Can you imagine that? A Beagle and Poodle mix!
Both are popular dogs, but they couldn’t be more different in many ways. On the one hand, you have the affectionate, excitable, ever-cheerful Beagle. On the other, there’s the intelligent, friendly, energetic Poodle. One is a retriever from Germany, where it was used to fetch waterfowl for hunters, and the other is a scent dog from England, where it used to hunt rabbits and hares.
It’s an intriguing mix that’s been making waves since it was first bred in the 1980s. Even so, there’s a chance that many people out there have never heard of this adorable dog.
We’re here to put things right with our guide to the Beagle Poodle mix.
What Are Beagle Poodle Mixes Called?
Crossbreeds always have a selection of names, and this dog is no exception.
Traditionally, people take the two names and mash them together to make a fitting label for the hybrid*. Here are a few of the popular names that have been used over the last forty years:
• Poogles
• BeaPoos
• Beagapoos
• Beaglepoos
• Beagledoodles
It’s entirely your choice, but the favorite seems to be Poogles, so we’ll be using this at times during the rest of the article.
The parent breeds are significantly different, resulting in a fascinating mix that will delight dog lovers everywhere.
*Many breeders object to this term as all dogs are the same species. Hybrids are usually a mix of two similar species, like the mule, a hybrid of the horse and donkey.
Beagle And Poodle Mix: Temperament
Poogles are fun-loving and affectionate. They thrive on human company and will be unhappy when separated from you. This is not the best dog for a family that’s away from home for eight hours every day.
They’re brilliant with children and not too cautious about strangers. Even so, they are highly alert and will make a noise when anyone calls or they spot something they believe you should know about. Although they’re not usually excessive barkers, each dog is different. They make excellent watchdogs but don’t let barking turn into a habit.
The Beagle breed was initially designed to accompany hunters, resulting in strong hunting instincts. This high prey drive can be a problem with the Poogle as they tend to take off after small animals. You can tackle the problem if you start socialization as early as possible.
You might notice a mischievous streak in your pup, which is great fun, but it’s best to keep it in check in case this turns into bad behavior. Once again, early training and socialization is your best friend here!
The good news is that they are highly intelligent dogs, a trait they inherit from both parent breeds. They are also eager to please you, making training a breeze. Your Poogle pup will pick up tricks in minutes and will happily perform them for you just to make you happy.
If you have a local dog park, your Poogle will be everyone’s best friend as they get on very well with other dogs.
All in all, this dog is a fantastic family pet. It’s intelligent, alert, great fun, easy-going, and will come to you for a cuddle.
Who could want more?
How Much Exercise Does A Poogle Need?
Photo from: @dexterchesterpoogle
Poogles are active dogs with moderate to high energy levels. For this reason, they are best suited to families that can meet their dog’s exercise requirements. Ideally, they should get an hour of exercise, including daily walks, playtime, or a trip to the dog park. Swimming is also a great exercise, and these dogs love the water, just like their Poodle parents.
It’s best to break their exercise into two or three sessions a day, as this helps keep your dog stimulated and keeps them active throughout the day.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Be sure to take your dog to a variety of places when possible to experience new sounds, sights, and smells. Invest in interesting toys and games to keep the dog occupied. Puzzle toys filled with treats will keep a dog entertained for hours!
Your pup will also love agility courses, obedience training, and all kinds of dog sports.
Physical exercise is essential for a healthy heart, avoiding obesity, and keeping the muscles toned. Mental stimulation reduces the risk of boredom and anxiety, which are two key triggers of bad behavior and aggression.
Do Poogle Dogs Have Many Health Problems?
Photo from: @dexterchesterpoogle
Sadly, all dog breeds are prone to common health issues. Purebred dogs often suffer from genetic conditions and diseases related to decades of selective breeding.
Although the Poodle and the Beagle are generally healthy breeds overall, they are at risk of several health conditions.
But what about the Beagle mix with Poodle? Do they suffer from the same problems?
In truth, it isn’t easy to find in-depth information about this subject. Poogles are designer dogs, meaning that they aren’t recognized by organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC), so records are incomplete.
Even so, the available information suggests the Poogle breed is prone to the following health problems:
• Hip dysplasia – a poorly formed hip joint that makes bone rub against bone, resulting in inflammation and arthritis. Surgery is the usual treatment for severe cases, and many dogs are affected in both hips.
• Elbow dysplasia – as above, but in the elbow, a more complex joint.
• Patellar luxation – also known as a floating kneecap, this condition occurs because the groove in which the kneecap (patella) sits is too shallow. Because of this, it can slip out of position, making it difficult for the dog to extend its leg fully. Surgery can deepen the groove and keep the patella in place.
• Dental problems – when plaque is allowed to build up in the dog’s mouth, it hardens into tartar (or dental calculus), which causes receding gums, tooth decay, and gum disease. Poodles are infamous for their tooth problems, putting the Poogle breed at risk of the same. Daily brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs (never use human toothpaste!) will reduce this risk.
• Heart disease – mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus are two diseases that can be devastating to Poodle health. MDV will eventually cause the heart to fail, and PDA causes heart murmurs and breathing difficulties. MDV symptoms can be slowed by medication, so early diagnosis can lengthen your dog’s life. PDA is often treated by surgery.
• Hypothyroidism – the dog’s thyroid fails to produce enough hormones to run essential bodily functions. Lethargy, weight gain without increased food intake, hair loss, changes in the skin are all common symptoms. This condition can be managed using medication.
• Epilepsy – many dog breeds suffer from seizures, often without apparent cause. Witnessing an episode is traumatic, but these are usually mild and can be managed with medication. However, severe attacks can be fatal.
• Eye problems – PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) is a group of conditions that affects many breeds, possibly leading to blindness. Poogles are also at risk of cataracts, entropion, and ectropion (these last two relate to eyelashes that turn inward or outward, causing the hairs to rub on the skin or eyeball).
• Intervertebral Disc Disease – IVDD affects older dogs, causing the vertebral discs to harden, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nervous system, which can be painful and affects the dog’s movement.
• Addison’s Disease – a dog with Addison’s cannot produce certain hormones, leading to several possible conditions, including cancer. Symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, hair loss, weight loss, and blood in the feces. The trouble is, these are common symptoms of many other diseases, making Addison’s Disease challenging to diagnose.
The three major concerns are hip dysplasia, dental problems, and heart disease.
To reduce the risk of these conditions, you should only use reputable breeders as they will run tests on the parent dogs as part of their breeding program.
The Poogle Lifespan
Photo from: @raviolithepoogle
Although the information is limited, the evidence so far suggests a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. This figure is encouraging as it’s higher than the average lifespan of 10 to 13 years for all dog breeds.
However, each dog is different; there are no guarantees as to how long an individual dog will live. You can help boost your pup’s longevity by giving it the very best care that you can. Invest in good quality dog foods, groom the puppy regularly, ensure that it gets the exercise it needs, and take your pup to the vet once or twice a year for a routine health check.
Do Beagle Poodle Mixes Shed?
Yes, they do. All dogs shed, no matter what the breed is.
Don’t be fooled by those who claim they are selling non-shedding dogs. Some breeds shed less than others, but dog hair has a lifecycle, and it will eventually die and fall out.
However, the Poodle breed is famous for being a low-shedding dog. Their single wavy or curly coat hair needs regular brushing. Still, they lack the furry undercoat that many other dogs have. Dead hairs become trapped in the coat, so they have to be brushed frequently.
It’s never easy to predict what type of coat a mixed breed dog will have. We’ve mentioned the Poodle’s curls and waves, but the Beagle is very different, with a smooth, short coat. In theory, a Poogle puppy will probably have a medium-length coat somewhere between the curly and wavy Poodle parent.
However, it may surprise you with something completely different!
Some take after the Beagle, with a shorter coat in the distinctive white, tan, and black.
A few have a wiry, terrier-like appearance, looking nothing like the Poodle or Beagle parent at all.
This is all part of producing mixed breeds, and we’ll go into this controversial topic later.
What Does The Poogle Dog Look Like?
Photo from: @stevethepoogle
It depends which parent it takes after!
Most are medium-sized dogs with a medium-length curly or wavy coat. All Poogles have dark brown eyes, brown or black noses, medium-sized floppy ears, and a sickle-shaped tail that often curls back over its hindquarters as they walk.
The shape of its body usually resembles the Poodle, though pups occasionally look like the Beagle.
Is The Poogle Hypoallergenic?
Along with shedding, people also ask, is the Poogle a hypoallergenic dog?
The answer is, maybe!
First, you might come across sites that shout, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog!
While we can understand their frustration, these people are mistaken. However, this is not really their fault in a way, as the term hypoallergenic is frequently misused and misunderstood.
Let’s be clear: something that is hypoallergenic, whether it’s a dog, a band-aid, or a pair of earrings, is only less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. It doesn’t mean that it is 100% allergy-free, which some breeders claim when using the term.
No dog is ever 100% allergy-free. All breeds can potentially cause allergies because of proteins in dog dander, saliva, and urine.
Some breeders offer allergy testing or allow you access to the pups. If you have mild allergies, you can check whether there’s a reaction before you go ahead and buy one. This is a pretty good idea if you are looking for a low-allergy dog, and the Poogle is a likely candidate.
Even so, there are no guarantees, especially if your pup has a Beagle-like coat. Be very wary of any breeder that claims their dogs are allergy-free or uses the term 100% hypoallergenic.
Good breeders know what the word means and will never use it as a marketing ploy.
Beagle Poodle Mix Coat Colors
Photo from: @elphie_the_wicked_poogle
Although most people imagine Beagle with a black, white, and tan coat, they actually come in a wide range of colors. The AKC breed lists eleven standard and fourteen non-standard colors!
For the Poodle, they list ten standard and eighteen non-standard colors.
That’s quite a palette to choose from!
On top of this, some rare colors in both breeds aren’t standard and would disqualify the dog from the show ring. However, this isn’t relevant to the Poogle, as it wouldn’t be allowed in the ring in the first place.
So, what colors do the parent dogs pass onto the Beagle Poodle mix puppy?
Many pups bear the classic Beagle colors of black, white, and tan. Others inherit the solid color Poodle coat in apricot, cream, black, white, silver, red, tan, gray, or gold!
Basically, it’s a mixed bag, with a great variety in a single litter of puppies.
Each one is adorable, but if you prefer a particular color, then speak to the breeder as they will have a better idea of what colors are likely to appear.
Grooming Advice
Photo from: @bella.the.poogle
Regular grooming is all part of being a responsible dog owner. This includes brushing their coat, checking their ears, brushing their teeth, and clipping their toenails.
Even if your dog is a low-shedder, brushing stimulates the skin, producing natural oils that protect the coat and keep it healthy.
It’s a good idea to brush your Poogle at least three or four times a week. This will collect loose hairs and stop them from falling around the home. It will also eliminate any matting and tangles, as these can be painful. Tangled fur traps dirt and bacteria that can lead to skin infections.
Bathing your dog keeps them clean, conditioning and moisturizing their skin, reducing the risk of infections and allergies. Ideally, you should wash your Poogle pup twice a month to keep them fresh and clean. Products designed for humans often have the wrong pH value or harsh chemicals that react badly with your dog’s skin: Only use dog shampoos and conditioners.
How Big Do Poogles Get?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL-y1dPLpQg
For many people, size is an essential factor when choosing a dog. After all, getting a Great Dane when you live in a small apartment in town might not be the best idea.
Also, some people feel more comfortable with smaller dogs as they are easier to manage and look after.
So, how big is the Poogle?
In most cases, a full-grown Poogle will be between 9 and 15 inches in height, weighing between 11 and 25 pounds. So, the biggest Poogle will be about the size of a Cocker Spaniel.
Poogles are medium to small dogs, produced by crossing the standard Beagle with the Miniature Poodle. However, those on the smaller side may have a Toy Poodle parent. Standard Poodles would create a much bigger dog and therefore aren’t usually part of the breeding program.
These dogs are ideal for most homes and won’t take much room. Even so, be prepared for their energy levels!
Beagle Poodle Mix Adoption
If the thought of paying a breeder $1,200 for a Poogle puppy makes your eyes water, why not consider adoption?
Shelters and rescue groups care for hundreds of thousands of dogs every year, and you could provide a home for one of these pooches. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t find a Poogle there, even if they aren’t as well known as other breeds.
All reputable breeders encourage their customers to adopt before buying. It’s a great way of telling whether they are ethical! No backyard breeder or puppy mill would ever pass up the opportunity of a sale.
Adoption fees are usually way lower than the price of a brand-new pup. You could pay as little as $50, possibly up to $400 or $500. Rescue groups are likely to charge more as they have invested money in removing dogs from shelters. They provide any medical treatment needed and assess the dog’s mental health and behavior. They then place the dog with foster carers to prepare them for a forever home.
Usually, every cent goes towards helping the next unfortunate dog they come across. And remember, most rescues are run entirely by volunteers.
Shelters are often desperate for space and need to get rid of their dogs as soon as possible. Generally, care will be basic, which is why fees are low.
Either way, if you have a place in your heart and home, they’re sure to have a furry friend to fill it, whether it’s a Poogle or any other loyal, loving puppy.
‘Designer Dogs’ Or Mutts?
Photo from: @stevethepoogle
Concerning the comment about hybrid dogs earlier, we should take a moment to explore the controversy surrounding designer dogs.
Many breeders have strong feelings on this subject, and who can blame them? They have invested time, effort, and money into a chosen breed to preserve and improve it. Their prices are high because breeding is a costly business.
When they see another breeder mixing two purebred dogs to make a ‘designer dog’ with a funny name, they (understandably) get a little irritated. These dogs are cute and a little different, so they grab public attention, stopping people from buying traditional, purebred dogs.
Traditional breeders are concerned about their chosen breeds dying out or being polluted by mixed breeds. They regard these new dogs as nothing more than mutts and can’t comprehend why anyone would spend $1,200 or more on them. After all, there are thousands of mutts in shelters, so why not give them a home?
On the other hand, many people who breed designer dogs are responsible breeders with years of experience. They aren’t constrained by breed standards, which, as they rightly point out, have contributed to a considerable amount of suffering.
Every purebred dog breed has genetic problems that result from selective breeding over decades or even centuries.
Mixed breeds are often healthier as there is an injection of new genes, reducing the possibility of inherited health problems. This is known as hybrid vigor. Despite protests about the correct use of the word hybrid, the evidence shows that many designer dogs are healthier than their purebred parents.
However, this is not always the case. We also need to accept that it’s not always easy to predict the character and temperament of hybrid dogs.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide. Some breeders will always reject the latest designer dog, as they have ever since the first Goldendoodle or Labradoodle. In fairness, we could point out that the Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Labrador breeds are still going strong and aren’t in danger of extinction.
Also, it’s worth pointing out that objecting to new breeds and dismissing them as mutts seems a little short-sighted; every pure breed was once considered a mutt when they first appeared!
Final Thoughts On The Poogle
Which side are you on? Do you approve of designer dogs, or are they mutts that should be banned?
Our guess is that you think they’re adorable, and you want one of your own!
Before you go ahead and buy one, here’s a quick recap of the Poogle:
• Character and temperament – It’s a fantastic family dog that’s great with kids, strangers, and other dogs. The Poogle is friendly, affectionate, alert, and smart.
• Size – It’s a small or medium-sized dog that won’t take up too much room or squish you if it comes for cuddles! These dogs will fit into most family situations and environments, including apartments, if you have parks nearby or somewhere to take them for walks.
• Energy – The Poogle is an active, energetic dog, though it might try to fool you if it doesn’t feel like going out for a walk. Don’t fall for it! Once it gets outside, it will be fine, and your dog must get enough daily exercise to stay fit and healthy.
• Trainability – They’re pretty intelligent, though sometimes easily distracted. Some dogs may be stubborn or disobedient, to begin with, but with a bit of perseverance, they’ll soon get with the program.
• Grooming – Brush your dog three or four times a week to get rid of loose hair and keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. Bathe them a couple of times a month, check their ears and eyes regularly, and gently clean them if necessary. Clip their nails about once a month to stop them getting too long, as this will be painful and cause mobility problems.
• Overall health – The Poodle Beagle mix is generally healthy, but you should watch out for common problems as listed above. The most likely culprits are joint, eye, and heart problems and the best way to reduce the risk of these is to buy your pup from a breeder you trust. They will test the parent dogs exclude them from their breeding program if they carry any of these conditions.
If you’ve got all of this and you’re prepared to give your pup the proper care and attention they need, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, loyal friend, whether it’s a mutt or not!
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