Wondering what types of beagles are out there? This article dives into the various types, including standard 13-inch and 15-inch beagles, pocket beagles, and popular mixes. Discover the unique characteristics of each type to find the perfect beagle for you.

types of beagles

Key Takeaways

  • Beagles come in various types, including the standard 13-inch and 15-inch varieties, as well as unique mixes like Puggles and Labbes, each with distinct characteristics.
  • Beagles are friendly, adaptable, and require regular exercise; however, they are prone to health issues like obesity and eye problems that need attention.
  • Identifying purebred versus mixed beagles is crucial for care, with signature traits like a white-tipped tail for purebreds and size indicators for pocket beagles.

Find out how to train your beagle to be the well-behaved pup you desire – Read Free Report

Top 5 Types of Beagles You Should Know About

two beagles in harnesses at park

Beagles hold a rich history dating back to the 1400s, originating from hounds used for hunting in packs across England, Wales, and France. The name “Beagle” first appeared in English literature in 1475, and since then, these dogs have been celebrated for their keen sense of smell, cheerful appearance, and friendly demeanor. The first beagle comes in several types, each with unique charm.

The two primary standard-sized beagles recognized by the American Kennel Club are the 13-inch and 15-inch varieties. These standard beagles are distinguished by their sizes, with the 13-inch beagle being the smaller variety and the 15-inch beagle being slightly larger. Apart from these, there are also the famous pocket beagles, a smaller breed that dates back to the times of Queen Elizabeth I, who kept these tiny hounds as pets. These pocket beagles were also known as glove beagles because they were small enough to fit in a glove.

Beagle mixes have gained popularity over time. Puggles (beagle and pug), Poogles (beagle and poodle), and Labbes (beagle and Labrador) are some of the well-known mixes that combine the beagle’s traits with those of other breeds, resulting in delightful and distinctive dogs.

Knowing these types can help you choose a companion that fits your lifestyle and preferences. From the standard-sized to the mixed breeds, each type has something unique to offer.

Standard Beagle Varieties

Standard beagles are the cornerstone of the beagle breed, recognized by their distinct sizes and characteristics. The American Kennel Club recognizes two main varieties: the 13-inch and the 15-inch beagles. These standard-sized beagles are known for their friendly demeanor, excellent tracking abilities, and cheerful appearance.

Here are the details of these two varieties.

13-Inch Beagle

The 13-inch beagle is the smaller variety of the standard beagles, standing at no more than 13 inches tall at the shoulder. These beagles are known for their compact size and long floppy ears, which add to their adorable appearance. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable scenting abilities, with over 225 million scent receptors, making them exceptional hunting and tracking dogs. Historically, these smaller hounds were favored by royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I, who kept pocket beagles as pets.

These beagles require regular exercise, such as walks and hikes, to stay healthy. Their stubborn nature can make consistent exercise challenging. Their excellent scenting abilities make them not only great hunters but also delightful pets who are always curious and eager to explore their surroundings.

15-Inch Beagle

The 15-inch beagle is slightly larger than the 13-inch variety, standing between 13 and 15 inches tall. These standard-sized beagles are known for their loyal and alert nature, making them effective companions and watchdogs. Their alertness often comes with a tendency to bark, which further enhances their ability to act as watchdogs.

Despite their relatively smaller size, these beagles require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are not highly energetic but still benefit from activities that engage both their body and mind. Their friendly demeanor and adaptable nature make them excellent pets for families and individuals alike.

Popular Beagle Mixes

beagle puppy playing with another beagle

Beagle mixes combine the best traits of beagles with those of other breeds, resulting in unique and charming hybrids. These mixes have gained popularity for their distinctive appearances and delightful personalities.

Here are some of the most popular beagle mixes and their standout traits.

Puggle (Beagle and Pug)

The Puggle, a mix between a beagle and a pug, is recognized for its distinctive appearance, featuring a beagle’s body with a pug’s flat face. These small dogs inherit the beagle’s energy and the pug’s affectionate nature, making them friendly and playful companions. Their adorable personalities and lively spirits make them a favorite among dog lovers.

Puggles generally enjoy the company of other dogs and people, making them great pets for families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, much like their beagle parent. Their unique blend of traits from both breeds makes them a delightful addition to any household.

Poogle (Beagle and Poodle)

The Poogle is a charming mix of a beagle and a poodle, resulting in a dog with beagle colors and longer, wiry fur resembling a poodle. These small dogs are known for their wavy hair, round eyes, and family-oriented nature, making them excellent companions for children. Their adorable and lively personalities make them a joy to have around.

Poogles are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, traits inherited from their poodle parent. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them great pets for families with children and even other pets.

Labbe (Beagle and Labrador)

The Labbe, also known as a beagador or labeagle, is a mix between a beagle and a Labrador. These dogs are known for their friendly and active nature, making them excellent hunting companions. Their larger size compared to other beagle mixes makes them well-suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Labbes combine the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in a dog that is loyal, energetic, and great with children. They require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness, and their friendly demeanor makes them a popular choice among dog lovers.

Lesser-Known Beagle Mixes

beagle puppy with colorful toys

While popular beagle mixes are well-known, there are also lesser-known hybrids that combine unique traits from various breeds. These mixes often result in distinctive personalities and temperaments, making them equally delightful pets.

Here are some lesser-known beagle mixes and their special traits.

Sharp Eagle (Beagle and Shar-pei)

The Sharp Eagle, a mix between a beagle and a Shar-pei, is known for its high energy and playful nature. These small dogs come in various colors, including black, brown, and tan. Their lively spirits and exceptional sense of smell make them great companions for active families.

Sharp Eagles require daily exercise to prevent boredom and anxiety. Their unique blend of traits from both parent breeds results in a dog that is both alert and affectionate.

They are great pets for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and want a playful companion.

Peagle (Beagle and Pekingese)

The Peagle, a hybrid of a beagle and a Pekingese, is known for its silky coat and sociable nature. These dogs are affectionate, caring, smart, and funny, making them great companions for families. Their friendly disposition allows them to get along well with other pets, including cats.

Peagles thrive on human interaction and love being around their owners. They require regular grooming to maintain their silky coats, and their playful nature makes them a joy to have around. Their adaptability to various living situations makes them an excellent choice for families.

Bogle (Beagle and Boxer)

The Bogle, a mix between a beagle and a boxer, combines the playful nature of both parent breeds. These dogs are known for their energetic and friendly personalities, making them great pets for active families. They require regular brushing to manage shedding, but are generally low maintenance.

Bogles enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation, which helps keep them happy and healthy. Their unique blend of traits from both breeds results in a dog that is both loyal and playful, making them great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Identifying Your Beagle Type

Identifying whether your beagle is purebred or a mix can be challenging due to the variations in height, body length, and muzzle size. However, there are some key characteristics to look for that can help you determine your beagle’s type.

Here are some detailed identification tips.

Purebred vs. Mixed Beagles

A purebred beagle can be easily identified by its white-tipped tail. This is one of the breed’s distinctive features. This feature is often used to identify true bred beagles. However, beagles generally can vary significantly in appearance due to their breeding history, making it important to consider other factors such as height, body length, and muzzle size.

Mixed beagles, on the other hand, may display a combination of traits from both parent breeds, resulting in unique and diverse appearances. Identifying these mixes requires a keen eye and an understanding of the different types of beagles and their characteristics. Recognizing these differences can help you better care for and appreciate your beagle.

Pocket Beagle Identification

Pocket beagles are a smaller variety of beagle, typically standing between 8 to 9 inches tall. To identify a pocket beagle, measure the height from the shoulders; if it is under 9 inches, it is likely a pocket beagle. These small dogs have a compact build, playful demeanor, and unique color patterns similar to larger beagle types.

Pocket beagles weigh between 7 to 15 pounds and thrive in urban settings, making them ideal for limited spaces. Their smaller size and adorable appearance make them a popular choice among dog lovers who want a beagle but have less space for a standard-sized beagle.

Health and Care Considerations for Beagles

active beagle on leash walk

Beagles are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability in various living environments. However, maintaining their health and well-being requires attention to their diet, exercise needs, and common health issues, which can ultimately affect their life expectancy.

Here are some detailed care considerations.

Common Health Issues

Beagles are prone to several health issues that can affect their overall well-being. One of the most common problems is obesity, which often results from their tendency to overeat if food is freely available. It's essential to manage their diet and ensure they get regular exercise to avoid complications related to obesity.

Eye problems such as cherry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma are also prevalent among beagles, requiring regular veterinary check-ups to monitor and treat these conditions. Additionally, beagles can develop limber tail syndrome, a temporary condition caused by excessive wagging, leading to soreness.

Environmental allergies can also trigger skin irritation and ear infections, with about half of their ear infections being allergy-related. Hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, is another common condition in beagles, typically managed with daily medication.

Knowing these health issues can help you take steps to keep your beagle healthy and happy.

Exercise Needs

Beagles are naturally active dogs, and to keep them healthy and prevent anxiety-related behaviors, they require at least one hour of exercise daily. Engaging activities like agility or scent work not only provide physical exertion but also mental stimulation, which is crucial for their well-being. It's important to balance their activity to avoid issues like hip dysplasia—a common joint problem in Beagles—that can affect their mobility.

In addition to exercise, regular brushing and proper diet management are vital for maintaining your beagle's health. A balanced diet and moderation in treats are essential to prevent obesity and keep your beagle in top shape.

Visit our OMGBeagle shop for an array of beagle-themed apparel and products tailored to meet their energetic lifestyle. For more specialized needs, check out our ‘Essential Beagle Supplies and Accessories‘ section, which offers durable toys and agility kits designed to keep your beagle engaged and active while helping to prevent common health issues such as obesity and joint problems. Explore our carefully curated sections to find everything you need for your beagle's health and happiness!

Summary

In summary, beagles are a diverse and delightful breed with a rich history and a variety of types to choose from. Whether you prefer the standard 13-inch or 15-inch beagle, or one of the many popular or lesser-known mixes, each type of beagle brings its unique charm and characteristics. Understanding the differences between these types can help you select the perfect beagle that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

From their friendly demeanor and tracking abilities to their adaptability and health considerations, beagles make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. By providing proper care, diet, and exercise, you can ensure that your beagle remains healthy and happy. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of beagles and helped you appreciate the variety and beauty of this beloved breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between a 13-inch and a 15-inch beagle?

The main difference between a 13-inch and a 15-inch beagle is their height, with the former being no taller than 13 inches and the latter ranging from 13 to 15 inches. Despite this size variation, both types share the same lovable traits like loyalty and friendliness.

How can I identify if my beagle is a purebred?

To check if your beagle is a purebred, look for the distinctive white-tipped tail and compare its size and appearance to breed standards set by kennel clubs. If it matches these traits, chances are it's a purebred!

Are beagle mixes good for families with children?

Absolutely! Beagle mixes like Puggles and Labbes are super friendly and sociable, making them great companions for families with kids.

What are some common health issues beagles face?

Beagles commonly face health issues such as obesity, eye problems like cherry eye and cataracts, hypothyroidism, and allergies. Keeping up with regular vet visits and proper care can really help manage these conditions.

How much exercise does a beagle need daily?

Beagles need at least an hour of exercise each day to stay healthy and happy. Activities like agility training or scent work can keep them physically active and mentally stimulated.

Learn how to train your beagle to be the well-behaved dog you desire –> Access our Free Report

Shop for beagle-themed products and gifts that beagle enthusiasts will love.