Doggone Beagle Information

The exact origin of the breed of dog known as the beagle is unknown but it is thought that this sturdy breed descended from the medium-sized hound known as the Harrier mixed with other English hunting dogs. The breed was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Since that time the purebred beagle has gained popularity not just for its hunting ability, but also for its appeal as a family pet. Purebred beagles are similar in temperament and appearance, though they come in various colors. Families usually know what to expect from a pure breed.

Because of the beagle’s intense sociability, excellent sense of smell and characteristically sad brown eyes a beagle mix has become popular. Beagles have begun to be in and out-bred, resulting in beagle mixed breeds and beagle cross breeds. The two kinds of beagle mix, mixed breeds and crossbreeds, share many traits with the purebred beagle.
The beauty of the beagle mix is in its resulting traits. Because it is a mix of two different breeds or kinds of dog, mixes have the benefit of more genetics to choose from. The drawback is there is no way to predict what traits of each parent the beagle will have.

Purebred dogs have a documented lineage and are inbred to strengthen their family line and to retain the specific traits of the breed. Purebred beagles have the same temperament, body dimensions, and known characteristics of their specific breed and are eligible for AKC (American Kennel Club) registry and competition. Mixed breeds ("mutts"), on the other hand, are not recognized by the AKC as are pure bred dogs. Mixed breeds are "All American," meaning that, like Americans, they often have an uncertain ancestry. Crossbreeds, which are crosses of purebred dogs from different breeds, have any combination of the traits of both breeds. Crossbreeds, or hybrids, can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club though they cannot compete in AKC competition. Some examples of recognized hybrid beagle mixes are: the "Poogle" (Beagle/Poodle), "Puggle" (Beagle/Pug), and "Beabull" (Beagle/Bull dog).

The most popular breeds to cross with beagles are pugs and poodles. Breeding between breeds creates "designer dogs" that are thought to have the best qualities of both breeds. In truth, traits may vary even in first-generation crossbreeds. "Poogles" and "Puggles" may be growing in popularity, in part, due to their cute-sounding names. It is unknown if they will have overall better traits and health because they are out-bred. Mutts would also be considered superior, as they are also the result of parents with two separate types of genetics.

Purebred beagle lovers maintain that, though purebreds are the result of in-breeding and may have genetic defects due to this, they also have a documented lineage and are predictable in body structure, overall temperament, and health. A buyer or breeder knows what they are getting with a pure breed. Any dog not pure bred, be it a beagle mix or a beagle mutt, will have no predictability in its physical traits and temperament.

The Michelle Adams is a fan of beagles of all colors and breeds. Beagle mixed breeds are becoming more and more popular. The mixed breed dog is becoming popular and this article is specific to Beagle information.