The exact origin of the breed of dog known as the beagle is unknown but it is thought that this sturdy breed descended from a blend of various English hunting dogs including the “Harrier”. The beauty of the beagle mix is in its resulting traits. Because it is a mix of two different breeds or kinds of dogs, mixes have the benefit of more genetics to choose from. In crossbreeding, the most popular breeds to cross are pugs and poodles. They are also the most common type of beagle mix.

A beagle mix may have gained popularity due to the desirability of many of the beagle’s traits. Mixing breeds results in hybrids with characteristics of both breeds. Mixed breeds also may retain some of the beagle’s positive qualities such as excellent sense of smell, sociable temperament, and characteristic physical traits such as sad brown eyes and tri-colored, short fur.
Purebred dogs have a documented lineage and are bred within their own family to retain the specific traits of the breed. Purebred beagles have the same temperament, body dimensions, and known characteristics of their specific breed and are eligible for AKC (American Kennel Club) registry and competition. Mixed breeds (“mutts”), on the other hand are what many would call “All American” due to the fact that mixed breeds, like Americans, often have an uncertain ancestry. Crossbreeds are crosses of purebred dogs from different breeds and may have any combination of the traits of both breeds. Crossbreeds are also called hybrids.

The beagle mix may have become popular, in part, because it has traits of both parents. Crossbreeds, or hybrids, can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club though they cannot compete in AKC competition. Some examples of recognized hybrid beagle mixes are: the “Poogle” (Beagle/Poodle), “Puggle” (Beagle/Pug), and “Beabull” (Beagle/Bull dog).
The most popular breeds to cross with beagles are pugs and poodles. Breeding between breeds creates “designer dogs” that are thought to have the best qualities of both breeds. In truth, traits may vary even in first-generation crossbreeds. “Poogles” and “Puggles” may be growing in popularity, in part, due to their cute-sounding names. It is unknown if they will have overall better traits and health because they are out-bred. Mutts would also be considered superior, as they are also the result of parents with two separate types of genetics.

Purebred beagle lovers maintain that, though purebreds are the result of in-breeding and may have genetic defects due to this, they also have a documented lineage and are predictable in body structure, overall temperament, and health. A buyer or breeder knows what they are getting with a pure breed. Any dog not pure bred, be it a beagle mix or a beagle mutt, will have no predictability in its physical traits and temperament.

Beagle mixed breeds, crossbreeds, and purebreds are popular. The mixed breed dog is becoming popular and this article is specific to Beagle information.

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