Pocket Beagle

A Pocket Beagle is a smaller version of the Standard Beagle. The height of a Pocket (Miniature or Olde English Pocket) Beagle is only 7-12 inches at the withers. The weight of these small creatures can be as small as 7 pounds. There is no strict breed standard for this variety of the Beagle, because the AKC breed standard accepts only two size varieties of Beagles: under 13 inches and between 13 and 15 inches at the withers. In Great Britain, larger Beagles are also accepted.

No registry recognizes Pocket Beagles. Anyone buying a Pocket Beagle runs a risk of purchasing a poor quality animal with hereditary disorders. Since breed clubs cannot control breeders of unregistered dogs, many kennels use unethical methods of breeding and don’t care about the health and future personality of their puppies. Some breeders sell smaller Beagle puppies like Miniature puppies. A Pocket Beagle purchased from a puppy mill or from a hobby (backyard) breeder can grow into a dog of a standard size.

A true Pocket Beagle can be obtained only from a devoted breeder that breeds miniature dogs for several generations and can show you the kennel. Only if both parents of the puppy were miniature, you can be sure that the puppy will not grow higher than 12 inches at the withers. Due to the limited gene pool, Miniature Beagles are prone to a number of hereditary disorders: epilepsy, eye, heart, and back problems. Dwarfism is a serious problem in Miniature Beagles.

Though small, Pocket Beagles are very determined and self-assured. Housebreaking and training them can be a challenge. Some methods of training don’t work with this breed. They respond well only to positive stimulation and enjoy interesting exercises. If the owner cannot become a leader, these tiny dogs take up the leadership and become manipulating and dominating. Basic obedience training is a must for these dogs. They can do no harm to people, but can get into trouble. If a dog is not taught to obey, it can run away following an interesting smell. In a hunting drive, these hounds may lose the way home. A Pocket Beagle should never be taken to public places without a leash.