The Puggle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Beagle and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.

As pets, puggles have the mild mannered yet playful "lap dog" qualities often associated with pugs, mixed with the more energetic tendencies typical of the hunting qualities of a beagle. Cheerful clowns who love to play but then quickly tire for a short nap, puggles are mid-sized dogs that make excellent house pets, and many puggle owners testify to their winning personality as one of their strongest points.

Puggles tend to be affectionate, and are known for their ability to get along well with children. They retain the friendly, laid-back disposition of both breeds, but while their size makes them suitable for apartment residents, they need a bit more exercise and attention than some traditional apartment dogs (pugs included).

Inheriting the hunting instincts of beagles, Puggles often display a propensity to chase squirrels, rabbits, and other backyard intruders. These dogs also may exhibit a tendency to stalk such prey, and owners would be well advised to monitor their dogs if the home is in an area noted for rodents and smaller marsupials such as opossums.

Puggles tend to exhibit high levels of athleticism, and enjoy field trials, agility trials and obedience. Some canine clubs offer these events to mixed breed dogs. Puggles take after their purebred relatives when it comes to participation in dog shows, and they have the reputation of being relatively easy to train.