Pocket Beagle

Today, there is no such breed as the Pocket Beagle, and what we know as the Miniature Beagle is just a small version of the standard Beagle. Pocket Beagles were popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, as well as in the times of Edward II and Henry IV. Those dogs measured around 9 inches high at the withers, and there were even smaller Beagles referred to as “Glove Beagles”. Modern Miniature Beagles are in no way related to the Pocket Beagle of the olden times, and is not recognized by the AKC or UKC.

As some breeders appear to be exerting efforts to improve the quality of the today’s Pocket Beagle, many specialists regard such initiatives as of doubtful purpose, because of their unstable genetic makeup. Pet market abounds in such dogs, which are mostly bred by dollar-oriented breeders. These Beagles are more susceptible to serious genetic disorders than standard Beagles. Besides, dwarfism may be the reason why a puppy is smaller than it should be. Many so called Miniature Beagles suffer from spinal deformities, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.

There are two recognized beagle types that vary according to size: not exceeding 13 inches high at the shoulder and not exceeding 15 inches high at the shoulder. It is impossible to predict a puppy’s adult size shortly after birth. The best option for those wanting a small Beagle is to purchase at least an 8-month-old puppy or from a breeder who has never dealt in Beagles over 13 inches high at the withers. If you, in your hasty craving for a so called Pocket Beagle, turn to a “puppy mill”, you are at risk of a huge disappointment in future as you may discover a severe health problem in your Beagle a while later.

Purebred Beagles are very energetic, intelligent and people-oriented dogs. They are very communicative and vivacious, and they do not stand loneliness. Smaller Beagles are even more active. They love to play with other dogs, preferably with those belonging to the same or a related breed. Beagles are great companions for children, and they can get on well with non-canine pets. They like it when there is someone around to play with and can be extremely noisy if left alone for a long time. In avoidance of any disappointments, experienced breeders recommend standard Beagles. If you still want a Pocket Beagle, it is better to adopt a rescue Beagle old enough to have proven free of any serious physical or behavioral abnormality.