The Basset Hound Beagle mix, often called the Bagle Hound, is a cross between a Basset Hound and a Beagle. While these dogs are not recognized as a pure breed, several designer and hybrid associations do recognize the mix, including the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry. Known for being loyal, smart, social, and playful, this hybrid dog can be a fun addition to your family. However, you’ll want to learn more about the hybrid’s appearance, history, temperament, health, and grooming needs before making your final decision.
Origins and History
No one is quite sure when the first Basset Hound Beagle mix was first created, although it was probably created sometime in the past couple of decades. Designer dogs have become increasingly popular within the past 20-30 years. Although we don’t know much about the origins of this hybrid, we do know more about the parent breeds.
The Basset Hound was bred originally in France, and these dogs can be traced back to the 1500s. They were designed to be good hunting dogs, tracking rabbits and hares in thick brush without a problem. Because of their keen sense of smell, they were also excellent at tracking squirrels, deer, fox, pheasants, badgers, and raccoons. Eventually they were even used for hunting wolves and wild boar. They hunted well alone or in packs, and the dogs were favored hunting dogs among nobility in the 16th century. One of the first Basset Hounds to come to the United States was supposed to be owned by George Washington. The breed increased in popularity within the U.S. through the years, and the AKC recognized this breed in 1885.
The history of the Beagle is a bit more difficult to figure out, and it’s thought to be lost in ancient myths. This breed is thought to go back all the way before Roman times when hounds were used to hunt in Britain. A man named Parson Honeywood refined what we know of as the modern Beagle in the 1800s, and all of today’s Beagles trace back to this line. In the Southern part of the United States, a smaller dog known as a Beagle was used. These dogs were bred with some of the hare hounds imported from England, refining the line of the American Beagle. The American Kennel Club recognized the Beagle as a part of their Hound Group in 1885.
Appearance
The appearance of your Basset Hound Beagle mix will vary, but they usually grow to be between 12 and 17 inches tall and weight in between 33 and 55 pounds. Their body may be a bit longer than most dogs, but it probably won’t be quite as long as the Basset Hound. These medium sized dugs usually have a large skull, long ears that hang down, and a square muzzle. The body is compact and muscular like that of a Beagle, and the hybrid’s coat is usually silky and short. Expect their eyes to look a bit droopy and they usually have a deep chest and feet that look like that of a Basset Hound. The coat may come in various colors, including black, white, brown, lemon, orange, and tricolor.
Temperament
Your Basset Hound Beagle mix will have combined characteristics from both parents, but these dogs generally turn out to be very friendly and curious. They enjoy playing, and they’re great with children. They love to have people around and they tend to be very cheerful. While they are quite intelligent, they may have a streak of stubbornness that shows up from time to time. Expect these dogs to be very affectionate and loyal.
Since they have a good bit of energy and they love to play, you’ll want to make sure your Basset Hound Beagle mix gets plenty of exercise. They need a couple walks a day, playtime outside, and some time to run around. These dogs enjoy playing games like ball and fetch.
It’s essential to begin training and socializing your hybrid early. These dogs can be a bit difficult to train, since they do have a stubborn streak. Consistency and plenty of treats can help you as you train these dogs. You shouldn’t use punishments or harsh tones when training this hybrid.
Grooming
Since they have a short, silky coat, the Basset Hound Beagle mix is very low maintenance. Usually you’ll only need to brush them once or twice a week to remove any loose hairs. Only bathe these dogs as needed, since you want to avoid stripping away the natural oils from the dog’s coat. These dogs have longer ears, so you need to check them and clean them weekly. Nails may also need trimmed monthly if they aren’t worn down naturally. Be sure to clean their teeth a couple times a week to prevent dental problems, which are common among smaller dogs.
Working Roles
Generally, this hybrid isn’t used as a working dog. They make great family pets. However, because of the hunting and tracking background, the Basset Hound Beagle mix may make a great hunting dog.
Health
Both the Basset Hound and the Beagle generally live to be between 10 and 12 years old, and you can expect your Basset Hound Beagle mix to have an average life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years as well. The Basset Hound Beagle mix is generally quite healthy, and most hybrids don’t deal with a lot of health problems. However, you still need to consider the health problems of the parent breeds, and common health problems of the Basset Hound and the Beagle parents that you should look out for include:
- Ear infections
- Glaucoma
- Von Willebrand disease
- Cardiac disease
- Allergies
- Skin conditions
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Eyelid and eyelash problems
- Bloat
- Joint problems
- Back problems
- Beagle pain syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Anemia
- Chinese Beagle syndrome
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Corneal dystrophy
- XX sex reversal
- Cherry eye
- Deafness
- Hepatitis
- Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism
- Hypochondroplasia
- Narcoepsy
- Lymphosarcoma
- Cataracts