Adorable Mini Beagle Puppy Pictures

Although Beagles come in 15-inch and 13-inch varieties, miniature Beagle and pocket Beagle puppies are purposely bred to create a smaller pet that still has typical Beagle characteristics. These down-sized dogs retain more of the cute puppy look that the breed is so famous for, but there is a lot more to learn about them.

In most cases, mini Beagle puppies don't look much different than their larger relatives. They simply don't grow quite as large. There is some range in size at the present time. Some pups will grow to about five to seven pounds, while others will weigh in around 12 pounds at maturity.

Beagles, whether the standard kind or their miniature counterparts, are one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. because of their friendly, outgoing nature. They're also adorable dogs, especially the puppies, and pictures of miniature Beagles show off the floppy ears and sweet faces that make these dogs so well loved.

Although it may seem like miniature Beagle puppies are just another "designer dog" fad, the breed actually had a smaller variety in years past. These dogs were known as Old English Pocket Beagles, but they often go by Toy, Teacup or Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagles today.

The Old English were used to help flush small animals out of the underbrush. It's believed the Pocket Beagle of old has passed into extinction, but selective breeding for the pet market has once again made this unofficial variety available.

Don't let this little dog's size fool you. He still has a lot of energy and stamina, so he needs plenty of exercise while still being careful of his lighter bone structure. He also needs a decent amount of attention because he can become destructive when he's bored. Plan to give this pup a lot of training and structure so he becomes the best companion he can be.

These pups may be smaller than average, but they share characteristics in common with full-size beagles. For example, they still produce that unbelievably loud, baying hound dog howl that serves beagles so well in the field.

Miniature Beagles come in all the same colors as the regular size Beagles. The colors include tri-color which is a combination of three colors including black, white, red, bluetick, tan and blue. Bi-color miniature Beagles come in white and one other color which can be lemon, orange, red, tan or they can be black and tan. Miniature Beagle patterns can include ticked and spotted.

Despite their size, Miniature Beagles are just as active and intelligent as regular Beagles. These dogs need not only exercise but ways to keep their mind engaged to keep them from getting bored. Participating in AKC Scent Work is a fantastic activity for a Miniature Beagle and doesn't require a lot of room or special equipment.

Another fun activity that you can do with a Miniature Beagle is dog agility. Even small dogs can participate in this sport and Beagles of all sizes love it. There are even Teacup divisions among dog sport competitors where your Pocket Beagle will feel right at home. Just make sure that your training club keeps jumps low to accommodate your dog's small size and understands exercise modifications for his more delicate bone structure.

Miniature Beagles are known for needing companionship and this is a breed that can develop separation anxiety. Since they're so small, consider getting more than one so they have company when you're gone. They also can do well with other animals although they may chase small furry pets and cats due to their hunting instincts.

While not all Miniature and Pocket Beagles are dwarfs, some Beagles with the gene for dwarfism are specifically bred to create smaller versions. These dogs may be at more risk of health problems and physical conditions.

On average, miniature Beagle pups live about 10 years. Any breed has health issues, but down-sized versions of a breed usually produce these issues with higher frequency. Watch for:

• Epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Hip and knee problems
• Eye disorders
• Disc disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Cleft palate

If you are looking for a furry companion, these miniature dogs may be the right choice for you.