Miniature Beagle Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Beagle Puppy Looking at Camera
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Miniature Beagle Puppies are a popular breed, but they're not a separate breed from the standard Beagle. They're simply smaller Beagles.

Their small size is due to selective breeding, which has resulted in adults weighing between 18 and 30 pounds.

One of the best things about Miniature Beagle Puppies is their friendly and curious nature.

They're great with children and make excellent family pets, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

For another approach, see: Beagle Laboratory Rescue

Temperament and Training

The Pocket Beagle is an extremely friendly dog that makes a great companion and loves to be around people. They're wary of strangers, so they make a great watchdog.

They have average intelligence and are smart enough to learn several tricks, but training can be challenging due to their short attention span. You'll need to be patient and consistent.

Holding them after a long walk can help keep them focused during training, and setting aside 5-10 minutes each day for training sessions is a good idea. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is also key.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Important Tips for First Time Beagle Owners

The Pocket Beagle has a very similar temperament to the standard Beagle, being intelligent, friendly, loyal, and curious. They love to be the center of attention, but they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time.

If they're left alone for too long, they can become destructive and start exhibiting unwanted behaviors. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to entertain themselves and be left alone for short periods.

As a scent hound, the Pocket Beagle has a strong instinct to follow smells, which can sometimes lead them to wander off. They need a lot of stimulation to keep themselves happy and engaged.

Training them properly and socializing them from a young age will get rid of any unwanted behavior and ensure they don't develop any bad habits.

Suggestion: Beagle Dogs

Health and Care

The Pocket Beagle is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

They only need a weekly brush to remove dead hair and dirt, and to promote growth. You can use a rubber grooming glove or a bristle brush for this.

Beagles don't need regular baths, unless they've gotten into something smelly. Trimming their nails from time to time is also a good idea.

Brushing their teeth as often as possible can help prevent decay and dental disease.

See what others are reading: How to Groom a Miniature Poodle

Health and Conditions

Close-Up Photography of Beagle
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Photography of Beagle

As a Pocket Beagle owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs, and it can cause seizures and tremors.

Epilepsy is often manageable with the right care and attention, but it does require owners to keep a journal detailing episodes to help doctors take the appropriate action.

Patellar luxation is another condition that can affect smaller dog breeds like the Pocket Beagle. It occurs when the patellar ligament stretches, allowing the kneecap to slide out of place.

Surgery is usually required to fix the ligament and prevent further issues.

Some serious conditions that can affect Pocket Beagles include cataracts, which can cause vision loss due to a cloudy lens, and deafness, which can occur in one or both ears.

Cataracts can be treated with surgery, but it's essential to catch the issue early to prevent vision loss. Deafness can be detected early in life, but it's a serious issue that breeders are working to prevent through selective breeding.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Pocket Beagles:

  • Epilepsy
  • Patellar luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Deafness
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Congenital heart defects (including heart failure and Pulmonic Stenosis)

Grooming

Credit: youtube.com, Personal Health Hygiene and Grooming

The Pocket Beagle's grooming needs are relatively low-maintenance. You should brush their coat about once a week to keep it free of debris.

Brushing their coat regularly will help prevent ear infections by keeping their floppy ears clean and dry. You can use a brush or a rubber grooming glove to comb through their thick double coat.

Increasing the frequency of brushing to twice a week during shedding season can help manage the extra fur. This usually occurs in the fall and spring.

Manually brushing your Pocket Beagle's teeth as frequently as possible with pet-safe toothpaste can help slow the progression of dental disease. Trimming their nails if you hear them clicking on the floor is also a good idea.

Lifespan

The Pocket Beagle is known for its remarkable lifespan, which typically ranges from 12 to 15 years. This means you'll have plenty of time to build a strong bond with your furry friend. They're a long-term companion that will be with you through many happy memories.

Nutrition and Exercise

Credit: youtube.com, Complete Beagle Feeding Guide (Puppies to adult beagles) | What To Feed | How Much to Feed

As a new miniature beagle puppy parent, you're probably wondering how to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. First, let's talk about nutrition. Your Pocket Beagle will require plenty of high-quality food, with real meat like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb as the first ingredient.

It's essential to choose a brand that provides real fruits and vegetables, omega fats, and probiotics to keep your pet thriving. Use dry food as often as possible because the crunching can help scrape away plaque and tartar to slow the progression of dental disease.

One cup of high-quality kibble a day is a good starting point, but be sure to check the back of the dog food packet to ensure the correct amount for your pup's size and weight. Split this into two or three meals throughout the day, and limit snacks and treats to avoid obesity.

Now, let's move on to exercise. Your Pocket Beagle is an active dog that needs at least 30 minutes of activity daily. Take them on a long walk or engage in playtime in the garden, where they can run around freely.

Discover more: Real Puppy Dogs

Food & Diet

Tri-color Beagle and West Highland White Terrier Puppies Playing on Lawn Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Tri-color Beagle and West Highland White Terrier Puppies Playing on Lawn Grass

Your Pocket Beagle is a high-energy dog that requires plenty of high-quality food.

Choose a brand that lists real meat like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb as the first ingredient, and avoid brands that list corn or soy first.

The small Beagle would overeat if given the chance, so make sure to monitor food intake and not give them scraps.

They should be eating around 1 cup of high-quality kibble a day, split into two or three meals throughout the day.

Avoid giving too many snacks or treats, as obesity in dogs can lead to canine diabetes.

Use dry food as often as possible because the crunching can help scrape away plaque and tartar to slow the progression of dental disease.

You can always purchase a "fun-feeder or slow-down bowl" for them to eat out of if you think your dog is eating too quickly.

Exercise

Exercise is a must for Pocket Beagles, who need at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to stay happy and healthy.

Cute beagle puppy dog ​​on the grass.
Credit: pexels.com, Cute beagle puppy dog ​​on the grass.

They love to be outside playing and exploring their surroundings, which is why taking them on a long walk is a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation.

With their strong prey drive, games that involve chasing a ball or other toys are a great way to keep them entertained and active.

In fact, one of the best things you can do for your Pocket Beagle is to take them to new places, where they can sniff out new scents and experiences.

However, it's essential to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with traffic, as they can easily become distracted and run off in pursuit of a scent.

In a secure, off-lead area like a garden, your Pocket Beagle can run around freely and really let loose, burning off energy and having fun.

For your interest: Great Pyrenees Puppy Care

History and Origin

The Pocket Beagle breed has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century in England. They were originally bred to be small enough to sit in Queen Elizabeth I's pocket during hunts.

Take a look at this: Pocket Bully Pups

Credit: youtube.com, Pocket Beagles - Do They Really Exist? - History of the Beagle Breed

In medieval times, the name "Beagle" referred to any small hound, not a specific breed of dog. The Beagle as we know it today was bred around the 11th century.

The Talbot Hound, a now extinct breed, was brought to England by William the Conquer and bred with Greyhounds to produce the modern day Beagle. This unique breeding process created the foundation for the Pocket Beagle breed.

Pocket Beagles were first recorded in England in the 15th century, and they were often nicknamed the Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle. They were truly a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I's, who owned many of them.

Comparison and Cost

A Pocket Beagle puppy is known as a designer dog and you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,500 per puppy from a breeder. If you're on a tighter budget, local shelters often have Beagles in need of a home.

If buying from a breeder is out of your price range, you can also consider adopting an adult Beagle from a shelter, which can be a more affordable option.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,500 per puppy from a breeder, or potentially less when adopting from a shelter.

Vs Standard

Beagle Dog by the Street
Credit: pexels.com, Beagle Dog by the Street

If you're considering bringing a Pocket Beagle or a Standard Beagle into your family, one of the key differences to consider is their size. Standard Beagles are significantly larger and more robust than Pocket Beagles.

In terms of lifespan, Standard Beagles can live up to 5 years longer than Pocket Beagles, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years compared to 7 to 9 years.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds in terms of size and energy levels:

This can impact how much exercise and attention each breed requires.

Cost Estimate

A Pocket Beagle puppy can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500 from a breeder. This is a significant investment, but it's worth considering if you're set on bringing one of these adorable dogs home.

If you're on a tighter budget, you can also consider adopting a Beagle from a local shelter. They often have adult Beagles who need a loving home, and the adoption fee is usually much lower than buying from a breeder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a miniature beagle get?

A miniature beagle typically grows to 7-12 inches tall and weighs between 7-15 pounds. Their adult size depends on their lineage and parents' size.

Are miniature Beagles rare?

Unfortunately, the original Pocket Beagles are extinct, but their legacy lives on in modern Beagles that may struggle with health issues due to being significantly under the breed standard weight.

What does a teacup Beagle look like?

A Teacup Beagle typically has a compact body with a narrow muzzle, short legs, and a slightly distended stomach, giving it a unique and endearing appearance. Their physical characteristics can vary due to crossbreeding and dwarfism, making each one special.

What breed of Beagle stays small?

Pocket beagles are a smaller version of the beagle breed, known for their playful energy and low care needs

What are Pocket Beagles mixed with?

Pocket Beagles are often mixed with other breeds, such as mini dachshunds or chihuahuas, to achieve their smaller size. Inbreeding runts is another method used to produce the desired compact size.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.