Cheagle, Chihuahua Beagle Mix

Dog Breed Information: Beagle Chihuahua Mix

Cheagles are adorable little dogs, friendly and great with kids, making good house pets. This breed is what we call a designer dog, which means that it's a crossbreed between two different purebred animals.

What's a Cheagle?

A Cheagle is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Beagle. This can mean that your Cheagle puppy has two Cheagle parents, but more often it will mean that your puppy has one Chihuahua parent and one Beagle parent, which breeders consider to be a purer mix. Either way, a Cheagle combines all the best elements of both Chihuahuas and Beagles.

What Do I Need to Know About Crossbreeds?

With a purebred dog it's very easy to say what the size, personality and characteristics of your dog will be like, simply because these dogs are bred to strict standards over many years. This isn't the case with crossbreed or designer dogs, because they inherit different traits from each parent it's more difficult to predict what they will be like either in size or in temperament. Even puppies born in the same little can be different, so we can only give you generalisations below which are based on the parent breeds.

How Big Does a Cheagle Grow?

Both Chihuahuas and Beagles are quite small animals. Chihuahuas are obviously extremely small and usually grow to only around eight inches tall and weigh between 2 and 6 pounds. Beagles are a little bigger, and they usually grow to between 13 and 16 inches tall and weigh between about 20 and 25 pounds.

A Cheagle can reasonably be expected to be a combination of these sizes, larger than a Chihuahua but smaller than a beagle. Still, a Cheagle is quite a small dog.

What Will Your Dog's Coat be Like?

Chihuahuas are generally short haired, with smooth, shiny coats, though there are a few longer haired varieties. Beagles are also short haired dogs, with smooth coats. You can reasonably expect a Cheagle therefore to be short haired and shiny. Colourings differ slightly, but are generally tan and brown.

Do Cheagles Have Any Coat Concerns?

Not at all. Short haired dogs are very low maintenance, and your Cheagle won't need cutting or styling or the services of a groomer. They rarely need brushing, since their coats don't tangle, and they shed little hair as well. Probably the most that you'll need to do to care for your Cheagle's coat is to wash and shampoo it occasionally.

What Will My Puppy's Personality Be Like?

Chihuahuas are very loving animals, they're highly active and can be strong willed and independent too. Beagles are usually affectionate, sweet and caring dogs, easily trained and very good with children. Whilst both Chihuahuas and Beagles are quite good with other dogs, Beagles are not great around other animals. A Cheagle is probably going to be loving, faithful, active and adorable!

How Much Exercise Will My Dog Need?

Because Cheagles are relatively small dogs they don't need too much exercise. A daily walk should be fine. However, they are quite active and curious, which means they get bored easily away from human company. If you plan on leaving your Cheagle alone for some time, it's best to tire them out with a long walk first.

Do Cheagles Have any Health Concerns?

Chihuahuas are not an especially healthy breed and are prone to colds, rheumatism, eye and breathing problems. Beagles are hardier, though they do occasionally have heart or back issues. As a crossbreed your Cheagle will be more robust than a purebred dog, but you will still want to be on the lookout for any of the conditions listed above.

How Do I Know if a Cheagle is Right for Me?

Cheagles are loving and affectionate and don't need too much exercise, they're also excellent with children. This means that they make great family pets. As long as they get enough exercise they'll be fine in apartments too. Calling around local breeders might be a good idea to see if you can arrange a visit to meet some Cheagles. Alternatively, you can look at online forums where Cheagle owners meet to get more information about living with this breed of dog and other people's experiences.