Cheagle Basics
Imagine a small dog with the floppy ears and markings of a Beagle but the body of a Chihuahua. You just conjured up the delightful image of the Cheagle. Not familiar with that unique name? There’s a reason why. This is a new designer dog. However, while this pup hasn’t been around for long, that doesn’t mean that the Cheagle hasn’t exploded in popularity. This hybrid is a combination of two of America’s favorite breeds after all (the Chihuahua and the Beagle are classic pets that have brought joy to countless hoomes). When you combine two dogs that beloved, the only possible result is a pooch that will capture the hearts of the nation.
If you are seeking a dog that has the compact and portable size of a toy breed but the fun-loving and gentle nature of a Beagle, the Cheagle may be just what you are looking for. This pup brings together so many of the traits that owners crave in dogs, all in a fresh puppy package that will turn heads every time you take your new best friend for a walk. So, is this the dog breed that you’ve been so desperately seeking? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We are about to reveal everything that you could possibly want to know about the Cheagle. By the time you’re done this article, you may have to race out to the nearest Cheagle immediately.
Imagine a small dog with the floppy ears and markings of a Beagle but the body of a Chihuahua and you have the Cheagle.
Origin
The Chihuahua, one of the parent breeds of the Cheagle, is ancient breed that originated in Mexico, possibly from the Techichi. Remains and records of this breed have been found dating as far back as the 9th century. The Beagle, on the other hand, is descendent from English scent hounds, developed largely during the 18th century. These dogs were bred for their hunting ability, known for their speed and tireless energy. They have been providing love and companionship for generations. You can’t argue with those results.
The Cheagle is a combination of these two breeds, but it is not intended to serve any purpose other than a companion pet. Unfortunately like almost all designer dogs, there isn’t much documented history available for the Cheagle. No breeder has taken credit for originating this hybrid, even if there are dozens out there breeding this pup for happy homes. You won’t be able to get any proper papers for this hybrid though, so make sure to request papers for any Cheagle’s parents from your breeder instead. It’s the only way to ensure that the breeder isn’t following unsafe practices.
Pedigree
The Cheagle is not a purebred dog but a cross between the Beagle and the Chihuahua. Though the Cheagle may retain some of the Beagle’s hunting instincts, it is somewhat difficult to train and would not make a good hunting dog. The temperament of this breed is a blend of the parent breeds’, making it a great family pet and companion. While many breeders use purebred stock, some breed by multi-generation crosses. If you are getting a first generation Cheagle, it will be difficult to predict which specific traits the dog will take from his parents. Hybrid dogs can vary wildly, even amongst puppies born to the same litter. That means that every Cheagle will be unique. However, if you’re seeking more predictability from your pup, then it’s best to seek a second generation cross or a purebred pooch.
Food/Diet
Because the Cheagle is bred from two small breeds, it is best to provide him with a dog food formulated for small breed dogs. These dog food formulas as specifically designed to meet the energy needs of small breed dogs with fast metabolisms. That said, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian before establishing or altering your dog’s diet. While dog food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines, they are still guidelines and should never be treated as gospel. The only person qualified to determine the specific dietary needs of your personal pooch is your vet. So, always defer to their expertise before deciding what to pour into your pup’s food dish.
Given the energy of this breed, the Cheagle can be a little difficult to train and it is not uncommon for this breed to develop Small Dog Syndrome.
Training
Given the energy of this breed, the Cheagle can be a little difficult to train and it is not uncommon for this breed to develop Small Dog Syndrome. The only way to succeed in training this breed is to have a firm and consistent handing in training. You must always be an authority figure or your dog might start to take liberties. Establishing yourself as the alpha in the relationship is vital, even though it must be done with a soft touch. House training in particular can be difficult with this breed, so start early and be firm with your dog.
Socialization is also very important with this breed. The Chihuahua has a tendency to become independent and aggressive toward other dogs. In order to avoid the development of problematic behavior in your Cheagle, begin socializing your dog at an early age. School may be a wise option to ensure that training goes as smoothly as possible (especially for first time dog owners).
Weight
The size of a Cheagle largely depends on breeding, but the average weight for the breed is between 9 and 20 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
The Cheagle displays a blend of the temperaments and behavior of the two parent breeds. Like the Chihuahua, it tends to be very outgoing and easily excited. Like the Beagle, it is playful and loving, especially with family. This breed does tend to get along well with children. However, because it is a small dog, it is generally recommended for older children who know how to handle an animal (these are very fragile pups who need to be treated gently). Though typically a quiet dog, the Cheagle is prone to barking sometimes. Proper training will help to prevent this from becoming a recurring problem though, so make sure to start training early and often to achieve the best results.
The Cheagle is a friendly breed by nature but, much like the Chihuahua, it can be a little aggressive towards other dogs. Early socialization is essential to prevent this behavior from forming. The breed is naturally energetic and fearless – they love to play games and run around whenever they get the chance.
Common Health Problems
Given that the Cheagle is a hybrid breed, the health problems affecting this breed are a combination of those affecting the Beagle and the Chihuahua. As is true of many small breeds, the Cheagle is at risk for skeletal problems and hypoglycemia – Cheagles are also prone to snoring when they sleep. As always, it’s important to maintain regularly scheduled checkups with your vet to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as quickly as possible.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of this breed is between 10 and 14 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Cheagle is a very energetic and active breed. So, to keep his energy under control you will need to provide plenty of daily exercise. This breed doesn’t necessarily require a yard but they will need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and plenty of playtime. Giving your Cheagle adequate exercise is the best way to prevent the development of problem behaviors like excessive barking and chewing. Help your Cheagle burn off all of his excess energy everyday through exercise and that energy won’t manifest in problematic behaviour.
The Cheagle displays a blend of the temperaments and behavior of the two parent breeds.
AKC
Because the Cheagle is a hybrid breed, it is not recognized by the AKC. The breed is, however, recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry.
Coat
The Cheagle has a short, shiny coat that is prone to average shedding. Regular brushing is recommdned to help control shedding in this breed. The coloration of this breed varies greatly depending on the parentage. In most cases, Cheagles exhibit a combination of colors including white, black, cream and tan, though solid coloration is possible. While not all Cheagles do, many also exhibit Beagle facial markings.
Puppies
The average litter size for Cheagles is fairly large, often up to 9 puppies. The appearance of Cheagle puppies depends on the genetics of the parents – if the parents are not purebred of both breeds, the puppies may end up looking more like one breed than the other rather than a blend of the two.
Photo credit: andreasilva127/Flickr; leigh wolf/Flickr; scraggles26/Flickr
