Cheagle (Chihuahua Beagle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

What do you get when you combine the sassy nature of the Chihuahua with the outgoing personality of the Beagle? A Cheagle, of course! This hybrid brings together two of the more popular breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC). The origins of this pup are unknown. However, the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the mix.

While the Beagle is a hunting dog, he has assumed the role of a companion animal in recent decades, just like the Chihuahua. The Cheagle is an affectionate pup that hates being alone. He’d rather play or go exploring in the backyard with the kids. Both parent breeds go back hundreds of years. The Beagle traces his history back to the Romans, while the Chihuahua lived with the ancient people of Mexico.

The Cheagle is a charmer like the Chihuahua. You can’t help but smile when he starts playing the tough guy—all 6 pounds of him! The Beagle in him fuels his curiosity and gives him a keen sense of smell. These traits have made him so popular with rabbit hunters. When he isn’t barking in his sing-song voice, he has his nose to the ground searching for prey.

Cheagle Puppies

If you’ve done any research on dogs, it’s apparent that their personalities vary considerably. Much of it is due to their history and job if they had one. Selective breeding encouraged traits that helped the pup succeed or perhaps become a more endearing companion. Therefore, before you get a pet, it’s imperative to do your homework to make sure the Cheagle is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

The Cheagle likes a routine, especially if it involves lots of time with you and your family. That’s the bane of a companion animal. Many are prone to separation anxiety. This pup is no exception. In contrast, the Beagle can tolerate variable weather, the Cheagle, not so much. His short coat doesn’t give him a lot of protection against the elements.

The Beagle in your pet gives him his strong prey drive and high wanderlust potential. The hunter in him lurks under the surface until he sees a squirrel or rabbit run away from him. This pooch is also a barker, which is a bad habit you’ll have to correct early. On the other hand, the Chihuahua has a stubborn streak. He’s also smart and will figure out ways to get away with things.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cheagle

1. The Beagle is an ace rabbit hunter.

The Beagle is well-equipped as a hunting dog. He has a superior sense of smell, for a start. That helps him find rabbits, one of his favorite prey species. It also endeared this pooch to people since the days of the Romans.

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2. The Beagle is one of the founding members of the AKC.

The Beagle joined the ranks of the AKC just seven years after the organization inducted its first breeds back in 1878. This pup became one of the clubs in 1885, along with the Bloodhound and Collie.

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3. The Chihuahua is the ultimate survivor.

When talking about the Chihuahua, we have to acknowledge an unfortunate but true part of the breed’s past. This pup wasn’t raised originally for companionship. His place wasn’t at the dinner table but on it. This dog survived many other challenges, including the extinction of the Techichi and Aztec cultures. It’s no wonder that he acts so tough.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cheagle 🧠

In some ways, you can say that the Chihuahua Beagle mix is in touch with his inner Terrier. It’s an apt description of the willfulness that this pup can dish out sometimes. However, he is also a sensitive pooch. Deep down, he is eager to please you. It’s just that his personality gets in the way on occasion. Our advice is to get a handle on any bad habits as a puppy. His acting up isn’t as cute when he’s an adult.

Both the Beagle and Chihuahua are intelligent dogs. They are keen observers of their world. However, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. It can help with housebreaking and training, but it also means that boredom can become an issue. It can encourage negative behavior, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Therefore, mental stimulation is vital.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Cheagle is an excellent choice for a family pet—as long as smaller children are gentle with him. This pup doesn’t like roughhousing, even if he is a playful dog. While he’s friendly, this pooch isn’t as welcoming of strangers. It’s imperative to socialize him early by meeting new people when he’s young and less set in his ways. He’ll do best in a household where someone is always home with him.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Beagle in your pup would enjoy the company of other dogs. It wasn’t uncommon for him to hunt with other canines. Cats and small animals are another issues, especially the latter. A fleeing pet is likely to provoke a chase around the house. The other concern is the Cheagle’s size. If he takes after the Chihuahua, he may be too small to romp around with other pups.

Things to Know When Owning a Cheagle:

Day-to-day maintenance plays a vital role in the health of your Cheagle. It’s essential to know what to expect and what challenges you may encounter. Both parent breeds have their share that you should know upfront. Whether it’s feeding or training, consistency is the key to the well-being of your pet. Bear in mind that the first months are the most critical.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

There are two deciding factors when it comes to choosing dog food for your pup, life stage, and breed size. The nutritional requirements of puppies and adults differ. Young dogs need extra nutrients to support their growth and development. These products often are more energy-dense, too. Likewise, small breeds mature more rapidly than larger canines, which also affects the food content.

With puppies as small as the Cheagle, it’s imperative that they don’t miss a meal. Offer him food three to four times a day for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. You can reduce it to two times when he reaches adulthood. The other concern is weight gain. Unfortunately, both parent breeds are prone to obesity. Therefore, it’s imperative to monitor your pet’s body condition.

Exercise 🐕

Both the Beagle and Chihuahua are active breeds. They’ll enjoy a walk in the neighborhood to make new friends. However, it’s essential not to overexert your Cheagle, especially if he has the flat face of a Chihuahua. Unfortunately, these brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to a host of serious health conditions, including upper respiratory issues.

We suggest keeping an eye on your pup when walking or exercising him. Don’t be afraid to stop puppy playtime if he starts to show signs of respiratory distress. You should make sure that the kids know it, too.

Training 🦮

We believe that training should start on day one. You have a clean slate at that point and can set the rules. Bear in mind that the Cheagle is sensitive to harsh words. You’ll have better luck with his lessons if you use positive reinforcement. We also suggest reserving treats as training aids to help keep his weight in check and convince your pup that obeying you is in his best interests.

Grooming ✂️

While the Cheagle will shed, he is also easy to groom. A regular brushing routine will keep the fur from your furniture and reinforce the bond between you two. We also suggest checking his eyes for any signs of irritation or redness. The Chihuahua is prone to infections, especially if he is a merle-colored dog. Trim his nails as necessary.

• Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews & Top Picks

Health and Conditions ❤️

Both parent breeds are prone to similar health conditions involving joints and the skeletal system. A responsible breeder won’t sell dogs that are carriers or at a heightened risk. As we mentioned early, the Chihuahua, with his flat face and head shape, is another concern for a variety of health issues, from deafness to heatstroke. That makes routine vet care imperative for the Cheagle.

Male vs Female

The differences in a male or female Cheagle may rest more with the genetic mix of the two breeds than the sex of the dog. We think either one would make a delightful pet. We strongly urge you to discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian. Both intact and altered dogs have a greater risk of some health conditions.

The Chihuahua in your Cheagle is prone to fetal dystocia or carrying an abnormally large fetus, which can make delivery dangerous for your pet. Breeding is risky, anyway, for small dogs. This condition only makes it worse. On the other side of the coin, altered animals are more prone to obesity because of metabolic changes after the surgery.

Summary

The Cheagle is a winning combination between the cheeky Chihuahua and the loyal Beagle. While there are concerns with the mix, this pup will make an affectionate and playful companion in the right home. He’s feisty yet happy-go-lucky. He’s sure to win your heart. His intelligence and willingness to please make him an excellent choice, even for the first-time pet owner.

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Featured Image Credit: Danae Abreu, Shutterstock