The Pittbull Beagle mix, often called the Beagle Pit, is a breed that is thought to have been developed in the past 20 years in the United States.
This breed inherits traits from both of its parents, including a sturdy, medium-sized build, short hair, and a protective, loyal, temperament.
While these dogs can be a fantastic breed to adopt, they can also be very independent, making them often better suited to dog owners with some experience.
With that being said, first-time dog owners shouldn’t write them off necessarily, and with some patience and a willingness to learn, even first-time dog parents can enjoy this breed to the fullest.
If you are interested in adopting a Beagle Pit, here is everything that you need to know about this breed.
The History of the Breed
The Beagle Pit is a relatively new breed that is thought to have originated in America within the past two decades.
One parent, the American Pitbull Terrier, was first bred in America, although the genes of this breed stretch back to England in the 19th century when Terriers were crossbred with bulldogs.
This breed has an unfortunate history of having been used often in dog fights, and this has caused it to become associated with aggressiveness.
However, American Pitbull Terriers can be exceptionally loving, loyal, and social when raised by caring owners.
On the other hand, the Beagle’s origins are less certain, with some believing that it originated in England, with ancestors being traced back as far as 55 B.C.
In the 16th century, this breed was popular for use in hunting, and they are still used for this purpose today.
However, they are also highly popular as family dogs and are ranked as the 6th most popular breed in the United States.
Because of this parentage, you can expect Beagle Pits to be energetic and loyal, making them great additions to any active family.
While the exact traits that they inherit will vary, there are some commonalities that this breed is known for.
The Temperament of Beagle Pits
Beagle Pits are a high-energy breed and they aren’t for those looking for a more sedentary companion.
However, as excitable and boisterous as they can be, they can also be fiercely loyal and loving towards their owners.
They’re the type of dog that will definitely enjoy jumping in your lap for affection and belly rubs.
Given that one of the Beagle Pit’s parents is an American Pitbull Terrier, many people may think that this mixed breed would make a great guard dog.
However, due to the friendliness and sociability of the Beagle Pit, they actually make rather bad guard dogs.
They’re much more likely to greet a stranger with tail wags and excitement than any suspicion or aggression.
With that in mind, the Beagle Pit is known for its tendency to bark at almost everything, and sometimes they will even howl along with older dogs or even after dogs on the television.
While this may not be a deal-breaker for some people, if you have neighbors close by or live in an apartment, it is something to keep in mind.
Size, Appearance, and Colors
On average, both male and female Beagle Pits are around 18 to 20 inches from their paws to their shoulders and they weigh in at between 30 and 40 lbs.
They are usually classified as a medium-sized breed, but they can vary depending on the traits inherited from their parents.
Typically, Beagle Pits will have the muscular builds shared with their American Pitbull Terrier parent, and their features will be more Beagle-like.
They are also more likely to have floppy ears and larger eyes, similar to their Beagle parent.
In terms of coloration, they are a short-haired breed that is smooth to the touch with a shiny coat.
Although this means they are easier to maintain than breeds with long hair, they will still shed during the warmer months.
The color of their coat will depend on the coloration of their parents, although usually, they are brown with some varying white patches across their bodies.
Training
Being such an excitable and high-energy breed, it will be essential to train your Beagle Pit.
Positive reinforcement, coupled with some treats for good measure, is the best way to go about teaching them acceptable behaviors.
You should never use force or angry verbal orders when training, as this can break trust and make it more likely that your dog will lash out.
These dogs are very eager to please their owners, and verbal praise will get you the best results.
Socialization will be a big thing to focus on while training your Beagle Pit.
This is because early socialization will help them develop more confidence and teach them not to fear other people or larger animals.
Beagle Pits can also inherit a prey drive from their parents, making them likely to try and go after cats, squirrels, and other small creatures.
Socializing them with other animals can help them see these smaller animals as friends instead of prey.
If you’re ever unsure about how to start training, speak with a certified training facility near you to learn more about classes or private lessons.
Health
Beagle Pits typically live between 11 and 15 years, and because they’re a mix, they tend to be healthier overall than purebred breeds.
However, because this breed is relatively new, there aren’t a lot of standards or tests that veterinarians recommend.
Because of this, the overall health can be determined by the parents, and any conditions that they develop should be watched for as your dog ages.
That said, the two most common dispositions that can be inherited from parents include elbow and hip dysplasia, skin sensitivity, and ear infections.
Hip dysplasia can cause pain when walking and crippling arthritis, although it can be managed up to a certain point.
Ear infections are usually minor when caught early, and sensitive skin can usually be managed with regular washes with a formulated shampoo.
A Great Family Dog
If you are thinking of adding a Beagle Pit to your family, keep in mind that they are very high energy and it’s recommended that they get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
They also tend to do best in families where they won’t be left alone for long periods of time.
That being said, they are exceptionally friendly, good with kids, and can be one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds you can adopt.
If you’d like to learn more, speak with an adoption center or breeder near you to find out if a Beagle Pit is the right fit for your home.