What is a Pocket Beagle? Everything you need to know about tiny Beagles!
Discovering the charm of the pocket Beagle Small in size, boundless in spirit.
A Pocket Beagle is a dog that is smaller than most other Beagles. Yes, they are a mini version of the most perfect of all dogs. Excuse us while we die of cuteness overload…
Over the last few decades, smaller versions of pedigree dog breeds have become hugely popular. From teacup Yorkies to miniature Poodles, these tiny dogs have definitely captured a place in our hearts. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about our the smaller version of our favorite floppy-eared pooches, Pocket Beagles!
1) What is a Pocket Beagle?
Pocket Beagles are a smaller version of a standard Beagle, standing between 7 and 13 inches tall. These petite dogs have all the same characteristics of Beagles that we adore, just in a more compact size!
Unlike many modern-day designer teacup breeds, smaller versions of the Beagle have been around for many centuries. Historically, Beagles were hugely popular with the English royal family, and in the 16th century Queen Elizabeth I owned a pack of Beagles that stood around 9 inches tall. Famous for their melodic cries and diminutive size, these royal hounds were known as 'singing Beagles' or 'glove Beagles'. The latter name is thought to be because their small size enabled them to stand on a gloved hand.
While standard Beagles were used for hunting and leisure pursuits, smaller Beagles tended to be kept as a fashion item. This trend has continued with modern-day Pocket Beagles, as their compact size makes them better suited for city-dwellers than standard-sized Beagles. Pocket Beagles come with the same colors and markings as their larger counterparts, and have a similar merry, loyal, and fun-loving attitude.
2) What is the difference between a Beagle and a Pocket Beagle?
Pocket Beagle vs. Beagle: Spotting the Difference.
The key difference between a standard Beagle and a Pocket Beagle is the size. Pedigree dog breeds such as Beagles have a clearly defined breed standard - specific criteria set by breed associations relating to the appearance of the breed. Most breeders define a miniature version of a dog breed as one that is smaller than the breed standard.
The American Kennel Club lists two recognized size categories for Beagles:
· Thirteen Inches: Beagles not exceeding 13 inches in height.
· Fifteen Inch: Beagles over 13 but not exceeding 15 inches in height.
Interestingly, there is some variation in the breed standard for Beagles around the world! For example, the British Kennel Club has just one size category of Beagle, with a minimum height of 13 inches and a maximum height of 16 inches. As the origins of the Beagle can be traced back to England, many countries around the world have adopted the British breed standard rather than the American sizing.
3) How big is a Pocket Beagle?
So, what does all this tell us about how big a Pocket Beagle is? There is no defined breed standard for Pocket Beagles, but breeders use this name for Beagles sized between 7 and 13 inches tall. When you consider that a standard Beagle can be up to 15 inches tall, the smallest Pocket Beagles are less than half this size!
Because the American Kennel Club has a category for any Beagle sized 13 inches or under, pocket-sized Beagles are eligible to enter dog shows in the US. However, head over to Europe and you'll find that only larger Beagles fit the breed standard criteria. This doesn't stop smaller Beagles from being registered as pedigree, but reputable breeders aim to breed Beagles that stand 13+ inches high.
4) Are Pocket Beagles a real breed?
Pocket Beagles are not a recognized breed in themselves - it is just a cute name given to miniature Beagles. Breed associations tend to be very wary of creating official classifications for miniature versions of pedigree dogs, as breeding these tiny dogs is somewhat controversial.
The problem with downsizing pedigree dogs is that selectively breeding for size can cause a myriad of health problems. When breeders aim to quickly develop a specific trait, such as reduced size, a method called line-breeding is used. This means that the animals being bred are more closely related than normal, leading to an increased risk of genetic disease and reduced immunity.
Line-breeding can take many generations to produce results, so breeders will sometimes also attempt to speed things up by introducing genes that cause a form of dwarfism in dogs. This tends to be frowned upon in dog-breeding circles, as it can cause serious physical defects that cause lifelong health problems for the dog.
If you have your heart set on a small Beagle, then look for one with parents who are healthy and have the normal physique of a standard Beagle (here are some tips for finding the perfect Beagle puppy!). Alternatively, there are some great Beagle mixes that produce smaller dogs, such as the adorable Cheagle, Puggle, or Pomeagle!
5) Do Pocket Beagles make good pets?
One reason that smaller Pocket Beagles are so popular is that they make great pets. They combine all the character traits of Beagles that we know and love, but in an adorable compact form! Pocket Beagles weigh around 15lbs, half the weight of a standard Beagle, making them more suited for smaller apartments and urban living.
However, it is important to bear in mind that Pocket Beagles have all the energy and exuberance of their larger relatives. These little dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent issues such as obesity and behavioral problems.
Pocket Beagles are also just as vocal as standard Beagles, and can create quite a noise when bored or excited. Not ideal if you live in an apartment block with a lot of close neighbors!
It is clear to see that Pocket Beagles do have a place in the dog world, even if they are not officially recognized as a true miniature breed. However, if you are considering bringing a Pocket Beagle into your family, make sure to seek out a reputable breeder who understands how to breed healthy disease-free pups.
6. What do pocket Beagles look like? Pictures of our favorite Pocket Beagles.
We couldn’t finish off this article without sharing with you some of our favorite Pocket Beagle friends. Be sure to show them some love and follow them all on Instagram!
Josephine The Pocket Beagle @PuppySeedBeagle might be our most favorite Pocket Beagle on Instagram <3. Here she is with her human.
Walter the Pocket Beagle @walter.thepocketbeagle may be small but is outsized cute.
Maybe they should be called Handbag Beagles instead? @Pocket Beagle NY seems to think so!
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