10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Pocket Beagle

Source © Shutterstock

Many people know about the larger Beagle family of dogs, with their floppy ears and renowned hunting abilities. But there is a miniature version of the breed, known as the pocket beagle, that as you will read, got their name quite appropriately. They have much in common with their larger ancestors, but also have some very unique qualities that make it a first choice for many dog owners.

1. They were used by hunters in Europe for finding and catching game

The pocket beagle is a hunting dog by breed and nature, having actually been around for centuries, dating back to the days of European exploration and conquest. One of their most valuable traits to hunter was their size, as they could go under small brush to continue the hunt, where larger dogs failed.

2. They got their name because of their hunting abilities.

Though the pocket beagle cannot fit into your pants pocket, back when they were first used for hunting they would fit comfortably into the side of a hunter’s satchel and is how they got their name. It’s not hard to imagine this dog sticking its head out of the satchel, looking around for some game to play with.

3. It has a coat that is very low maintenance.

Many dogs will shed during the year, and the pocket beagle is no exception. But being both small (less area to worry about) and short haired, they make an ideal pet for people who prefer to spend more time playing with their dog and less time fighting with them to take a bath or be brushed.

4. They are almost the perfect family dog.

Great with children of all ages and its in-born sweet temperament, this breed will become a part of your family and heart in short order. If you have pets other than goldfish, you will find they get along with your other furry friends, once acclimated to their new environment.

5. They don’t do well when left alone.

The plus of being the perfect family dog comes with a potential downside. Because the pocket beagle gets easily attached to its owners/family, you need to be there the majority of the time to give them the proper emotional and physical support they need. If you are going on long vacations, take them along. After all, you can just throw a satchel around your shoulder and tuck them inside.

6. For apartment dwellers, this is an iffy breed.

Many people fall into the category of being great to be around – as long as they don’t say too much. The pocket beagle has the same problem with its bark that sounds more like a howl or bay. This means they can be noisy and disturb neighbors who live in close proximity or the next apartment. Yet this is natural for them as they are hunting dogs, so it is not something you can train them out of.

7. It can become obese without proper feeding.

The most this breed will weigh is around 15 pounds. But like most dogs, it will eat what you give it, and feeding it too much will turn them into a furry ball of fat, though loveable nonetheless. The extra weight will bring with it extra health problems, so keeping their diet and weight in check is essential.

8. They are high energy dogs.

Despite its size and light weight, the pocket beagle has energy to spare. Keeping the cooped up in a house or an apartment will have them turning all that energy into potentially destructive behaviors. Long walks and romps in the yard are essential, and it’s a good way to get your kids outside instead of being tech potatoes.

9. Be sure to get a pocket beagle from a reputable breeder.

While this is generally true for any dog you get, because the pocket beagle has such a long and storied history it brings with it a history of health problems in some family lines that are usually not immediately noticeable. This includes both minor and major problems, ranging from genetic heart disease and epilepsy to back issues and eye problems. Check twice, buy once.

10. They were once thought to be extinct.

Based on everything that has been said about it, it seems odd that this statement would be true. But it was once thought that for reasons unknown, the pocket beagle would be no more. Somehow the breed was revitalized, and the unfortunate motive for this new found interest was profit. Yes, people found that there was a lot of money to be made from selling the breed as pets.

Still, we’re glad that they can still be brought into our home.