Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 28th February 2026
Pocket Beagle
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 28th February 2026
The Pocket Beagle is a mini version of the standard English Beagle. Theories suggest that this purebred dog has been made to breed through selective breeding by latter day breeders to attain the miniature size. These sturdy scent hounds have a square-shaped straight muzzle with full nostrils. Having a long tail, hanging ears and hazel brown eyes, the Pocket Beagles are ideal pets for people looking for small size dogs.
Pocket Beagle Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names |
Mini Beagle, Miniature Beagle, Toy Beagle, Teacup Beagle, Olde English Pocket Beagle |
| Coat | Medium, short, hard |
| Color | Tricolor, black and tan, red, orange, lemon (combined with white) |
| Group (of Breed) | Hound (scent hound, hunting dog) |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight/Size | 7 to 15 pounds |
| Height | Small; 7 to 12 inches |
| Shedding | Average |
| Temperament | Gentle, curious, brave, sociable |
| Good with Child | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Barking | Loud, baying |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Litter Size | 2-14 puppies |
| Health Concerns | Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, dwarfism |
| Competitive Registration | DRA |
Pocket Beagle Video
Other Similar Breeds
History
The pocket beagle originated in England where they were used for hunting. They would run through low bushes and dense shrubs to catch smaller animals like rabbits. British Queen Elizabeth had a few small-size Beagles, also termed as ‘pocket beagles’, an old line of dogs that has disappeared, and is found no more. It is the modern day breeders that have recreated the present-day ‘pocket beagle’ that we see today.
Temperament and Behavior
Being gentle, the pocket beagles are usually good with children. Because of their hunting instincts, keeping them around small non-canine pets is not recommended. Enough time and attention should be given to them as they do not like living in solitude. Adopting two puppies together reduces the chances of separation anxiety. These curious, brave and lively dogs are loud barkers, which might get you in trouble with your neighbors.
Care
Exercise
Being energetic dogs, a daily brisk exercise schedule can keep them healthy and upbeat. Take them for long walks but keep an eye out, or they would start chasing other smaller animals. Allow them to play in an open but enclosed space.
Grooming
Their coats do not demand extensive grooming. Brushing them with firm bristles from time to time is recommended. Mild soap bathing with occasional dry shampoo as and when required would keep them clean. Check their ears and eyes for infection or allergies.
Health Problems
Because this dog is a pure breed, it is prone to inherit diseases down its ancestral line. Some line of these dogs might have tendency to get cardiac (heart) issues, orthopedic and other back problems, eye diseases and even convulsion and epilepsy. Dwarfism (Chondroplasia) is also common to this dog breed, wherein they develop warped front legs, a syndrome which some researchers suspect to have been misused by many dog breeders to use dwarf beagles for developing smaller-size beagle puppies only to make them resemble a ‘pocket beagle’. Other diseases like Hypothyroidism, Funny Puppy syndrome, Chinese Beagle Syndrome, Cleft Lip or Palate, Cryptorchidism, Hermaphroditism, Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Intervertebral Disc DiseaseI (IDD), Patellar luxation etc. might also pester this little beagle.
Training
Being bred for hunting in the wild, this frivolous and unruly beagle might be loud while barking or can be lost anywhere around, which might be risky, for which reason, the owner should ensure proper training, socializing them with cats and other pets. Set rules clearly and be the pack leader while out for walks, while they still are puppies.
Feeding
For non-vegetarian diet, insist on fresh, real meat for which any one or a combination of items like Lean hamburger, Lean, white breast chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Veal or fish like Tuna, Mackerel or tuna, that consists of 35-45% of one complete serving. Vegetarian foods should include 35-45% of their diet including sweet peas, beans, broccolis and cauliflowers or potatoes and sweet potatoes, as you choose. Pasta and brown rice can also be opted for their need for starch intake. Vitamin and mineral dog supplement mixed in their home-cooked or commercial meals or can even be used in tablet form. As for dry food, only 7/8th to 1 3/8th cups of a high-quality dry dog food daily is recommended. This amount is to be divided into two equal meals.
Interesting Facts
- The very name ‘Old English Pocket Beagle’ has originated because the English hunters would carry these dogs in their saddlebags.
- It is argued that, the original small size Beagles became extinct, but they have been recreated and are now being bred again in the modern times.
FAQ’s
i am interested. i want a dog at least a year old. i am retired. i do not have a yard, but, my children live close and have yards. i take a long or 2 short walks a day.. i do this for my own health.
Looking to rescue a pocket beagle no older that three years,
Hi my name is Arabella May and I absolutely love dogs/puppy
Im a licensed Nutritionist and RD trained in the care of humans. I noticed you recommend feeding these very small dogs tuna and mackerel. Unfortunately,I recommend humans ingest these fish only rarely now and only in adult males or females who are not getting pregnant. Dogs of such low weight can easily suffer mercury toxicity and die, especially such small animals. Please rethink recommending fish as a source of protein. Best PP
Hello,
Thank you for your concern. We shall surely research and consider this point in future.