The Keagle is a designer breed that results from crossbreeding the Beagle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed was initially bred in Australia during the 1990s to create an easy-going and energetic dog. In addition, they hoped that mixing these two breeds would weed out some of the Beagles’ hunting instincts and scent drive.
Their hopes were verified as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brought some admirable traits into the mix. Keagles make an excellent family pet as they are small-medium in size, playful, gentle, and very affectionate. People also know this breed as Beagliers.
Three Pros And Cons Of Owning A Keagle
While Keagles are super cute, there are a few things dog lovers should know before purchasing one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Grooming: Keagles don’t require a lot of grooming | Intelligence: Keagles are not as intelligent as other breeds |
| Less Slobber: They are not big droolers | Allergies: Not a great breed for allergy sufferers |
| Great with Children: This breed is excellent with children | Frequent Bathing: These dogs can get quite stinky |
The Best Dog Food For A Keagle
These adorable dogs are known for their love of children, strangers, and other animals because of their docile demeanor.
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Because Keagles are small, it is best to feed them high-quality dog food specifically formulated for small breeds. In addition, they need different food for each stage of their lives. For example, puppies require a special diet to help them grow, and seniors may need a low-calorie diet because they are not as active anymore.
As this breed is prone to weight gain, you should never free-feed them. Instead, they need 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day to keep them healthy and satisfied.
Size And Weight
| Height (male) | 12 to 16 inches |
| Height (female) | 12 to 16 inches |
| Weight (male) | 10 to 20 pounds |
| Weight (female) | 10 to 20 pounds |
Common Health Issues
They may be susceptible to the issues that plague their parent breeds, like glaucoma.
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Keagles, like most hybrids, are generally healthy dogs. But, unfortunately, they are susceptible to health issues plaguing their parent breeds. That’s why taking your Keagle for regular veterinary checkups is essential.
Health conditions that they are prone to may include:
- Cherry eye
- Glaucoma
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease
But, despite their susceptibility to these health issues, Keagles can live a long and healthy life of 10 to 13 years.
Temperament
This breed was initially bred in Australia during the 1990s to create an easy-going and energetic dog.
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The Keagle is an interesting breed because it can be extraordinarily calm but also energetic at times. They are perfect for people who love the outdoors and exercise but like to stay home in the evenings and relax.
These adorable dogs are known for their love of children, strangers, and other animals because of their docile demeanor. But, at the same time, Keagles are playful and really affectionate.
While these pups aren’t that bright, they inherit a hunting spirit from the Beagle but make great companions because of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s genetics. With these characteristics, they are the perfect breed for obedience training.
In fact, that is the entire reason why breeders decided to mix these two breeds. They were hoping to weed out the strong prey drive of the Beagle and create a dog that prefers companionship over hunting.
However, while Keagles enjoy relaxing at home with their owners, they also need to burn off some steam every day. That’s why they must go out for walks, hikes, or any sort of adventure daily.
Because of their obedient and calm nature, they are the perfect breed to take to a dog park where they can enjoy the company of other canine friends.
How To Take Care Of A Keagle
Keagles are heavy shedders; they are not the best breed for people who suffer from allergies.
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If you want your Keagle to live a long and happy life, you must ensure they receive the proper care.
Grooming
The Keagle’s coat varies in length depending on which parent they take after. Therefore, they can either have short or medium-length hair. In addition, they shed a lot, so brushing them at least three times a week is necessary. Because they are heavy shedders, they are not the best breed for people who suffer from allergies
Training
Keagles aren’t as clever as many other breeds and can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Therefore, they are considered moderately easy to train. Additionally, this breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners and is likely better suited for individuals with experience in training canines.
They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, including praise and treats. The best time to train a Keagle is when they are young puppies because of their stubborn streak. But the key to success with this breed is consistency and patience.
Exercise
The Keagle is an energetic breed that requires a lot of daily playtime and exercise. That’s why they are best suited for families who are active and home a lot. For example, owners can take them for walks or runs every day, or they can play in an enclosed backyard. In addition, they will need a lot of toys to keep them mentally stimulated; treat-based toys are always a winner.
Puppies
Keagles are a desirable hybrid because of their innocent and adorable appearance. In fact, they never grow out of this puppy look, even when they are fully grown.
The cost of this breed varies depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, and pedigree of the parent breeds, so they can cost between $1,200 and $2,000.
Female Keagles can give birth to 1 to 10 puppies per litter.
Keagle and Children
Keagle dogs are very social animals with very friendly and calm personalities.
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These dogs can adapt to most situations because of their friendly and calm personalities. This makes them the best choice for families with young children. In addition, they are very social animals and thrive in households with more than one pet.
However, Keagles need to be socialized from a young age because of their hunting background. If they don’t get the proper training, they might try to catch smaller pets like cats or rabbits.
