Puggle Grooming

Puggles, as hybrid mixes of the Pug and the Beagle, have short, smooth coats that don't require a lot of care. The coats are double-layered, so they do shed some (especially during shedding season), but consistent brushing will help with that. If your Puggle has lots of wrinkles like the Pug, those will need a bit of extra attention--but otherwise, Puggle grooming is pretty easy overall.

Here you'll find info about maintaining the Puggle coat, including specific details on brushing and bathing. You'll also learn about caring for these hybrids' teeth, ears, and paws--and you'll discover exactly why shaving a Puggle's coat is never a good idea.

Get answers to your questions about Puggle grooming in the following sections!

Overall Puggle grooming doesn't take a lot of work--and likewise, caring for these hybrids' short, smooth, double-layered coats isn't too time-consuming.

The double coats do shed some, though, particularly during the spring (and sometimes fall) shedding season. For most of the year, owners can brush their Puggles once or twice per week with a bristle brush or grooming glove to minimize the shedding; daily brushing during shedding season is best. To brush a Puggle, first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth.

Baths are only necessary every 2-3 months for these hybrids--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is called for. When bathing a Puggle, be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans has a different pH and will irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the coat thoroughly; leftover soap residue will cause skin irritation as well.

If your Puggle has a lot of skin wrinkles like its Pug parent, the wrinkles will need some extra attention, or they'll invite fungus or yeast infections. When drying the dog after a bath, make sure the skin in the wrinkles is completely dry--and in between baths, check the wrinkles for excess dirt or debris. Wipe the areas with a damp cloth if needed.

In regards to haircuts, Puggles' coats are simply too short to sport any other hairstyle than their natural one. (See the Styling & Haircuts section below for more info.)

And while it's entirely possible for owners to learn all aspects of Puggle grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take your Puggle to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Puggle at home.

Puggle coats are short--so no haircuts are necessary.

Even so, some people think that shaving a Puggle coat will reduce shedding, and help keep the dog cool on hot days. As any groomer will tell you, though, both these ideas are myths. On double-coated dogs, the shed hairs come from the undercoat--so unless the dog is shaved bald (which is never a good idea!), the undercoat remains and the dog's coat still sheds. The only difference is that the shed hairs would be shorter.

The double coat also acts as your Puggle's natural climate control system. The coat traps warm air between the layers in cold temperatures (and it does the same with cool air in hot weather), thereby regulating the animal's body temperature. A shaved Puggle won't have that natural insulation, and will be much more susceptible to heatstroke, sunburn, and frostbite.

So to anyone thinking of shaving their Puggle: put those clippers away!

In addition to its coat, your Puggle will need regular maintenance in other areas.

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Puggle teeth need regular brushing to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Puggle bad breath! Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week using a regular toothbrush--but be sure to use canine toothpaste (available at pet stores or online), as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If your Puggle's ears aren't cleaned periodically, they'll collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly with canine ear cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.
• Nails: Puggle nails will click on hard surfaces if they get too long, and this means it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible. Be careful not to cut them too short, though! Doing so can cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), which will make the nail bleed and be painful.
• Paw Pads: Your Puggle's paw pads can get dry, cracked, and tender, especially if the dog walks a lot on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer to the pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.