The Pocket Beagle is a miniature version of the traditional Beagle breed, weighing between 7-15 pounds and standing between 10-13 inches tall. They are a popular companion dog due to their friendly and energetic nature.
One of the key characteristics of the Pocket Beagle is their short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. This makes them a great choice for busy owners who don't want to spend a lot of time on dog grooming.
Pocket Beagles are prone to baying, a trait inherited from their larger Beagle ancestors. This can be a challenge for owners who live in apartments or have noise restrictions, but with proper training, it can be managed.
Their small size and short coats make them well-suited for city living, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and some playtime should be enough to keep them satisfied.
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Coat and Grooming
The pocket beagle's coat is relatively easy to manage, but it does shed year-round, with heavier shedding in the spring as they lose their winter coat.
Their coats are short, smooth, and straight, growing thicker in the colder months, and are somewhat resistant to rain, but they still need regular baths and grooming.
A weekly brush is a must to keep their coat healthy and prevent shedding, and you'll also need to trim their nails if they don't wear down on their own.
Coat Types
Pocket beagles have a short, smooth, straight coat that tends to grow thicker in the colder months. They have average shedding year-round, with shedding picking up during the spring as they lose their winter coat.
Their coats are somewhat resistant to rain, but they still need a bath and groom from time to time. Pocket beagles require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best.
Do You Need to Groom?
Grooming a pocket beagle is relatively low-maintenance, but it's still an essential part of their overall care. They need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and to shed their fur.
A weekly brush is recommended for your pocket beagle to keep their coat in top condition. This will help prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding season.
Their coat grows thicker in the colder months, so you'll need to brush them more frequently to keep up with their shedding. This is a normal process, and it's just a sign that their coat is adapting to the changing weather.
Pocket beagles also need occasional baths to stay clean and fresh. Their coat is somewhat resistant to rain, but they can still get dirty and smelly if they're not bathed regularly.
Regular grooming also includes nail trims, which can be done at home or at the groomers. If their nails don't wear down on their own, you'll need to take them to the groomers for regular trims.
Overall, grooming a pocket beagle is a straightforward process that requires some regular attention. With a weekly brush and occasional baths, they'll stay healthy and happy.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Pocket Beagle is an extremely friendly dog that makes a great companion and loves to be around people. They're wary of strangers, making them a great watchdog.
They're not well suited to small families that spend a lot of time at work because they don't like to be left alone too long. They're also inquisitive and will follow you around the home as you do your daily chores.
Pocket beagles are gentle, friendly, playful, and loving, making them a wonderful addition to any family. They enjoy spending time with their families and love to exercise and play.
They love to cuddle with their families and make friends with new people or animals. Expect your pocket beagle to be loving, intelligent, and alert, though a little bit mischievous when it comes to stealing food and causing trouble out of boredom.
Pocket beagles are highly intelligent and will pick up tricks or commands quickly. They can be house-trained from a young age with relative ease.
They're pack animals, meaning they love hanging out with their families and other animals. They're also very playful and love spending time outdoors, followed by a cuddle and a good snooze.
Pocket beagles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. You should never leave your pocket beagle alone for long hours.
Behavior and Training
Pocket beagles can be stubborn and may require patience and consistency when training.
They are intelligent and love learning, but may not focus for long periods of time.
Setting aside 5-10 minutes each day for training sessions can help keep them engaged.
Holding them after a walk or at a specific time can also help establish a routine.
Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is a great way to encourage good behavior.
It can take weeks or months for a pocket beagle to learn a new trick, even with their high intelligence.
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With proper training and care, you can reduce excessive barking and noise from your pocket beagle.
Training their noisy habits from a young age can make a big difference in their behavior as adults.
Socialization and obedience training are key to encouraging a positive attitude in your pocket beagle.
With proper care and attention, pocket beagles can make great companions for new dog owners.
Do They Bark?
Pocket beagles can be quite loud, and they may bark or bay a lot.
Their barking is especially common if they're bored, anxious, or haven't been properly trained.
You won't be able to stop their barking completely, even with training and proper care.
However, training and proper care can reduce excessive noise.
This pup also has a distinctive howl that helps when they're utilized as a hunting dog.
You can start training their noisy habits at a young age to minimize future problems.
Are Aggressive?
Aggressive behavior in dogs can be a concern for many owners. Pocket beagles are not known to be aggressive.
Socialization is key to encouraging a positive attitude in your dog. You can encourage this by socializing them properly as a puppy.
Trainability
Training your Pocket Beagle can be a fun experience, but it requires patience and consistency. They can be stubborn at times, so it's essential to start training from a young age.
With the right motivations and positive reinforcement, Pocket Beagles can learn new skills and tricks. Treats and praise are great ways to encourage good behavior.
It's not uncommon for Pocket Beagles to get distracted easily, so training sessions should be short and sweet. 5-10 minutes a day is a good starting point.
To keep your Pocket Beagle focused, try holding them after a long walk or at a specific time each day. This can help establish a routine and make training easier.
Remember, even highly intelligent breeds like the Pocket Beagle can take weeks or months to learn a new trick. Don't get discouraged if progress is slow.
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Exercise
The Pocket Beagle is an active dog that requires plenty of activity to stay happy and healthy. They have a strong prey drive and will enjoy games that incorporate a rolling ball.
You'll need to set aside at least 30 minutes each day to take your Pocket Beagle for a long walk or have it chase after a ball. This can be a great way to bond with your dog and get some exercise together.
Pocket Beagles can adapt to small spaces easily, but they still need lots of exercise outside of the apartment. This includes daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Proper training and care can help combat the potential for weight gain in Pocket Beagles. Make sure to monitor their diet and provide plenty of exercise to keep them at a healthy weight.
Remember, Pocket Beagles are loving and playful dogs that thrive on interaction and exercise. With regular playtime and attention, they'll be happy to spend time with you all day, every day.
Can You Show?
If your pocket beagle is within the American Kennel Club's standard beagle parameters, you might be able to show them.
Other organizations may accept your pocket beagle, especially those dedicated to all breeds of beagles, so it's worth looking into other options.
You can't show a pocket beagle that's too small, as it won't qualify for the standard beagle category.
The National Beagle Club of America website is a great resource to learn more about showing your pocket beagle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pocket beagles rare?
There is no such thing as a "pocket beagle" as a recognized breed, and the term is often used to describe small beagles that may be a result of irresponsible breeding or misidentification.
How much does a Pocket Beagle cost?
The cost of a Pocket Beagle can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on factors like breeder reputation and pedigree. Adopting a Pocket Beagle from an animal rescue may also be a more affordable option.
What is the difference between a Pocket Beagle and a regular beagle?
Pocket Beagles differ from regular Beagles in their unique body shape, with wider heads, bulging eyes, and a more distended stomach. This distinct appearance is due to their breed characteristics, making them a lovable and recognizable variation.
What are pocket beagles mixed with?
Pocket beagles are often mixed with other breeds, such as mini dachshunds or chihuahuas, to achieve their small size. In some cases, breeders also inbreed runts to produce the desired compact size.
How big does a Pocket Beagle get?
A Pocket Beagle typically grows to 7-12 inches tall and weighs 7-15 pounds, depending on its lineage and parents' size. They are approximately 25-50% smaller than standard-sized Beagles.
Sources
- Pocket Beagle: Dog Breed Guide (dogacademy.org)
- Olde English Pocket Beagle Registry (oepbr.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Beagles R Us (beaglesrus.org)
- Pocket Beagle Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- A post shared by Carlos (@carlosthepocketbeagle) (instagram.com)
- Pocket Beagle vs. Beagle: Key Differences (a-z-animals.com)
- Pocket Beagle vs. Regular Beagle: What Are the Differences? (pawcited.com)
- Pocket Beagle vs. Beagle: What’s the Difference? (hepper.com)
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