Cheagle

The Cheagle is a feisty, charismatic little dog that mixes many characteristics of a Chihuahua and a Beagle. At first glance, this might seem like a strange cross. The Chihuahua is a toy dog with a big and charming personality. Its lineage dates back to pre-Columbian Mexico. The Beagle, by contrast, is an energetic and happy-go-lucky pack hound. With a history that goes back to at least the 11th century, it was originally bred to track down deer and hare.

Despite being a 50/50 mix between a Beagle and a Chihuahua, this crossbreed will not necessarily inherit traits in equal proportion. Most of these dogs will have broad and rounded heads with expressive brown eyes. It may inherit the long and wide muzzle of the Beagle or the short and pointed muzzle of the Chihuahua. The ears can likewise be erect or floppy. Most, but not all, Cheagles will have a short, shiny double coat of fur, sometimes accompanied by featherings around the ears, legs, and tail. The fur is usually a combination of black, white, cream, and brown.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Cheagle is a small dog, usually weighing somewhere between the Beagle and the Chihuahua. The small size is obviously influenced by the fact that the Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds in the world. The so-called teacup Chihuahuas, the smallest dogs of all, weigh only about a pound. They are obviously named for the fact that they will fit inside a teacup. The Cheagle is rarely the size of a teacup, but it can weigh as little as 9 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Just like its two parent breeds, the Cheagle may tend to suffer from heart disease, cancer, mange, thyroid problems, obesity, eye infections, and hip dysplasia (a developmental disorder that causes the hip to become dislocated in its socket).

Another potential problem is a degenerative spinal condition called intervertebral disc disease. This can lead to pain and weakness in dogs. Good breeders will always try to screen their dogs for potential health problems, but it is impossible to eliminate all risks. A regular checkup at the vet is necessary to catch problems as early as possible. This will lead to better outcomes in the long run.

Temperament

The Cheagle is a loyal and fun-loving mix with a sassy and charismatic personality. As a great people-oriented dog, it should form a deep bond with its owner, but be aware that its behavior can vary widely based on what traits it inherits from its parents. Some individuals may be more of a toy dog, like the Chihuahua.

Other individuals may inherit a strong prey drive and hunting instinct from their Beagle parent that can cause them to chase around smaller pets and animals. This can be partially mitigated with proper training, but some individuals are always more likely to chase after animals than others, so you should be cautious when letting them off the leash. Despite its high energy level, the Cheagle should do reasonably well in apartments and indoor spaces. The dog’s tendency to bark at suspicious sounds and people makes it a good choice for a watchdog as well.

Care

While the Cheagle is by no means an easy dog to care for, it should be a good choice for all types of owners, whether experienced, novice, or first-time, who want an energetic and intelligent hybrid. Owners might want to consider investing in a crate, plenty of toys, and some winter clothing (this dog may be vulnerable to cold weather). Also, consider spaying or neutering your dog if this has not already been done. If you have any other questions or concerns, then you should consult with your vet.

Best Dog Food

A full-grown adult Cheagle will need about a cup of high-quality dry food, preferably divided up into two meals a day, to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Puppies should be fed calorie-dense, high-protein food around three or four meals a day to support their rapidly growing bodies. Of course, the exact amount will depend on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Since this mix is prone to obesity, owners should carefully monitor its calorie intake. Do not feed it a lot of treats and scraps throughout the day.

Maintenance and Grooming

As a light shedder, the Cheagle only needs about two to four brushings per week to remove dead hairs and distribute some of the natural oils throughout the fur. Because the dog tends to develop dry and irritated skin, it should only receive baths on occasion when it becomes particularly dirty. If the dog has longer hair than normal, then it may require some extra time to work out tangles in the fur by hand. Owners should also strive to cut the nails, clean out the ears, and brush the teeth on a regular basis.

Training

Since the Cheagle will benefit from a sense of direction and discipline, the training process should be as much about boundary setting as anything else. Let your dog know when it has crossed a line of bad behavior, but always keep in mind that the Cheagle is sensitive to the sound of your voice, so positive reinforcement methods in the form of praise and treats work best. Most of all, owners need to be consistent with their commands. Otherwise, you will only confuse your dog and complicate the process. If you are struggling to train your dog, then you should try to find a professional in your area who can help you.

Exercise

The Cheagle needs only about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. It should be satisfied with short, leisurely walks and indoor playtime. If your dog inherited some hunting instincts from the Beagle, then you may want to throw in some scent activities as well. It is always a good idea to have an enclosed yard or a nearby dog park so you can let it run around freely without a leash. However, if your dog has inherited a short snout, then it might be vulnerable to respiratory issues; don’t let this dog overexert itself.

Puppies

In order to become a well-behaved full-grown adult, Cheagle puppies will need to begin training and socialization within the first three to four months of age. Despite their potential stubborn streak, they are usually quite good about following their owners’ orders. A crate can help a bit with housebreaking, but this is not strictly necessary.

In order to find a good puppy, owners should always do business with reputable breeders who screen their puppies for health problems. If you can, you should ask the breeders for proof of their dogs’ health. While puppy mills and pet stores have a lower price, their puppies are also more likely to have health problems, which can lead to more problems in the long run. Most experts recommend bringing a puppy home between 8 and 10 weeks of age.

Children

The Cheagle is a great companion for kids of different ages. But because of its small size and frail body, it might not be appropriate for the smallest children who do not understand how to handle these dogs.

Similar Dogs

If you are a fan of the Cheagle, then you might find plenty of things to like about the following breeds:

• American Foxhound: Originally bred for the thoroughly English tradition of foxhunting, the American Foxhound is more of a pure hunter than the Cheagle mix. Nevertheless, it has a sweet, affectionate, and easy-going personality.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A favorite of the British nobility, the King Charles is a gentle, dignified toy breed with spunky energy and athleticism that should thrill highly engaged and attentive owners.
• Pomeranian: If you’re looking for a toy dog like the Chihuahua, then it’s often been said that the Pomeranian is an ideal companion. This small, bold, vivacious, affectionate, and fun-loving breed has a cute, expressive face and a cuddly coat of long orange or red fur. It will demand some time and effort to care for, however.