! This designer dog is full of character, spunk, and quirky personality.

puggle willful temperament
Puggle’s Willful Temperament

It has this unique ability to amuse each and everyone around it. The first Puggle pup was born in Wisconsin, when its breeder, Wallace Havens, decided to cross a Pug with a Beagle. This took place in 1980 when designer dog breeds started gaining extreme popularity again after a 1960s toy breed success.

It got the best of both worlds: a friendly, spontaneous Pug’s personality, and a playful, active Beagle’s character. However, both parent breeds are also known for their extreme stubbornness. Therefore prepare for a double shot of a Puggle’s willful temperament.  

We are going to look into his personality in detail a little later. For now, let’s discuss Puggle’s main characteristics to better understand it. 

Puggle’s Main Characteristics

Weight

Puggles usually weigh up to 30 pounds on average with females weighing a little less: up to 25 lbs. The Puggle breed inherits the Pug’s tendency to gain weight, therefore an owner has to control its portions. As soon as you notice that it starts getting chubbier, it is time to cut down the meal size. For example, if it eats 2 cups a day, cut down to 1.5 cups.  

Height

Males are always taller than females: 9-15 in and 8-13/14 in respectively. Puggles are a little taller than their wrinkled ancestors due to the Pug/Beagle crossbreeding. The latter’s bloodline helps not only add inches to the Puggle’s frame but also a longer muzzle and wider nostrils to assist with better breathing. 

Adaptability

A Puggle is a child of a toy breed Pug and a medium-sized Beagle pup. Hence, it is not going to be large size-wise, but, rather, close to toy group canines. Because of that, it can fit into practically any type of household: apartment, condo, or a big house.

Therefore, don’t get discouraged if you have always wanted a Puggle pup, but thought you don’t have enough roaming space. Your pooch will be just fine, trust me! The only thing you will have to do as a daily routine is take it on a few 15 to 20-minute walks during the day to let its energy burn. They are a lot more active than their Pug parent.  

Trainability

Here is where it gets tricky. Puggles are not dumb, by no means. However, Puggle’s willful temperament gets in the way of successful training practices.

As we briefly mentioned above, Puggles get the stubbornness gene from both parents, so it is double trouble in their case. They have to understand exactly why they have to perform certain commands, and what’s the reason behind them behaving a certain way. And, most importantly, what they will get in return for being good.

Positive reinforcement techniques have to become every pet parent’s mantra for life. Your Puggle has to associate threats with the necessity to be on its best behavior and follow its master’s lead like it would follow a wolf’s pack leader in the wild. 

Don’t try to teach it all the commands at once. Your Puggle’s disposition is to learn one thing at a time at its own pace. Try not to rush it. Both of you will eventually get where you want to be. 

Temperament

A Puggle’s playful temperament can be both a blessing and a curse. On the good side, they can get along with anybody, be it a two-legged human or a four-legged canine counterpart. Playfulness is in their DNA, thanks to both ancestors.

They can have fun with a Kong toy, trying to solve its puzzle, or happily run in the dog park with the wind blowing in their face and its tail going 100 miles an hour. The last statement was not evaluated for accuracy, by the way. However, sometimes their high energy can be quite a burden and very annoying to other canines.

So what do you do to successfully tame your unruly Puggle?   

Ways To Deal With A Puggle’s Willful Temperament

Positive Reinforcement

This is one of the key strategies to deal with a Puggle’s dominating behavior.  Try to give your furry pal some time to process what you want them to do (like learning a command). It genuinely wants to please.

Therefore if you use its favorite treats as a positive stimulus and incorporate repetition, you will very soon see desirable results. 

Early Canine Socialization

Another crucial obedience element. The earlier you introduce your pal to other pooches, the better behaved it will be in the long run! Dogs are social creatures just like people and they need interaction for both physical and mental health.

So, use the power of dog runs, doggie daycares, or playdates to help your pup unwind and make new friends!    

Physical Activity

You have probably heard the expression “A good dog is a tired dog” many times, I bet. Well, it is not too far from the truth! Puggles need to channel their limitless energy into active play.

Hence they won’t be destructive around the house. Try to devote some time to your precious pal by playing fetch, taking it on a lengthy walk, or bringing it to a dog park for the much-needed running-around session.   

Mental Stimulation

Goes hand-in-hand with the above-mentioned physical activity. A well-rounded dog gets both types regularly. Mental health is important for behavioral problem prevention down the road.

Not that Puggles are known for viciousness anyway. However, if their minds are not working the same as their bodies, a pet parent will get a taste of a Puggle’s willful temperament very soon. 

Professional Help

If none of the above seems to work 100%, it might be a good idea to chat with a professional trainer. He/she can put your disobedient Puggle fella on the right track to success and provide the necessary tips on how to handle its stubbornness. Yet, trainers may be very expensive!

In case you don’t have the funds yet to pay for puppy obedience classes, just pull up a few good YouTube videos and take in some helpful cues from the best in the dog training industry.  

puggle temperament
Puggle’s Temperament

Curl-Up

Whether you are just now noticing the first signs of your Puggle’s willful temperament or you have been dealing with it for quite some time, it is never too late to start good obedience practices. The helpful training strategies we’ve just covered will lead to much better behavior in the future from a Puggle fella. The main thing is to be patient, and consistent.

Remember, you are the pack leader, not your Puggle! If you establish yourself as an authority from the very beginning, it will be easier for you to tame your fluffy wild hybrid child and develop a one-of-a-kind bond.   

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.