Peagle

Peagles are a hybrid dog breed created by breeding a Pekingese and a Beagle. They are generally very affectionate and playful, though their exact temperament can vary based on the specific mix of genes they inherit from the Beagle and Pekingese parents. The appearance also varies based on their genes; some have short hair like a Beagle, while others have long hair like a Pekingese. They are also well-known for their floppy ears and small, round heads. They are sometimes referred to as Peagle Hounds. If you’re considering adoption, a Peagle is a great breed to bring home!

Quick Facts About the Peagle

• Breed Type: Hybrid (Beagle × Pekingese)
• Size: Small (13 – 18 lbs; 6 – 16 in tall)
• Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, intelligent, sometimes stubborn
• Coat: Short or long, usually silky; moderate shedding
• Good with Kids? Yes, though supervision is advised with rough play
• Exercise Needs: Moderate; daily walks + playtime
• Trainability: High, responds well to positive reinforcement

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Peagle

Origins and History

Like many hybrid dogs, the Peagle’s origins are difficult to trace; however, the breed was likely developed in the U.S. during the 1990s when crossbreeding to create designer dogs took off.

The Peagle’s parent breeds both have long lineages. The Beagle’s ancestors are thought to include hound-type dogs from ancient Greece, but the modern Beagle breed was developed in England, where they became popular for hunting rabbits and other small prey. 

The Pekingese was bred to be a companion to Chinese royalty, with its prominence especially noted during the Qing dynasty, though the breed’s origins may date back earlier. Referred to as the “lion dog” due to the legend that they once were that large, these dogs continue to be considered sacred or lucky in China.  

Appearance

Peagles are a small dog breed. They have round heads, large expressive eyes, and floppy ears. They can have one of two types of coat — short (Beagle-like) or long and silky (Pekingese-like). Their color varies from brown, black, white, tan, to multicolored.

Full-grown males and females weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. Both males and females are between 6 and 16 inches tall. There is some variation between the sizes of each dog depending on the specific mix of genes they inherit from their Pekingese and Beagle parents.

They have a compact, sturdy frame with tails that may curl or remain straight. They are moderate shedders, so grooming is important.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are known for their even temperament. They have very fun-loving personalities, and their traits make them excellent family dogs. They are gentle with children and enjoy playing together. They love being close to family members and spending time with them. However, while most Peagles are like Beagles in this regard, there are a few that are more like their Pekingese parent and don’t like the rougher way some children may handle them.

Many Peagles are less trusting of strangers. They often bark when they see an unknown or untrusted person. Some of them may also engage in behaviors to chase people or other animals. Peagles are intelligent and curious, and usually inherit the Beagle’s sniffing instincts and the Pekingese’s boldness. While some Peagles are more independent (like their Pekingese parent), others are social and energetic (like the Beagle).

Health and Lifespan

Before bringing home a new dog, it is essential to understand some of the potential health issues this breed may encounter. However, just because the health concerns outlined below are more common in Peagles, it doesn’t mean that your dog will develop all of them or even one of them. It can just help you know what to be on the lookout for.

One potential health concern for these dogs is patellar luxation. Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of its correct position as the dog walks. You may notice that your dog’s walking looks abnormal, and if so, you should schedule a visit with the veterinarian. Surgery may be performed in some cases.

Another issue to be on the lookout for is epilepsy. This is a seizure disorder that is the most commonly diagnosed chronic neurological disorder among dogs. Dogs having a seizure may lose voluntary control of their body. There are also other types of seizures to look out for, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your Peagle may be having seizures.

Finally, some of them may also develop brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. This syndrome also impacts their parent breed, the Pekingese, and dogs that have short noses.

The Peagle’s lifespan can range from 12–15 years, with proper care. It is important to include regular vet checkups, dental care, and weight management in your care program..

Grooming and Maintenance

A Peagle’s coat and overall appearance will vary based on whether they inherit more of the Beagle genes or more of the Pekingese genes. Some of these dogs have long coats, while others have shorter coats. Although in general, most Peagles’ coats are silky. To keep their coat looking its best and free of dirt and debris, it is important to brush the dog daily or several times a week. Peagle Hounds are not a hypoallergenic breed, and they shed a fair amount.

These dogs will also need to be bathed as needed, and you should try to keep the area beneath their eyes clean to prevent staining.

Exercise and Training

These dogs have a very high intelligence level. This generally makes them easier to train. They will respond best to positive training methods. With their Beagle genes, many Peagles have an innate hunting sense. With proper training, this sense and skill can be built up and improved. Owners may consider engaging in special training sessions or seeking out training schools to help their Peagle develop their sniffing and chasing instincts.

In addition to training the dog from an early age, early socialization is also important. Schedule playdates with other dogs and bring your dog with you to expose them to different situations and people.

Peagles should be given daily exercise to keep them healthy and meet their activity needs. Going on long walks with your Peagle or scheduling some playtime in a fenced-in backyard are two examples of ways to help make sure he gets the activity he needs. Be sure to also have plenty of toys for fun indoor play sessions as well.

Diet and Nutrition

These dogs should be fed high-quality dog food. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your pup. Generally speaking, the dog should eat between ½ and 1 cup of food each day. The exact amount your dog will need will vary based on a variety of factors, including its weight, age, activity level, metabolism, and any medical concerns.

Puppies have smaller stomachs than their adult counterparts. This means that they will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Puppies should be fed between three to four times until they are at least six months old. After that time, switching to just two meals each day should be fine. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure which food is best for your Peagle puppy or how many times it should be fed each day.

Living Needs

Peagles are suitable for apartment-living, as long as they get daily walks and playtime. These dogs enjoy being around people very much. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone too long; therefore, they do best in households where someone is often home.

Peagles and Children

Most Peagles make good pets for homes with children. They can be playful with a child but also know how to be gentle. Peagles are curious and often seek out attention and love from family members, including children.

Some Peagles may be more like their Pekingese parent and not enjoy attention from children, especially children who may be a bit rougher or disruptive. If you notice that your Peagle does not seem to enjoy the attention they are getting from a child, work to help the child learn how to appropriately act with the dog.

Adoption and Buying Tips

If you want a Peagle, first check rescue organizations and shelters, as they have many mixed breeds that need homes. If you are buying from a breeder, ask whether they do health screenings for patellar luxation, epilepsy, and breathing issues.

A puppy will require a crate, a dog bed, food, toys, water and food bowls, and various other supplies. Consider purchasing all of the supplies you’ll need for your new pup before bringing it home to make sure you are prepared and able to fully enjoy the time once it is home.

Dogs Similar to the Peagle

Beagle Shepherds, Poogles, and Peekapoos are three breeds that are similar to the Peagle.

• Beagle Shepherd: Beagle Shepherds and Peagles are both hybrid dog breed mixes with one Beagle parent. Both breeds have the floppy ears of a Beagle and can make a great family pet. Beagle Shepherds are much larger than Peagles. They weigh over 50 pounds, while a Peagle only weighs between 13 and 18 pounds.
• Poogle: Poogle is another hybrid breed that also has one parent that is a Beagle. However, unlike Peagles, which are mixed with Pekingese, a Poogle is a Beagle that is mixed with a Poodle. Both breeds are relatively easy to train. Grooming of these two breeds can be different, as Poogles may require more grooming if they inherit the Poodle’s curly coat.
• Peekapoo: Peekapoos and Peagles both have one parent that is a Pekingese. The other parent for a Peekapoo is a Poodle, whereas Peagles have one Beagle parent. Both breeds are small and weigh less than 20 pounds. They can also both make excellent family pets, especially for homes with older children. Grooming a Peekapoo may be more complicated than grooming a Peagle, depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.

Famous Peagles

Do you love Peagles and want to follow some cuties on social media? Check out these Instagram sensations:

• Peanut the Peagle is a fun-loving 3-year-old pup from New York City.
• Peaches the Peagle is an 8-year-old Peagle who loves spending time with his family.