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You've hunted around in a shelter or at Petfinder.com and see a really cute little dog described as a "Miniature Beagle". You go to the American Kennel Club (AKC) website and see there is no such breed as a miniature Beagle. What's going on here? Well, the dog could very well be a new trend in Beagle breeding ? for "teacup" or sizes under twelve inches tall at the withers (highest point of the shoulder.) Beagles themselves are miniature versions of the mighty Foxhounds (English or American) that are big, elegant, strong dogs. Beagles were bred for the hunt, as well as Jack Russels. A usual English foxhunting pack had a few "couples" of Beagles to get into places the big Foxhounds couldn't, and Jack Russels to get into the places even the Beagles couldn't get into. Beagles have always had a height variation in their breed. This is why in America they are shown in two classes ? for Beagles up to thirteen inches at the withers and Beagles between thirteen and fifteen inches. All dogs are individuals, and there will always be a Beagle that clearly hasn't read the Beagle information handbook. But generally, the smaller the miniature Beagle, the more hyperactive and unhealthy it will be. Since these are early days yet for this Beagle type, be ready to keep the dog active, be patient and be sure you really want this type of dog. Adding any puppy or dog to your family is like adding a newborn baby. Miniature Beagles have been successfully trained to be happy home companions and playmates for children and other dogs. But you must be patient and keep at it. All Beagle types were bred to be busy. However, unlike some other purebreds, all Beagle types will move heaven and earth for food. Here is a great key for training your miniature Beagle. Be consistent and keep training sessions just a few minutes long. Save a special treat to be given only on the successful execution of a desired behavior. So how small is a miniature Beagle? The average height is a mere ten inches tall. But getting a litter of miniature Beagle puppies is a genetic crapshoot. All Beagles have the genes to be any height. So, even if two miniature Beagles are bred, the puppies may grow well over thirteen inches tall at the withers. Most Beagle information experts agree that a Beagle is finished growing at nine months. Designer dog breeders are hoping to make breeding any miniature breed more predictable. Miniature Beagles are very social animals that love company. They also love to be the center of attention. Perhaps they can remember their days when miniature Beagles were the prized pets of European royalty in the 1300's ? 1400's. Queen Elizabeth I was said to have one. Your home will, indeed be your miniature Beagle's castle. If you really want a unique looking dog, go adopt a mutt from an animal shelter. It'll cost you a lot less and save a dog's life.
Article Source: http://www.wowfreearticles.com
About the author: Michelle Adams is a passionate lover of the Beagle and owns a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Beagle. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Beagle Types plus a whole lot more.
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