Pocket Beagles
Pocket Beagles as Pets
Pocket beagles are growing ever more popular in the United States and worldwide with people looking for intelligent and loving dogs that can be found on the smaller size.
Originally from England, the Pocket beagle was selectively bred to have a small build and shorter legs than its standard beagle counterparts, all while maintaining the hound qualities that they were originally bred to with. Bred in the 1800s, these dogs were given the name Olde English Pocket Beagles, because hunters still used these feisty little scent hounds to track game and found them to be easier to transport via horse due to their smaller size. The name pocket originated from the saddlebags used to transport these hunting dogs.
Today, many people enjoy the benefits of owning a smaller dog. They take up less space, are cheaper to feed and are easier to exercise. The beagle has long been known as a gentle and loving dog, and the Pocket Beagle is no exception. These dogs have easy going temperaments, are easy to train and make excellent family dogs. They are at home with other dogs and children alike. They are merry little dogs, with a cheery disposition and a ‘happy go lucky attitude’.
Pocket beagles are no longer recognized by any Kennel club in any country. The UK Kennel Club once had a breed standard in the early 1900’s, but the actual Pocket Beagle bloodline that originated in England is now considered to be extinct. Many breeders advertise for the Pocket Beagle, but these dogs have been selectively bred from different bloodlines.
If you are considering adding a Pocket beagle to your home, it is best to fully research any breeder before you purchase a dog. Always avoid purchasing any dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Ask for references from a potential breeder, they should be fully willing to supply a reference list for you. If possible, meet the parents of your potential puppy, so that you may gauge their dispositions and appearance. Also, it is always a good idea to inspect the breeder’s facility to check for proper standards of care.
Pocket beagles are awesome little scent hounds. They have a strong desire to track scent and this makes them determined and possibly stubborn, making them slightly difficult to train. Their intelligence level is high however, and they will easily adapt to your home life. They are obedient dogs as well, as long as there is not a particularly interesting scent that had captured their attention. Temperament wise, they are willing to please their owners and learn quickly using food-reward training methods, but they become distracted quickly. Beagles in general are very friendly dogs, and while this attribute may not make them the best guard dogs, it does make them fantastic pets for children. Beagles also tend to howl when excited. Exercising a tiny Pocket Beagle is usually an easy task. They will enjoy exercise and play, but do not require a huge amount of exercise to be happy. They are prone to becoming overweight however if they receive too little exercise.
Based on their selective breeding, Pocket beagles may be prone to many of the diseases and disorders that can affect many types of purebred dogs. These problems may include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and epilepsy. Beagles in general are also prone to disorders related to their disks. Low hanging ears can also cause some types of ear infections.
Overall, their small stature and big hearts make the Pocket Beagle a growing favorite among dog owners. These smart and happy little dogs are great companions and family members. Choosing a Pocket Beagle may just be the perfect decision for your family.