Pocket Beagle Puppies


Pocket Beagle Puppies: A Brief Overview


Also known as miniature beagles, pocket beagle puppies are smaller versions of the traditional hunting dog, the standard beagle.  Originally, beagles were bred as very small dogs to go under shrubs and brush hunting small animals such as rabbits.  They were smaller than the standard size beagle is today, and they got the name pocket beagle because the hunters would keep the dogs in their saddle bags on their horses until they needed them.  This original sized beagle is being recreated today in the pocket beagle.  They have been not been recognized as breed separate of the standard beagle by the AKC, but beagles are separated into two varieties, one for those under 13 inches in height (which would apply to the pocket beagle) and one for those between 13 and 15 inches in height (the standard beagle).




Pocket beagles are essentially smaller versions of standard beagles.  They are sturdy little hounds with a square face and medium length coat of hair.  They come in many color combinations including but not limited to orange and white, red and white, black and tan, and tricolor.  They have long, wide, rounded ears that hang along either side of the dog’s head.  The long tail is held high in the air as the dog walks, and the eyes are brown or hazel in color.  Pocket beagle puppies will grow to be 7-12 inches in height and 7-15 pounds in weight when they are fully grown.




Sociable and intelligent, pocket beagle puppies are real people-pleasers.  They love affection, and they are curious little creatures.  They are generally excellent with children and other dogs.  However, as they have been bred to have the instincts of a hunting dog, care should be taken when they are around pets other than dogs, especially when they are young or if they have not been socialized around those animals.  They require firm training, and if you leave your pocket beagle off their leash in an unfenced yard, their hunting instincts may very well take over, and you may find that they follow their nose rather than their owner’s calls if not properly trained.  You need to establish yourself as the pack leader, as they can be difficult for the novice puppy owner to train.  They also have a loud, baying type of call, which may not be a pleasing sound to everyone in your family or to your neighbors.




Pocket beagles require only minimal grooming.  Their coats should be brushed occasionally, and they should be given a bath only when necessary.  As with all dogs, you should keep their toenails trimmed and check their ears regularly for signs of infection or ticks.




As with all pure breeds of dogs, pocket beagle puppies have some diseases that they are genetically more prone to.  When buying a pocket beagle, make sure that it has not been inbred, as this can make it more likely that your puppy will have inherited a genetic problem or abnormality.  Many unethical breeders exist out there, and they have sometimes inbred the pocket beagles to try to make the offspring smaller.  Being sure that your puppy is not the result of inbreeding can help to save a lot of financial stress and heartbreak in the end.  Eye problems are a common problem in pocket beagles.  Cataracts, distichiasis, and retinal dysplasia have been noted as potential problem areas for pocket beagles.  Hypothyroidism can occur, resulting in weight gain and reproductive problems, and dwarfism can also be a problem in pocket beagles.


Pocket beagle puppies are sweet, curious, and loveable dogs.  With strict training and supervision, they will make great companion animals.