The life expectancy of dogs varies according to the dog’s breed and size. Overall, the dog’s size contrasts with its lifespan, meaning the smaller the dog, the longer it might live.

Puggles are amiable dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They are one of the most adorable dogs at your house with their cute noses. This makes them the perfect companions around your family (How Long Is a Puggle’s Lifespan? 2018).

What Exactly Is the Life Expectancy of a Puggle?

Luckily, Puggles are medium-sized, making them enjoy an average life expectancy of 12-14 years. This is shorter than the 13-15 years life expectancy of its male ancestors, the Pugs.

It’s similar to the life expectancy of most dogs but longer than the 10-15 years lifespan of its female ancestors, the Beagles (Puggle Lifespan: What You Need to Know About Your Precious Puggle, 2021).

But like all living things, Puggles are prone to certain health conditions that might shorten their lifespan, and they need to be taken care of to enjoy their life fully. Now, let’s learn about this adorable creature, its common health problems, behavior, and the best ways to take care of it.

What’s the Origin of a Puggle?

They are a hybrid breed born of a female Beagle and a male Bug. Tokic (2020) states that they were first bred in the 1980s in the United States. Wisconsin breeder Wallace Havens was the first person to purposely bred this mix.

They were bred to produce timid, loving, social, trainable, and eager dogs by mixing the playfulness of a Pug and the autonomy of a Beagle, says VetStreet (n. d.).

Being a crossbreed works in favor of Puggles, making them lucky enough to enjoy good health benefits. However, as in the case of all dogs, whether hybrid or purebred, they are prone to specific health issues and aren’t immune to health deterioration in case of neglect. 

What Are the Puggle’s Leading Causes of Death?

Despite their overall general health, Puggles are prone to some genetic health issues from their ancestors. The collective eye disease PRA, the cherry eye condition where the eyelid gland slips down, hip dysplasia, and allergies are some of the leading health problems (Oliveira, n. d.).

Plus, they are prone to breathing severe conditions like abnormalities in the stenotic nares. Although their short noses make them more likely to have breathing problems, their Beagle genes lessen the spread of these problems.

Along with their health issues is a kneecap common pop-out condition known as patellar luxation. Being overweight can also worsen their hip condition (Puggle Lifespan: What You Need to Know About Your Precious Puggle, 2021).

Hip dysplasia in them is also likely to result in difficulties in walking and arthritis. They’re also prone to getting infected because of their skin wrinkles, as Loveland (2021) states. To avoid these health issues, you must take care of Puggles and provide them with a healthy lifestyle.

How to Help a Puggle Live Longer?

To provide your Puggles with the best care to live a longer and healthy life, it’s best to focus on the following points.

A Balanced Diet

Setting a healthy, nutritious diet for your dog is the most crucial step in keeping it healthy and avoiding health problems. Because Puggles are prone to getting overweight and they love food, it’s critical to monitor their food amounts. Try to divide their meals into 2 or 3 sections (Tokic, 2020).

The food amount of your Puggle depends on its age, size, and nature. According to A-Z Animals (2022), since the food amount served to a lazy, a sleepy dog differs from the one suited to an active, hyper lifestyle.

Because Pugs have an allergy to foods such as corn, soy, and wheat, Puggles may also be allergic to the same kind of foods.

The best diet for a Puggle is high-quality, raw food. Try to avoid giving your dog food high in fats like scraps and bones, and give it treats moderately (Puggle Lifespan: What You Need To Know About Your Precious Puggle, 2021).

Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups for your dog are essential to maintain its good health. You can set a healthy diet for your dog by visiting a veterinarian and getting it fully vaccinated, says Pet Place Staff (2018).

Exercise

According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition (n. d.), because they are active, energetic dogs, Puggles require half an hour of exercise each day to avoid them acting out in such ways as barking, howling, or digging. 

Runs and games that require lots of effort aren’t suitable for Puggles because they are not athletic dogs (Oliveira, n. d.). Some exercises for your Puggle to enjoy and be healthy are exploring, swimming, playing ball, and training them to be obedient (Pet Net Id, n. d.).

Grooming

Maintaining a clean, well-groomed Puggle is essential to keep it in good shape. And according to Elliott and MRCVS (2020), you can follow these steps to groom your Puggle well:

• Wash it monthly to keep its coat clean, check its skin wrinkles for dirt, and dry it thoroughly.
• Use a brush to clean and brush your Puggle’s coat weekly because they tend to shed a lot.
• Make sure to clean its ears with wet gauze and teeth with a dog’s toothbrush or clean cotton weekly. Never use regular human toothpaste because it will make your dog ill.
• Regularly clip, clean, and dry your Puggle nails to avoid cracking and discomfort.

Training

Puggles are easy to handle and train because of their intelligence genes. However, they can also be hard-headed and sensitive, requiring you to be consistent in your training and treat them positively. Avoid negative attitudes and punishment because it’ll harm your dog rather than benefit them (Tokic, 2020).

Ensure to catch their attention with short, entertaining training sessions and give them rewards since they get bored easily. (Puggle Lifespan: What You Need to Know About Your Precious Puggle, 2021)

Sum Up

The average 12-14 years life expectancy of a Puggle makes it the perfect dog to have. They’re lovely, friendly, and affectionate family pets.

To ensure they enjoy their life thoroughly and keep their health in good shape, you must take good care of them and give them lots of attention. Caring for Puggles is easy; you just need maintenance, consistency, and love, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect companion.

Reference List

Puggle Dog Breed information. (n.d.). Vet Street. http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/puggle#history

This Is the Information You Need to Know About the Puggle. (2018, June 27). Pet Place. https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/breeds/dog-breeds/whats-the-average-weight-for-a-puggle/

Elliot, P. & MRCVS. (2020, Feb 10). How to Care for Puggles. Wiki How. https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Puggles#:~:text=Brush%20your%20Puggle’s%20coat%20once,puggle’s%20coat%20once%20per%20week

Puggle lifespan: What you need to know about your precious puggle. (n.d.). Kidadl. https://kidadl.com/fun-facts/puggle-lifespan-what-you-need-to-know-about-your-precious-puggle

Staff, P. P. (2018, June 27). How long is a puggle’s lifespan? Pet Place. https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/breeds/dog-breeds/how-long-is-a-puggle-lifespan/ 

Staff, AZ Animals. (2022, April 7). Puggle. AZ Animals. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/puggle/

Tokic, A. (2020, January 6). Puggle dog breed health, temperament, training, feeding and puppies. Pet Guide. https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/puggle/

Puggle Dog Breed: Information & Personality traits. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. (n.d.). https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/puggle 

Oliveira, A. (n.d.). Puggle. Dog Zone. https://www.dogzone.com/crossbreeds/puggle/

Loveland, M. (n.d.). How long do puggles live? Cuteness. https://www.cuteness.com/article/long-do-puggles-live

Puggle exercise needs – how much exercise do puggles need? (2020, December 2). Pet Net ID. https://petnetid.com/breed/puggle/puggle-exercise-needs/