[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

A relative is looking at getting a puggle, and although I've mentioned that they generally come from puppy farms and if she's really determined to get one she should get a rescue, she's apparently found a "reputable" place that doesn't deal with puppy farms.
Am I right in thinking this is BS she's being told, or is there actually any possibility of buying a new cross breed like this without it involving a puppy farm? And has anyone with pug experience got any info on the breathing issues? She doesn't want a purebred due to the breathing issues, but I thought I might have read something somewhere on the purebred breeders working on that issue?
Thanks

[*Ker*]

If it is a cross, it's either a puppy farm or a BYB. Neither is good.

Pug breeders are working to eradicate the breathing issues. A cross bred dog is MORE LIKELY to have the breathing problems because they don't test for anything, and don't use quality stock to start with.

[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

Thanks Ker, this is what I thought was the case. I don't like my chances of convincing her, but I figure it can't hurt to try.

[*Spikey*]

If she goes ahead, remind her to invest in pet insurance - she's going to need it.

And she should enrol in dog training asap. Both beagles and pugs are smart - and can be very, very mischevious. An untrained one is a nightmare, and untrained cross, would similarly be an unpredictable nightmare.

And I second what Ker says, there are NO ETHICAL OR REGISTERED (by state Canine Councils) Puggle breeders. She's doing this wilfully and doesn't much care.

You could send her a link to Oscar's Law if you think that might help. If you know 'where' the source of the pup is, you could also send her info about it - most of the puppy mills are known and have profiles on the net (not exactly putting them in the most positive of lights, but hey, shoe fits and all).

[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

Thanks Spikey, I'll keep all of that in mind. She's a bit of a know it all so of course she's correct in thinking a cross will avoid the breathing issues At this stage I've tried to gently explain about the lack of genetic testing in cross breeds and the lack of knowledge of bloodline. I think my next plan of attack will be on the training front - they live in a duplex with a small courtyard, so I'm assuming it's going to be an inside dog, and from the small amount of research I did when looking at beagles I can't see that being a good mix.

I feel bad because a few years ago I would've been on board with her, but reading so much on here about puppy mills has opened my eyes and made me completely change my stance on cross breeds. I don't want to make her feel awful, but I hate the idea of these things being further supported.

[*Ker*]

Beagles are gorgeous...but OMG are they hard work!!! Need a lot of exercise and training, constant stimulation...once they get a scent they're gone.

Since she wants an inside dog, remind her that pugs shed like there is no tomorrow. Beagles are heavy shedders too. So she will most likely end up with a naughty, untrained, hair machine who has all sorts of health problems.

Also, tell her about all the health problems pugs can have. And she's more likely to cop a pup with genetic problems from buying a cross. I'll speak to her about puppy mills if she wants. I could make her toes curl with the stories of the one I saw. There's an account of it on this forum if you think she'd read it.

You've learned what to avoid. And that's why we go on and on about it. Eventually, some people WILL listen. And that makes it worth it.

[erindiv]

My family had a Beagle when I was a kid and in addition to the constant shedding was the SMELL. No matter how much we bathed our Beagle (or what we washed her with) she always stunk like a stinky dog! Most hounds do.

A friend of DBF just bought a beagle pup for his girlfriend and it is methodically destroying their house chewing everything as all pups do, and already trying to dig out of their ultra-secure-oh-crap-the-puppy-got-out-again yard. They are Houdini dogs.

I am SO sick of hearing about 'reputable' BYB and 'reputable' puppy farms.

[noi'mnot]

I'm in a similar position, OP. My friend is going to get a Cavoodle. From what she refers to as a "reputable breeder" that she found through her local pet shop. I tell her and tell her about the issues with crossbreeds, the issues with puppy farms, etc, and she just smiles blankly at me. She honestly doesn't care, and it makes me sick, and deep down inside it makes me respect her a little less if she's that dismissive of her future dog's health (let alone its parents and siblings).

So I don't have any advice to give, but I do have a lot of sympathy for you and what you're trying to do in this situation. It sucks.

[Oriental lily]

I think unfortunately there is going to be always a healthy percentage of people who don't give a feck about where there pup comes from.

They hear what they want to hear. Nothing more.


Does not help that Don Burke is rather respected in the general community and he thinks these designer breeds and their 'hybrid vigour' is the best thing since sliced bred! .

Op give her the info then leave her to it.

You can lead a horse to water............ And all that jazz.