Mini Beagle

The Mini Beagle is a smaller variety of the breed standing from 7 to 12 inches at the withers and weighing between 7 and 15 pounds. Mini Beagles are also called Pocket Beagles and Olde English Pocket Beagles, though they are not related to the Pocket Beagle of the Middle Ages. Pocket and Glove Beagles were used for hunting small game in the 14th-17th centuries and lost their popularity by the 19th century. Modern Mini Beagles is a new breed variety originated from the standard Beagle.

Since this variety of the breed is not recognized officially, the breed standard is not very strict. The main things these dogs are bred for are their size, health, and personality. The Mini Beagle looks much like a Foxhound, with its broad skull, square muzzle, long ears, and round feet. Sleek and easy-care coat of these dogs comes in a variety of colors. The most popular patterns are tricolor (black, tan and white) and bicolor (red and white, orange and white, black and tan, or lemon and white.) The feet and the tip of the tail should be white. The nose of the Mini beagle is black, with full nostrils; the eyes are brown or hazel.

Though small, Mini Beagles are very strong and hardy. They retain the best characteristics of the full-sized Beagles and possess a sweet, gentle, and lively disposition. These miniature creatures are very intelligent, brave, inquisitive, and curious. They are good with other pets and make tolerant companions for children. The only disadvantage of these dogs is their constant desire to be around people. If left alone for the whole day, these dogs howl very loudly, in spite of their small size.

Though small, these dogs have all attributes that make a good hunting dog. They possess a good nose and are able to dig and climb when following the game. In a hunting drive, these miniature dogs can run very far from the owner and from the house. To prevent troubles, a Mini Beagle should be kept in a well-secured yard and should not be taken to public places without a lead.