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Pocket Beagles: The Truth

So, you're interested in a Pocket Beagle?

 

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There is NO such recognised 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.

Let's clear the air and lay out the cold hard truth regarding this topic.  Despite what term Backyard Breeders are using to sell small or crossbred Beagles, Pocket Beagles are NOT a breed or a type of Beagle. There is only one official Beagle dog breed that come in two size varities - 13" & 15". Please note that even a 12" tall beagle is considered a 13" Variety as it is under 13".

 

But Pocket Beagles use to exist long ago!

 

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True! Long ago in Medieval times, there was a small dog 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 reportedly entertained guests at her royal table by letting her Pocket Beagles romp and bounce around the serving platters, as this could be done without ruining the dinner-table since they were so little and her guests were said to really enjoy the show.  However, This type of beagle is now extinct, it's genetic lines lost forever, its heritage left to the imagination.


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So,why do I hear about Pocket Beagles?

 

Popular under Instagrams hashtag #PocketBeagles, it isn't uncommon to stumble across people claiming to breed them or owners sharing photos of their small beagles. 

It's important to be aware of how these incorrectly bred dogs come about. The majority of "pocket beagle" breeders inbreed to produce the smaller size or have introduced Mini Dachshunds to further reduce size.  Often you will see these puppies listed as "Pocket Beagles" that are merle or blue with blue eyes. This is NOT desirable and frankly you are paying a premium price for a Mutt. While cute as puppies, the will grow to lose the attractive qualities a Beagle possesses as well as the known pedigree or health history.

Health Issues in
Pocket Beagles

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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:

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  • 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

  • Glaucoma

  • Increased risk of luxating patella and hip dysplasia

  • Temperment issues due to being mixed with unknown breeds.
     

Your smaller than average dog should not be expected to be able to handle all of the activities of the standard Beagle. 


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But, if that's not convincing enough, which Beagle below would you prefer?

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12" tall, Pocket Beagle - Likely not health tested and crossbred for smaller size.

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12.5" tall,Pocket Beagle - likely unhealth tested and crossbred for smaller size

12.5" properly bred Beagle with championed, health tested parents and a rich pedigree

Don't Be Fooled by the Marketing.

It is easy to fall for the cute viral video or photo of these off bred versions of the breed. But what you aren't seeing is what is behind the picture. People breeding Pocket Beagles are not advocates for the Beagle Breed. They are breaking our code of ethics set by our parent club and breeding for fad or profit. 

 

In 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.

The Beagle is lovely breed from is incredible nose to its distinct tail. If size is that important to you, please consider a toy breed or reach out to a reputable breeder or rescue to adopt an adult 13" Beagle - thus guaranteeing you the size you seek.

 

Share our Beagle Pride and say no to the Pocket Beagle fad and their breeders. 

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QueenElizabethPocketBeagleToyRebecca Van
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Above are  poorly bred Beagles being sold with a hefty price tag as "Pocket Beagles". The Merle color pattern seen in the middle photo is a colour/pattern that has never been known to exist in beagles and is a clear indication that puppy is NOT purebred. For more information on this color pattern please visit: www.aladarbeagles.com/dapple.html

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