All About Miniature Beagles
With the rise of designer dogs, some dog lovers are wincing while others are enthusiastically embracing the latest canine adaptation to life with humans. While many designer dogs types are hybrids (like the comical Labradoodle and the adorable Puggle), many more are miniaturized versions of their better-known counterparts. A miniature Keeshond, for example, fails to get dropped jaws. One of the more popular “teacup” types is the miniature Beagle.
Beagles themselves are miniature versions of the mighty Foxhounds (English or American) that are big, elegant, strong dogs. Beagles were bred for the hunt, as well as Jack Russels. A usual English foxhunting pack had a few “couples” of Beagles to get into places the big Foxhounds couldn’t, and Jack Russels to get into the places even the Beagles couldn’t get into. Beagles have always had a height variation in their breed. This is why in America they are shown in two classes ? for Beagles up to thirteen inches at the withers and Beagles between thirteen and fifteen inches.
All dogs are individuals, and there will always be a Beagle that clearly hasn’t read the Beagle information handbook. But generally, the smaller the miniature Beagle, the more hyperactive and unhealthy it will be. Since these are early days yet for this Beagle type, be ready to keep the dog active, be patient and be sure you really want this type of dog. Adding any puppy or dog to your family is like adding a newborn baby.
Beagles are officially shown in two classes in AKC sanctioned shows. Beagles are measured at their withers like horses in order to determine how tall they are. There is an over thirteen inches high class and a less than thirteen inches high class. The average height of a Beagle is thirteen inches. Although a Beagle over fifteen inches tall is disqualified there is no lower height limit.
Although it might be tempting to breed your pet miniature Beagle, do yourself and the dog a favor by getting him neutered or her spayed as soon as they hit six months of age.
Neutering and spaying cannot only protect the dog from some cancers, but will cut out the distraction of looking for a mate so they can focus on paying more attention to you. Leave dog breeding to the professionals.
Beagles, including miniature Beagles, are usually very good with children. Beagle types used to be extremely popular in America as family dogs for this reason. Miniature Beagles are one of the quieter small dogs, but they are excellent guard dogs and will vocalize in order to warn your family (his pack) of any intruder.
They also tend to bay at animals they hope will be their prey. You need patience and a sense of humor when adopting a miniature Beagle.
Grooming Your German Shepherd the Way the Professionals Do, Part 2
