Beagle Dog
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Miniature Beagles/ Pocket Beagles
The Truth Behind Pocket Beagles
There is no such recognized breed as the Miniature Beagle, Pocket Beagle or any other name that implies that there is a separate and distinct dog breed, smaller than the standard Beagle.
There is only one official Beagle dog breed.
There is only one official Beagle dog breed.
Long ago in Medieval times, there was a small Beagle breed, referred to as a Pocket Beagle. Those dogs stood 8 to 9 inches. They were small enough to fit in a 'pocket' or saddlebag of hunters, thus giving them this name.
Queen Elizabeth I often entertained guests at her royal table by letting her Pocket Beagles cavort amid their plates and cups. This type of beagle is extinct, it's genetic lines lost forever, its heritage left to the imagination.
In these modern times, the only official Beagle breed ranges from 20 lbs. ( 9.07 kg) to 25 lbs. (11.34kg). Its height ranges from 13 inches (33 cm) to 16 inches (40.6 cm) depending on the official dog registration standards.
For example, the AKC recognizes 1 Beagle breed in 2 varieties: 13 inches in height (33 cm) & between 13 and 15 inches in height (33-38 cm). Other registries recognize 1 variety of the breed which is 13-16 inches in height ( 33-40.6 cm).
Queen Elizabeth I often entertained guests at her royal table by letting her Pocket Beagles cavort amid their plates and cups. This type of beagle is extinct, it's genetic lines lost forever, its heritage left to the imagination.
In these modern times, the only official Beagle breed ranges from 20 lbs. ( 9.07 kg) to 25 lbs. (11.34kg). Its height ranges from 13 inches (33 cm) to 16 inches (40.6 cm) depending on the official dog registration standards.
For example, the AKC recognizes 1 Beagle breed in 2 varieties: 13 inches in height (33 cm) & between 13 and 15 inches in height (33-38 cm). Other registries recognize 1 variety of the breed which is 13-16 inches in height ( 33-40.6 cm).
How small must Beagles be before the public realizes that there is no such official breed as the Pocket Beagle?
Why do We Hear About Miniature Beagles?The media and other sources convey that having a tiny dog is "special". This is seen often with other breeds beside the Beagle such as the Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. Some breeders will advertise Pocket Beagles to meet the public's demand for a tiny dog. Long ago, there was a "Pocket Beagle", but this type of dog has long been extinct.
Are There Tiny Beagles?
There are Beagles who are much smaller than the breed standard and these dogs are bred unethically or are not purebred Beagles. Real Pocket Beagles are extinct, the bloodlines gone forever. Today's Beagles who are far under the breed standard weight will usually have many health issues. They can have underdeveloped organs, diabetes, thyroid problems and more. And let's not forget that they are not a separate breed.
Tip: During Medieval times when the "Pocket Beagle" existed, the term "Beagle" meant any hound dog and was not the breed that we know of today. How do Beagles Become Little?
Beagles can be bred down to sizes much smaller than nature intended by the process of breeding together "runt" dogs. Since a "runt" dog can be susceptible to many health issues, this takes those health issues and pushes them down the breeding line. This is unethical, to say the least.
In other cases, a Beagle is bred with another dog breed. In some cases, the puppy will resemble a Beagle, but will have the genes of a smaller dog breed; thus making the dog tiny.
What to do if you have a Pocket Beagle
If you were not aware of the major health issues that can occur and you do have a miniature Beagle dog, you must be aware of the very probable health issues.
The most common canine health problems to be aware of are:
- Hypoglycemia - a fast drop in blood sugar which can be fatal
- Organs that do not develop properly - This can cause everything from heart failure to liver problems
- Tooth disease
- Diabetes
As with any small dog, be careful where you step and take care in regard to sofas and beds. You may wish to obtain doggie steps so that he or she does not jump off of high objects, as this can cause injury.
Even More Advice
Owning a Beagle = giving daily, loving care. Owning a "smaller than average" Beagle = giving even more important care. This section is an overview, as a caring owner needs a huge amount of information to provide perfect care for:
- The Environment
- Emotional Happiness
- Physical Health
