The Beagle Chihuahua Mix is a small to medium sized designer dog that is growing in popularity.
Also affectionately known as the Cheagle or Beagle Chi, this hybrid dog is ideal for people who love a unique crossbreed that is low maintenance and one that gets along well with people and other household pets.
As with all mixed breed dogs, there’s no way to predict the exact physical characteristics and personality traits they will inherit from their parents. However, you can study both the parent breeds to get a good idea of what you can expect from your new cross mix.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the fun and exciting Cheagle crossbreed.
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What is a Cheagle?
As the name suggests, the Cheagle is a cross between the small-sized Chihuahua and the medium-sized Beagle.
But what does a Cheagle look like? How big does this mix get? And do they have a unique personality?
Keep reading to get answers to these questions and many more.
By the end of this article, you should be in a position to determine whether or not the Cheagle is the right dog for you and your family.
An Overview of the Cheagle Breed
The Beagle Chihuahua Mix is not a purebred dog. He is a crossbreed dog who originally came from the United States.
Also known as hybrid dogs or designer dogs, crossbred dogs like the Cheagle were developed with the aim of combining the best traits of both purebred parents.
If you love the Chihuahua and Beagle personality traits, then the Cheagle is the dog for you. These small, cute dogs are lively, loving and loyal to their owners and families. As such, they will be a great companion for almost any family or individual.
But how did the Cheagle come about? Who bred the dog first? And are Cheagles officially recognized as a unique breed? Read on to learn more.
The History of the Cheagle
Most mixed breed dogs have little to no information about their origins, and the Cheagle is no exception.
While no one knows exactly how the Cheagle came about, we have a solid understanding of what makes this mix so special. This is because both parent breeds have long and interesting histories.
So let’s take a closer look at the origins of both the Beagle and the Chihuahua.
The History of the Beagle
The history of the Beagle is so long and complex that until now no one can identify his exact origin. Some historians believe that the name “Beagle” is derived from the Gaelic term “Beag”, which means ” little”.
Others argue that the term Beagle comes from the French word “Be’geule”, which refers to the sound the dog makes while barking. Either way, historians tend to agree that the Beagle was developed before 55 BC.
Also known as a foot hound, the dog was particularly useful to the people who could not afford horses and those who were either too old or too sickly to ride them. The Beagle was known to be a great sighthound thanks to his powerful sense of smell and excellent skills of hunting hare and rabbits.
The Beagle was introduced to the US after the Civil War and soon after, became popular among American hunters. However, it was not just his hunting skills that endeared the Beagle to so many people. The dog’s charming personality, playful nature and loyal disposition made him a great choice as a family pet.
The Beagle was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and is now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
The History of the Chihuahua
Like many other modern-day breeds, the history of the Chihuahua breed is shrouded in mystery.
The breed is named after the historic Mexican region of Chihuahua, where the breed emerged around 1850. Some historians believe that the Incas or Aztecs developed the breed; others think that the dog is a descendant of Spanish dogs dating as far back as 1500’s.
The original purpose of the Chihuahua is also a mystery. Some experts say that Chihuahuas were used for food by Indians; others believe that the dog had sacred significance.
The Chihuahua made its way to the United States some time in the 19th century. The popularity of the Chihuahua has increased over the years due to some unusual reasons.
19th century opera singer Adelina Patti made the breed famous when she was gifted a Chihuahua by the then president of Mexico. In the early 1940’s, American-Spanish musician Xavier Cugat used to conduct his band with this dog under his arms.
In recent times, the popularity of the Chihuahua has increased considerably partly because of Gidget the Chihuahua, the star of the 1990s Taco Bell commercials.
The Chihuahua breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1908.
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Cheagle Recognition
The Cheagle has not yet been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club since he is a crossbreed.
However, the breed is recognized by the Designer Canine Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry. Whether recognized or not, the truth is that the Cheagle is a very sweet, lovable dog and one that has a huge following across the globe.
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The General Appearance of the Cheagle
The Beagle and Chihuahua Mix is a very cute combination, picking up the best physical characteristics from both parents.
Cheagle puppies can lean more towards the Chihuahua parent or look more like the Beagle or even be a perfect combination of both.
The Cheagle is normally found in coat colors such as white, black, brown and cream.
The dog has a short, soft and shiny coat. He will most likely have medium feathered fur around his ears, tail and legs.
The Beagle Chi has a large rounded head and alert eyes. Most of them have a wide muzzle just like the Beagle. They also have long ears and a long tail.
So, how big will a Cheagle get?
The Cheagle Size, Height and Weight:
The size of the Beagle Chihuahua Mix will depend on the genetic composition of the parent dogs.
Normally, the size range is quite huge, but most full grown Cheagles will stand anywhere between 5 and 15 inches tall and their average weight is around 6 to 30 pounds.
Cheagle Puppies
A Cheagle litter usually consists of 9 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the puppies usually depend on either parent dog. If either parent’s genes are stronger than those of the other parent, your puppy will most likely look more like the stronger parent.
If you’re worried about the appearance, temperament, health or any other aspect, it is very important to meet both parents to get a good idea of what to expect from your new Cheagle puppy.
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Beagle Chihuahua Mix Temperament
As you’ve discovered, both the Beagle and the Chihuahua have interesting histories and characteristics, both of which make them special and unique purebred dogs.
But what will happen when you combine the two? What will the Beagle Chihuahua Mix be like?
As with all mixed breed dogs, there’s no guarantee when it comes to Beagle Chi behavior and temperament. Your Cheagle puppy could acquire any set of personality traits from each side of his parentage.
Chihuahuas and Beagles are different kinds of dogs. Being a hound, the Beagle enjoys hunting and has a keen sense of smell. This dog can hunt for long distances and nothing can distract him from the smell.
Both the Beagle and the Chihuahua are lively, charming dogs, so these traits will also be passed down to their offspring, the Cheagle.
Moreover, both purebred parents are loving and loyal to their masters. There’s no doubt that the Cheagle will exhibit the same traits. Be prepared for plenty of snuggles.
A small dog with a big attitude, the Chihuahua is more strong-willed than the Beagle.
While very intelligent, the Chihuahua is more interested in doing what he loves most and less interested in training. He is very independent and doesn’t get along well with little kids and other family pets.
In fact, the Chihuahua loves being on his owner’s side alone. He is doesn’t like it when any other pet or person steals your attention and affection from him. Nonetheless, the Chihuahua is known for his bold personality. Dog owners the world over adore this funny canine.
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Due to his strong-willed reputation, proper training and socialization is important if you want to end up with a well mannered dog.
While the Chihuahua and the Beagle have very different personality traits, they are both affectionate and love their owners unconditionally. So, you can expect your Beagle Chihuahua Mix to be truly loyal and devoted to his owner.
On the other hand, other personality traits of your Cheagle will be determined by fate. That’s why, as with all dogs, we recommend obedience training and socialization for your Beagle Chihuahua Mix from a young age.
Obedience training and early socialization will help ensure your puppy grows into a well behaved dog. Moreover, it will help lower the chances of your dog developing unwanted behaviors or destructive habits.
Barking Habit:
Compared to many other crossbreeds, the Cheagle is more likely to be a barker. It depends on which parent dog he acquires the barking habit from. In other words, your Cheagle will be a rare or moderate barker.
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Behavior with Children:
Cheagle puppies should grow to show traits from both or either of the parent breeds. From the Beagle parent, the dog should acquire the playful and gentle-towards-people side. From his Chihuahua parent, the Cheagle will most likely inherit his charming and charismatic personality.
? If you have little kids at home, you may want to consider other dog breeds as small children tend to be rough when playing with small dogs and might hurt them in the process. Otherwise, you should supervise their interactions, especially if you have a small Cheagle puppy.
Behavior with Other Pets and Animals:
Although the Cheagle seems to be gentle and friendly towards other animals, you will need to supervise their interactions and make sure you introduce them to each other as soon as you bring your puppy home.
As we’ve stated above, early socialization will help prevent aggression and ensure they get along well with each other. Like other toy breeds, the Cheagle is prone to small dog syndrome, so you need to socialize your Cheagle from a young age.
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Training
The Chihuahua and the Beagle have different personalities, and their offspring will inherit any set of personality traits. Of course, this could have a huge impact on any training methods you employ.
While his Beagle parent is intelligent and keen to learn, the Chihuahua parent is quite stubborn and may be stronger than the Beagle side.
Training is required early on in the life of both the Beagle and the Chihuahua to keep any stubborn behavior under control and to establish yourself as the pack leader.
Obedience training is particularly important while they are still young puppies.
With small breeds, house training is often a challenge, so you will need to be firm and careful with your Cheagle. Train your Cheagle with a firm and kind tone, and use positive training methods as opposed to punishment and other harsh corrective measures.
Treats, hugs and praises will do the trick, even with stubborn dogs.
Exercise Requirements
Just like his Chihuahua parent, the Cheagle is a high-energy dog, so he needs proper exercises to expend excess energy and to keep him happy and healthy.
The Cheagle is also a playful dog who enjoys running around the home. While this breed would be fine living in an apartment, you will need to meet his exercise needs by giving him at least 40 minutes of walks each day.
He enjoys quality playtime with his master on top of daily walks. Doing this will help prevent destructive habits or behavioral issues from developing.
Keep in mind that both the Chihuahua and the Beagle are very intelligent dogs who will require mental stimulation. So be sure to provide them with games and interactive dog toys to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Your Cheagle will enjoy games like tug of war and Fetch.
Anything that strengthens the bond with his family will help keep your Cheagle happy!
Grooming Requirements
As with all small dogs, a proper grooming regimen is necessary for your Cheagle. This includes brushing his coat regularly, occasional baths, checking and cleaning the ears and cutting their nails to keep them at an acceptable length.
When it comes to the grooming requirements of a Chihuahua, the long-haired variety requires frequent brushing while the smooth coat type requires less frequent brushing. The Beagle has moderate grooming demands and like the Chihuahua, he is a moderate shedding dog.
As for the Beagle Chihuahua Mix, you’ll need to brush him at least twice a week to keep any loose hair under control.
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On the other hand, if your puppy inherits the long-haired Chihuahua’s coat, you will need to brush him more frequently to help prevent mats and tangles.
Your Beagle Chihuahua Mix will also require an occasional bath to keep him clean and healthy. Be sure to use high quality doggie shampoo instead of human shampoo to avoid skin issues. On the other hand, use deodorizing wipes for dogs in between baths to keep your pup’s coat looking great at all times.
It’s also important to check and clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent waxy build-up, which could lead to common infections. Lastly, make sure to cut your Cheagle’s nails whenever they get too long to prevent them from splitting or cracking.
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Feeding Information
Diet is an integral part of any dog’s health and overall well-being, so give high quality dog food to your Cheagle.
The amount of food your Cheagle requires will depend on his age, size, health and activity level. Generally, a Cheagle will do well eating two to three cups of premier quality dry dog food each day. We suggest dividing this into two meals per day.
Furthermore, make sure your Cheagle has access to fresh water at all times.
Beagle Chihuahua Mix Lifespan
The Cheagle is generally a healthy crossbreed and has a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.
However, this breed is prone to certain genetic conditions, which can reduce the lifespan of your Cheagle.
This brings us nicely to the Cheagle health problems that you should watch out for.
Cheagle Health Problems
The Cheagle is a mixed breed dog so the health issues affecting this dog are the same as those affecting both parent breeds.
As with many other small dog breeds, the Beagle Chihuahua Mix is prone to hypoglycemia and skeletal problems. The Cheagle is also vulnerable to snoring when they are asleep.
Other common health problems affecting Cheagles include:
Hip dysplasia: this is a genetic condition that affects many dog breeds, including the Cheagle. With this health problem, the thighbone doesn’t form properly, so it doesn’t fit well into the hip joint. In some cases, the affected dog will display signs of lameness and pain on one or both back legs. In others, the dog does not show any obvious signs of discomfort.
Obesity: Cheagles are also prone to obesity just like many other small dog breeds. Obesity is a very serious health problem that could lead to joint issues, back pain, digestive problems and heart disease.
Thyroid problems: Cheagles are also at risk for hypothyroidism, a condition in which the dog’s body doesn’t produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormone. Common signs and symptoms include redness, irritation, swelling of the eyes or eyelids and frequent rubbing of your dog’s eyes with his paws or on the bed or ground. A professional vet can help treat your dog for any of these health concerns depending on the stage of the condition.
Dental problems: common signs include loss of appetite, bad breath, bleeding, lethargy, swelling and problems in chewing food properly. There are many different dental issues that affect dogs. These include plaque and tartar build-up, gum infection and inflammation, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
As a mixed breed dog, your Cheagle is at risk for some or all of these issues just like his parents. For that reason, it is highly recommended to have your puppy undergo proper health testing.
Early health screening using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit can help you to accurately determine what health problems your Cheagle or any other dog could experience in the future.
This dog DNA test will also help you to better determine what breeds are in your mixed breed dog to ensure you take proper care of him.
So let’s now talk about how and where to find healthy Cheagle puppies for sale or adoption.
Finding Healthy Cheagle Puppies for Sale
Finding healthy Beagle Chihuahua Mix puppies for sale should be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, you need to take your time and be patient when trying to find one of these lovable puppies.
Obviously, you’ll want to do your homework before buying a puppy from any breeder.
Getting your puppy from reputable Cheagle breeders is of the utmost importance and will set you and your Cheagle up for success.
When considering Cheagle breeders, bear in mind that the best breeders will be prepared to produce health certificates to prove that their puppies are truly healthy.
How Much Does a Cheagle Puppy Cost?
The average price of a Beagle Chihuahua Mix is around $500 to $1000.
However, factors that affect the Cheagle price include the dog’s age, health, location and the reputation of the breeder in question.
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Cheagle Rescue
If you want to adopt a Cheagle puppy or adult Cheagle, be ready to pay adoption fees ranging from $50 to $100.
One of the best things about rescuing a dog is that animal shelters or rescue centers will usually cover the cost of vet consultation.
So, look around and you might be lucky enough to find Cheagle puppies or adult dogs listed for adoption in a shelter near you.
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Is the Cheagle Right for Me?
If you’re seriously considering adding a Cheagle to your family, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind.
? Firstly, Cheagles are very intelligent canines. They enjoy being near their owner and love attention. Before you get a Cheagle, consider the amount of time you have on your hands to spend with your new furry friend. Keep in mind that a puppy needs love and attention.
? Cheagle puppies are very cute and adorable, but they can also be destructive. Before you buy a Beagle Chi puppy, prepare to meet his exercise needs by walking him daily and providing him with a lot of interactive dog toys to help keep any destructive habits under control.
Finally, ask anyone who has rescued an adult dog about their experiences before adopting one. If you’re in doubt, consider talking to your vet before making this long-term commitment.
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Conclusion
If you love small dogs with big hearts and a big attitude, then the Cheagle is the dog for yours.
This mix is a fun and affectionate dog and will be a loyal companion to you and your family for many years to come. Just make sure to get your puppy from a reputable source and to train him early on to ensure he develops into a well-mannered dog.
Good luck!