Meagle (Miniature Pinscher & Beagle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
By Emma Braby
Updated on
Height: | 11–14 inches |
Weight: | 10–20 pounds |
Lifespan: | 11–15 years |
Colors: | Black, tan, white |
Suitable for: | Active families, families with young children, multi-pet households, those seeking a watchdog |
Temperament: | Loyal, happy-go-lucky, friendly, vocal, affectionate, fun |
The Meagle is the merry cross of the Miniature Pinscher and the Beagle. The Beagle has long been a favorite breed of Americans, finding itself in the top 10 most popular dog breeds year after year. The Miniature Pinscher is less well-known. So the Meagle is the perfect cross for those who love the Beagle but want a canine that is a bit more quirky and different.
The Meagle concoction takes the best of both breeds and is a well-balanced pup who is both fun and calm, cheeky yet polite, and friendly but not too in-your-face. It is small enough to fit into most people’s homes and gets on well with other animals. So, what’s not to like?
Absolutely nothing! But, there are a few things that might put a few people off. Here in this guide, we are going to look at everything about the Meagle. We’ll discover their adorable side and what kind of family they are looking for. And we’ll also highlight the areas where you need to think carefully about whether you can handle or tolerate them.
Meagle Puppies
The Meagle is a particularly stubborn pooch who needs a consistent owner, and one who is not going to give in to its demands. This is easier said than done with those gorgeous big forever-puppy eyes, but it’s important! Because one slip and this dog will know that they can get away with anything.
The Meagle is also a very energetic dog, more so than most other dogs of their size. If you are seeking a lapdog, the Meagle is not the one for you. Both of their parents are energetic hunting dogs, and you can expect this boy to be doubly so. You’ll need to set aside around 45 minutes of exercise every day for this little one.
They are super loving, caring, and very in tune with their family’s feelings. Because they crave human company, these dogs hate to be left alone. This means they need to live with a family who can spend a lot of time with them.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Meagle
1. The Meagle makes a great tracker and hunter
Despite being a super cute happy-go-lucky pooch, the Meagle is every vermin’s worst nightmare. Not only will these dogs inherit the incredibly skilled nose of the Beagle, but will also inherit the tenacity of the rat-hunting Min Pin.
2. The Meagle is courageous
Don’t let this dog’s small frame fool you because if they think someone is up to no good, they will let their owner know, as well as the whole neighborhood. This barky pooch is not the best option for those who live in apartments. The Miniature Pinscher and Beagle Mix is a great choice, however, for those seeking an alert watchdog.
3. The Meagle doesn’t grow into its ears
But we don’t want them to! They usually look a lot like their Min Pin parent, but slightly stockier. Because of the Min Pin’s parent’s ears, they are likely to stand erect, but they also flop at the end and hang down like the Beagle parent’s ears. This gives them a quirky appearance, and if you know of Harry Potter, imagine Dobby the House Elf.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Meagle 🧠
This dog is so much fun and is a little rocket that is enough to brighten anyone’s day. They are cheery and in tune with their family’s feelings, and they know when to give their humans extra special cuddles when they are feeling sad.
Their lovely personality makes everyone swoon, and they always have a cheeky smile on their face. They are very mischievous, and will always be off exploring and looking for a squirrel to chase. If you can’t see or hear your Meagle, it’s safe to say that he’s probably up to no good!
This curiosity does lead them to trouble, but it also leads them to a lot of fun and games. It is a fantastic companion to have around the house and is always on the lookout for something to do. Their active mind and body need to be stimulated, otherwise, they’ll find something to chew or tear up. Invest in lots of fun toys for them to choose from.
The Meagle is so intelligent, but also very independent and stubborn. If they don’t feel as though they are getting everything at home, they will look elsewhere. If their needs aren’t met, don’t be surprised if they disregard you. We’ll talk about training later, but keeping things exciting and challenging is the key to happiness.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Yes, the Meagle is a fantastic canine option for the family. As long as you can meet all of the requirements in this guide, they will be happy with whatever family they end up with. Keeping them company and entertained are the two most important requests, and he is quite adaptable.
The Miniature Pinscher and Beagle Mix is fantastic with children, probably because children know how to have lots of fun without letting the serious adult stuff get in the way. Despite being small, it is tolerant of excitable hands. Just be sure to socialize them, and if they are polite, they will fit themselves into most types of families.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, the Meagle gets along with other pets, just as long as it isn’t a rodent or something small and furry. Remember their nose-tracking skills and ratting instinct? They aren’t a good combination for rabbit or guinea pig siblings. Anything bigger than them is usually okay.
As long as they are socialized well, they will thoroughly enjoy the company of another dog, given their Beagle parent’s pack dog mentality. This is particularly important for those rare occasions where you’ll have to leave your Meagle at home for a few hours.
Things to Know When Owning a Meagle:
For the Meagle to be its cheeky and happy-go-lucky self, it needs a few things from its owner. Here we are going to look at what these are, so take note!
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Meagle only needs to eat around 1 cup of kibble every day. The amount they consume is dependant on their age, size, and energy levels, so be sure to change it according to your own Meagle’s needs. However much you feed them, you should give them a high-quality kibble that provides a well-balanced diet.
If the Meagle inherits the Beagle’s appetite, you need to keep all edibles under lock and key. Their nose will track whatever it is, including naughty and toxic foods such as cheese and chocolate. Many Beagles are overweight for this very reason. Hopefully, they will inherit the Min Pin’s metabolism, but either way, you still need to monitor their treat intake.
Exercise 🐕
As you already know, the Meagle is an energetic small dog who needs around 45 minutes of exercise every day. The exercise doesn’t have to be super intense, but it needs its activity come rain or shine. It is an agile and speedy dog, and would make an excellent agility course participant or flyball partner. If it’s fun, the Meagle is up for it.
Their talented nose can cause an issue when exercising, so we would advise that you keep this pooch on a leash at all times. No matter how obedient it is (and we would love to hear from you if yours is!), it will always follow its nose over its master’s commands. So, buckle up your Meagle to avoid hasty getaways.
Training 🦮
The Meagle is stubborn and independent, and if there is something better on offer, it’s probably not going to participate in your training sessions. So, the trick with stubborn canines is to keep training short and fun. Thanks to the Meagle’s love of food, using treats will increase your chances of success, so use these to your advantage.
The Meagle can become very anxious if left alone for too long, and the best way to soothe their worries is to create a safe haven for them. And this is where crate training steps in. Be sure to research how to incorporate this into everyday life, and before you know it, they will voluntarily step in for a snooze. Anxious dogs can become problematic, so be proactive with crate training and start them early.
Socialization is key to ensuring that these dogs grow into well-mannered pups. Although they are happy dogs, the Min Pin parent has the potential to have what is known as “little dog syndrome.” This can turn into overprotectiveness, and mixing him regularly with other dogs and unfamiliar humans can prevent this altogether.
Grooming ✂️
The Meagle is a straightforward dog to care for when it comes to their grooming schedule. Their coat is short and sleek, just like their Min Pin parent, and they only need a quick brush once a week to remove any dead hair or dirt. They also only need a bath once every 12 weeks. Use a gentle oatmeal shampoo as both of their parents are known to suffer from sensitive skin.
The Meagle is also known to suffer from a variety of eye concerns. So be sure to keep these clean and note any changes in their eyes. Clean their teeth twice a week to ensure that their compact mouth is clean and free of plaque buildup.
Health Conditions ❤️
The Meagle is a relatively healthy dog who enjoys an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. Being a mixed breed, it can inherit the conditions that affect either of its parents. Below are the health concerns most likely to affect the Meagle, so be sure to research them and understand what symptoms to look out for.
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Periodontal diseases
- Musladin-lueke syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Male vs Female
There isn’t a great deal of difference when it comes to male and female Meagles. Just like all dog breeds, males tend to be on the larger end of the height and weight scale, but being a small dog anyway, this is hardly noticeable.
Training and the Meagle’s environment are the most influential factors in their personality. So, be sure to invest time and effort into their early puppy stages, and you will reap the rewards later on in life with a polite and happy Meagle.
Conclusion
The Meagle is a happy-go-lucky dog who just loves to have fun with its family. They need a family that isn’t going to let them get away with their potential princess behavior. But, with training and company, this shouldn’t be an issue. This super energetic dog is a pocket rocket who isn’t a fan of the lapdog life. Instead, it would much rather entertain you and the whole family all day long.
Remember that since a Miniature Pinscher & Beagle Mix is a hybrid dog, it could be more like one of his parents over the other. But overall, it usually inherits the best of both Beagle and Min Pin worlds and is a well-balanced and lovable family pet.
See Also:
- Mini Schnauzer Chin (Miniature Schnauzer & Japanese Chin Mix): Pictures, Traits & Facts
- Miniature Aussiedoodle: Dog Breed Info, Pictures & Facts
Featured Photo Credit: Karen Dole, Shutterstock