Hybrid Puggles Wiggle Their Way Into Hearts

POSTED: 1:57 pm EST November 4, 2005

NEW YORK -- New York has gone to the hybrid dogs.

The New York Post says one of the most popular dogs for families now is the puggle.

That's the cross between a pug and a beagle.

One kennel owner in Queens said people are calling him left and right for puggles. He sells his designer dogs for $650 to $900 each.

The smaller the puppy, the higher the price.

The hybrid trend was started more than 15 years ago by the Australian Labradoodle -- a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle.

Cross-breeding can produce a dog that's adorable and has a good temperament and allergy-safe fur.

The Post says even "Sopranos" tough guy James Gandolfini has bought a puggle recently.