Know What to Expect With Miniature Beagles

You've hunted around in a shelter or at Petfinder.com and see a really cute little dog described as a "Miniature Beagle". You go to the American Kennel Club (AKC) website and see there is no such breed as a miniature Beagle. What's going on here? Well, the dog could very well be a new trend in Beagle breeding - for "teacup" or sizes under twelve inches tall at the withers (highest point of the shoulder.)

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.

SPAYING YOUR DOG

Breeders have been purposefully breeding smaller and smaller size dogs for the fashionable crowd that likes to imitate Paris Hilton. Unfortunately, with any upsurge in popularity of any dog breed many wind up in shelters or are abandoned. Check with the shelter staff to see if they know why the miniature Beagle you are looking at was abandoned. Don't be surprised if they don't know.

According to most Beagle information websites and books, miniature Beagles (and regular sized Beagles) are fully-grown at nine months of age. Beagles have a reputation of being cleverer than their owners (one of the reasons why Snoopy was a Beagle). Usually, they need positive outlets for their huge reserves of energy. Miniature Beagles that are less than ten inches tall have been known to be more hyperactive than their bigger kin. Be sure the dog is thoroughly vetted, as miniature Beagles have been known to have health problems.

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.

Miniature Beagles are very social animals that love company. They also love to be the center of attention. Perhaps they can remember their days when miniature Beagles were the prized pets of European royalty in the 1300's - 1400's. Queen Elizabeth I was said to have one. Your home will, indeed be your miniature Beagle's castle. Your miniature Beagle will give you lots and lots of non-judgmental companionship, so be willing to give some to your dog in return.

Know What to Expect With Miniature Beagles

Michelle Adams has written hundreds of articles on contemporary canine culture, including about miniature Beagles. Sharing information, such as in this article, could help all Beagle types to be bred more responsibly. This author is a dog lover who is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in Beagle information.

SPAYING YOUR DOG