Cheagle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Cheagle?

The Cheagle is a Beagle Chihuahua mix, bred mainly to be companion dogs. Sadly, like many designer dogs, not much history is known about the Cheagle.

It's possible that this mixed breed naturally existed through the years. However, during the late 90s, designer breeders began purposefully mixing Beagles and Chihuahuas to create Cheagle puppies.

The Chihuahua parent is a very old breed that originates from Mexico, believed to have descended from the Techichi dog. Records and remains of this breed have been discovered - dating back to the 9th century.

The Beagle parent descends from English scenthounds, believed to have developed during the 18th century. Beagles were originally bred for hunting, being known for their boundless energy and speed. However, these hunting and tracking dogs have also been loving companions for generations.

Who are Cheagle dogs best for?

Because of its small size, this Chihuahua Beagle mix is better suited to adults or families with older children who know how to handle the dog gently. Small or overly excited children could easily injure this little dog.

The Cheagle can get along well with other dogs and pets as long as they're introduced calmly and slowly. Starting these interactions should be done as early as possible to help them go smoothly.

How much grooming does a Cheagle need?

Cheagles usually have short coats that shed, especially during the fall and spring seasons. A few brushing sessions each week are usually enough, but if you have a long-haired variety, you may have to brush your pooch more often.

For bathing, a high-quality shampoo formulated for dogs should be used. However, Cheagles are prone to having dry and irritated skin, so baths should be limited to only when they're necessary.

Your Cheagle will also need its nails trimmed every month, teeth brushed twice a week, and an ear cleaned every week.

Do Cheagle bark much?

Because both the Chihuahua and Beagle are hunting and tracking dog breeds, they have a naturally territorial and protective nature. Unfortunately, this means they're known to bark a lot!

To prevent your Cheagle from becoming too vocal, obedience training from a young age can stop it from becoming a problem.

Do Cheagle bite?

If your Cheagle has inherited the temperament of the Chihuahua, there's a chance it may show aggression toward other dogs. The Chihuahua is a small dog renowned for having a big attitude!

This aggression is usually triggered if the dog thinks it must protect its family, or home, or ward off threats. If interactions between the dog and children aren't supervised, a Chihuahua Beagle mix could end up nipping if the child handles it too roughly.

To prevent biting or aggression in your Cheagle, puppy training classes are a great idea, and they also double as an excellent chance to socialise your pup. Children should also be taught how to handle the dog calmly and with respect.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cheagle?

The temperament of the Cheagle can be described as fun-loving and loyal. Although they're lap-sized, their highly energetic nature means they usually prefer playing fetch to curling up on your lap.

Some may have a high prey drive, although most of the time, the hunting tendencies aren't as strong as the parent Beagles. They are very vocal, though, so if you're looking for a watchdog that will alert you if there's someone at the door, a Cheagle is the dog for you.

The stubborn streak of the Beagle Chihuahua mix can be a challenge during training. However, patience and consistency will help your training sessions to go smoothly.

They also tend to bond with just one person, but they can get along with everyone else too. For this reason, a Cheagle is better suited to one-person households or families that have older kids.

What is the weight & size of a Cheagle?

Since the Beagle Chihuahua mix is still quite a new breed, there aren't many standards when it comes to weight and size. Because both parent breeds are small dogs, the Cheagle should also be small.

They typically weigh around 9-13 kg and reach heights of 22-35 cm. But, some Cheagles may be bigger or smaller depending on which parent gene is more dominant.

How much training does a Cheagle need?

Training a Cheagle can be a challenge. Although they're very loyal and intelligent dogs, they can be very stubborn. This stubbornness comes from the Beagle scenthound side - they love to please but are also single-minded if they detect a scent!

Training your Cheagle will require plenty of patience and a firm but gentle approach. They're also big fans of food, so arming yourself with treats can help make training sessions a success.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cheagle?

Because the Beagle Chihuahua mix is a hybrid, the potential health issues they may suffer are a combination of the conditions that commonly affect the parent breeds. Like other small breeds, Cheagles are at risk of hypoglycemia and skeletal problems.

It's vital to take your dog for regular checks from the vets to make sure any health problems are detected and treated as early as possible. Problems that may affect your Cheagle include:

• Obesity

• Hip dysplasia

• Thyroid issues

What is the lifespan of a Cheagle?

The Chihuahua Beagle mix has a life expectancy of 10-16 years. Like many small dog breeds, the Cheagle can have a fairly long lifespan. This is because smaller dogs take longer to age than larger breeds.

How much should you feed a Cheagle?

The Cheagle is a Chihuahua Beagle mix and so will need to be fed dog food that's specially formulated for small and high-energy dogs. These food formulas are designed to meet the dietary needs of smaller dogs that have fast metabolisms.

To put together the perfect diet for your dog, always ask your vet for recommendations. You'll also need to keep in mind that your dog's dietary requirements will change as it gets older - continuing to change as it reaches its senior years.

What is the price of a Cheagle in Australia?

Prices for Cheagle puppies depend on the breeder, but you can expect to pay between $500 to $2,000. To ensure you get a healthy dog, only buy from a responsible and reputable breeder. Steer clear of breeders offering puppies at very low prices as they're likely to come from puppy mills.

Puppies from these environments are normally kept in unethical conditions and aren't usually screened for health problems.