Thinking Of Getting A Miniature Beagle?

With the rise of designer dogs, some dog lovers are wincing while others are enthusiastically embracing the latest canine adaptation to life with humans. While many designer dogs types are hybrids (like the comical Labradoodle and the adorable Puggle), many more are miniaturized versions of their better-known counterparts. A miniature Keeshond, for example, fails to get dropped jaws. One of the more popular "teacup" types is the miniature Beagle.

People are genetically programmed to want to cuddle and protect small, big-eyed creatures (otherwise, babies would have a really hard time of it!) This seems to be one of the reasons for the rise of the miniature Beagle, even though the size of the average Beagle is a mere thirteen inches tall at the withers (point of shoulder). When you are looking for a miniature Beagle, the average size is about ten inches. Any Beagle type is full grown at about nine months of age.

Miniature Beagles are part of the growing group of dogs known as "designer dogs". Although designer dogs can include hybrids and mixes for the desired result, many designer dog breeders focus their efforts at producing miniature versions of popular breeds. Officially the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize a breed called "Miniature Beagles". "Miniature Beagles" seems to be more of an advertising gimmick to catch the eyes of someone who is looking specifically for a small dog. With the popularity of small dogs used as fashion accessories by starlets like Paris Hilton, any small dog that looks different from the usual suspect breeds will draw attention.

Beagles are officially shown in two classes in AKC sanctioned shows. Beagles are measured at their withers like horses in order to determine how tall they are. There is an over thirteen inches high class and a less than thirteen inches high class. The average height of a Beagle is thirteen inches. Although a Beagle over fifteen inches tall is disqualified there is no lower height limit.

Although miniature Beagles are more unpredictable in behavior than Beagles, they do share some things in common (besides looks). They usually are highly trainable and highly motivated by food rewards. Observe to see what treat your miniature Beagle goes wild for and reserve that treat for training sessions only. Beware of any Beagle eating himself sick. And don’t leave out any food on the counter unsupervised! Some miniature Beagles have been trained to use a cat litter box.

Beagles, including miniature Beagles, are usually very good with children. Beagle types used to be extremely popular in America as family dogs for this reason. Miniature Beagles are one of the quieter small dogs, but they are excellent guard dogs and will vocalize in order to warn your family (his pack) of any intruder. They also tend to bay at animals they hope will be their prey. You need patience and a sense of humor when adopting a miniature Beagle.

Michelle Adams loves everything to do with dogs, including the reappearance of miniature Beagles. Responsible breeding can be the standard when comprehensive knowledge about all Beagle types is shared. This author is a dog lover who is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in Beagle information.