Puggle and All

Hybrid dog brings about social networking for its human counterparts

By Jenni Terry

Jackie and Wendy Schermerhorn

It sounds like a joke my 5-year-old cousin would tell at family get-togethers: “What do you get when you cross a Pug and Beagle? Give up? A Puggle!”

Yes, “Puggle” is a rather clever-sounding name—and admittedly a little fun to say even for those slightly older than age 5. (By the way, I’d like to take a page out of Mr. William Safire’s “On Language” playbook and point out that “Puggle” is an example of what is called a portmanteau word—a linguistic blend of two or more distinct words, combining their meanings.)

But that’s the technical side of Puggledom. Jackie Schermerhorn of Ashburn has far more interesting Puggle qualities to tout. She’s the founder of the Northern Virginia Puggles Meetup on meetup.com [www.meetup.com/The-Northern-Virginia-Puggles-Meetup], which is currently 88 members-strong and growing.

“Puggles seemed to be the best of the Pug and Beagle,” she says. “Puggles are the perfect size. Not too small or big. They are extremely plucky, tough and playful, which appeals to men looking for a small dog. They are extremely loyal and enjoy snuggling—when tired—which appeals to women.”

Schermerhorn also says Puggles have a real sense of humor and are cuddly lap dogs like Pugs with the playful energy, insatiable nose and food-loving quality of the Beagle. Plus, they get along well with people, other dogs, cats and babies.

Since their sociable nature especially applies to their fellow Puggles, Schermerhorn and her Puggle Wendy founded the group, which began with monthly meetups at the Herndon Dog Park but expanded regarding meetup locations and frequency as the group grew in popularity.

“It’s great to have a breed meetup specifically, versus just going to dog parks,” Schermerhorn says.

“When having meetups of one breed, you then can have dogs of similar temperament with similar capacities to run and roughhouse, similar amounts of dominance, etc. The owners of the same breed understand the specific habits, problems or qualities these dogs have and can give wonderful advice no one else can.”

Schermerhorn says members of the group all feel they benefit from being part of a Puggle network as they frequently share tips on various items like shampoos, bark collars, doggie day care and weight management issues—which can be a struggle for Puggles.

“Puggles are a bit rare compared to many other breeds; and because they are a hybrid, one doesn’t always know what to expect or anticipate with them,” Schermerhorn says.

“Meeting other Puggles helps us all [put] their habits, good or bad, into perspective and helps [us] understand what she/he may need from a breed perspective.”

Though some may consider Puggles as one of the more popular hybrids in the wave of the so-called “designer dogs,” Schermerhorn underscores that no one should ever own a Puggle because they are considered trendy.

“It is very important to research the breed before you adopt or buy,” she says. “It is important to be aware of the temperament of that specific breed and to decide if it’s right for you and your lifestyle.”

(March 2011)