Is it a Pug? Is it a Beagle?

No! It's a Puggle!


This exceedingly good-looking young gentleman is called Barney. As he approached from a distance, I thought he was a Boxer but his curly tail seemed odd if that was the case. Barney's unusual looks are those of a new hybrid breed called a Puggle, a mix of a Pug and a Beagle, so I was thrilled to meet him.

Barney is a stunning dog, with a lovely friendly personality. He is still quite young, at 6 months, he is full of enthusiasm and energy and his fur is still puppy-soft. He loves walks and running around the park. In fact, he loves it so much, that he often runs away, the naughty boy!

Barney's owners told me that he is being trained to be more obedient. I am sure they will succeed as he looks like a very clever dog to me. He immediately worked out that the box in my hand contained treats, and he gave me his paw without me even asking for it. He inherited the supreme sense of smell from his Beagle ancestors so he loves food and indulges in picking scraps of food off the pavement. Mind you, it must be that pesky dog trait, as my Dachshund, Kevin, does exactly the same thing!

It was a pleasure to meet Barney. He is not only very charming but also a beautiful example of his breed. Puggles are playful and energetic like Beagles but have the relaxed and home-loving characteristics of their Pug side, which makes them an ideal pet.

A dog who lunches

I met Rio today in Old Compton Street in Soho. He was sprawled on the floor next to his owner, who was having a lunch with a friend.

Rio is a cheerful and friendly 18-month-old old beagle with a beautiful white and strawberry blond coat. He looks pampered and groomed like a typical Soho dog who lunches. Note his beautiful amber eyes. In fact, I was so mesmerised by them that, in no time, I was feeding Rio dog treats!

His owner told me that Rio, true to his hunting pedigree, scavenges like mad and runs away during walks. He is such a charmer, however, that he is quickly forgiven!

See another Beagle, from North London, who is a lady of leisure: Liffey

More about Beagles: The Beagle Club

A lady of leisure

This is Liffey, doing her best rendition of that Marylin Monroe dress moment from "The Seven Year Itch" on Broadway. Broadway in London's Crouch End, that is.

I met Liffey this morning, pretty as a picture, as she was waiting for her owner to finish his coffee. Liffey is a sweet and very docile Beagle bitch. She is a rather well travelled and cosmopolitan dog. She was born in Australia, lived in Singapore and moved to London a couple of years ago.

She posed for me patiently and sat when I asked her to sit. Which is more than you can say of my Dachshund Kevin, who only sits for treats! She is placid, loves children and is very friendly. Her owner told me that the only time she goes wild is when her beagle tracking instinct kicks in, and she scavenges for bones on the street. Very unladylike, Liffey!

Beagles are hunting dogs that hunt in packs. They are athletic, love exercise and make great pets, but need discipline. Their sense of smell is so superb tha they often get carried away, so they may be disobedient during walks.

More about Beagles: The Beagle Club in UK