Beago

Breed a Golden Retriever with a Beagle, and the result is a Beago! This crossbreed originated back in the 1980s. Beagos claim some of the most appealing features of each of their parents. They belong to the hybrid group.

Beagos are energetic, friendly, and even-tempered dogs. They get along well with children, adults, and other pets in a household.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Beago

Evolution and Origins

As a hybrid, designer breed, the Beago’s exact origins are unknown, but it’s believed that it was developed in the 1980s in the U.S. Both of the Beago’s parent breeds, the Beagle and the Golden Retriever, are hunting dogs with an excellent sense of smell.

The Beagle may be able to trace its lineage to ancient Greece, where small beagle-like pack-hounds were used to hunt rabbits, hares, foxes, and badgers. The modern-day beagle’s descendants are thought to have been Talbot Hounds, large scenthounds that were brought by William the Conqueror into Britain during the 11th century, and possibly the Irish Kerry beagle, a now-extinct breed that was similar to the Bloodhound. By the 16th century, packs of hounds were used by English nobility to hunt deer and hares and as gun dogs, flushing game for hunters.

The Golden Retriever was developed in the 19th century in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks (who later became Baron Tweedmouth) by crossbreeding Flat-Coated Retrievers with dog breeds including the Tweed Water Spaniel, Red Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Bloodhound. The Golden Retriever is used as a gundog in the field and for the retrieval of birds such as grouse and partridge. These dogs are frequent competitors at dog shows and are trained to be guide and therapy dogs.

Due to the traits of agility and intelligence received from these two sporting parent breeds, Beagos often compete in dog sports such as competitive obedience and agility, and are used in search and rescue operations and drug detection work.

Size and Weight

In terms of height, a male Beago can grow as tall as 20 inches, whereas a female can reach a height of 19 inches. A male Beago can weigh as much as 55 pounds, while a female Beago weighs up to 45 pounds. A 9-week-old Beago puppy weighs approximately 8 pounds. These hybrid dogs are considered fully grown at 18 months, but the canine continues to mature until it’s around 3 years old.

Common Health Issues

Like most dogs, Beagos have some common health issues. One example is elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is when a dog’s elbow joint doesn’t fit together properly, causing the animal to limp. This condition can range from mild to severe. Sometimes medication can be adequate treatment, but surgery is also an option.

A second common health issue of this Beago is known as pulmonic stenosis. Essentially, pulmonic stenosis is a defective heart valve. A veterinarian checking a Beago with this condition is likely to hear a heart murmur. Surgery is the treatment for this condition. A third common health issue of this hybrid dog, and its parent breed, the Beagle, is cataracts. A cataract takes the form of cloudiness in one or both of a dog’s eyes. Cataracts can cause a dog to lose its eyesight. Surgery may be necessary depending on the severity of the cataract.

Temperament and Behavior

The playful behavior of a Beago is just one of the things that make this hybrid so popular. They love to play fetch, hide-and-seek, and other games with their family members. They have a love of swimming as well. So, if an owner has a swimming pool, the Beago is likely to try it out! This crossbreed has an easygoing personality along with a lot of energy.

Both the Beagle and the Golden Retriever breeds are known to get along with kids. So, it’s not surprising that Beagos interact well with the children in a family. One of their most prized traits is loyalty. They are loving and protective of their family.

How to Take Care of a Beago

Being aware of the dietary, grooming, exercise, and healthcare requirements of a pet helps an owner to take excellent care of it. Whether someone gets a Beago puppy or an adult dog, taking this hybrid’s specific needs into account can help this canine lead a healthy life.

The Best Dog Food for Beagos

Beago puppies and adult dogs need different nutrients in their daily meals. These nutrients can sometimes help to fend off common health issues. Look at some factors to consider when planning a Beago’s diet. Also, be aware of their heart disease risk and the dangers of legumes in dog food, and discuss these with your vet to see if legume-free dog food is the best bet.

Puppy food: DHA in the form of Omega-3 fatty acids is essential in a puppy’s diet. It supports the development of the brain and the central nervous system. Protein contributes to the strengthening of joints and muscles. Calcium is necessary for developing strong bones and teeth. Calcium is especially important for a hybrid dog prone to elbow dysplasia. Easily digestible carbohydrates give Beago puppies the energy they need to explore their environment.

Adult dog food: A maturing Beago needs protein to support bone and joint health. Lean fat gives these dogs the energy to run and play while not adding extra weight. Calcium maintains the health of their teeth, bones, and nails. Vitamin A supports eye health, which may fend off the development of cataracts. Omega-6 acids support the health of a Beago’s coat. Fiber assists with proper digestion.

Owners should be sure their dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water not only hydrates, but it also helps with the digestion of meals.

Maintenance and Grooming

How much do Beagos shed? They shed a moderate amount of hair. Both the Beagle and the Golden Retriever are moderate shedders, so this comes as no surprise.

The grooming routine for this crossbreed consists of brushing it two or three times each week. A slicker brush is a valuable grooming tool because it moves through the short to medium-length hair of this dog to remove tangles fairly easily. If the Beago takes after its Beagle parent, then it will have short hair. If it takes after its Golden Retriever parent, then the hybrid will have hair that’s medium length. A grooming glove is excellent for going over the hair on the legs, face, and tail of the dog.

Another part of the grooming routine should include the dog’s ears. Clean the underside of their ears along with the visible areas. A soft cloth and warm water are sufficient for cleaning their ears unless a veterinarian prescribes a special cleaning solution.

These dogs can develop environmental allergies that appear as redness or dryness of the skin. A veterinarian can help to determine the cause of the allergies and prescribe a topical ointment to soothe the irritated skin.

Training

These dogs can be somewhat challenging to train. They can be distracted by the scents flowing all around them. An owner who is patient and uses treats, as well as praise, is going to have success training this dog. A Beagle can be challenging to train, which is part of the reason why a Beago can be the same way.

Exercise

These dogs need around 60 minutes of exercise per day. They love to run, jump, and explore the world around them. This activity supports their physical as well as emotional health. A walk in the woods, a run around a local pond, or a trip to a dog park are all great ways to give this hybrid dog exercise. A dog park is an especially good idea because they get along with other dogs.

This dog is not suitable for apartment life. They are medium to large in size, so they would not be able to move freely in an apartment setting. A home with a backyard is a better option for this pooch.

Puppies

Puppies need lots of space to run around, but they tend to be carried away by a scent. So, providing a large fenced-in space for them to explore is important for their safety.

Beago and Children

These dogs are known to be good with children, like their parent breed Golden Retrievers. They are playful and affectionate. As a bonus, they are sturdy dogs, so they are always ready for an energetic game of chase, hide-and-seek, or fetch. A Beago purchased from a breeder or adopted from a rescue organization would love to be with a family that has children.

Dogs Similar to Beagos

Other dogs similar to Beagos include Flat-Coated Retrievers, Boglen Terriers, and Beagadors.

• Flat-Coated Retriever: Beagos and Flat-Coated Retrievers are both good with children and can have black coats, but Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh more than Beagos.
• Boglen Terrier: Both Boglen Terriers and Beagos can have black in their coats and be challenging to obedience train. One difference is Beagos tend to be a larger hybrid dog.
• Beagador: Beagadors and Beagos both have moderate shedding activity and are approximately the same size, fully grown. However, Beagadors are easier to train.