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Miniature Beagles Back From Near Extinction
After nearly disappearing entirely, miniature beagles are back and growing in popularity. Known as "pocket beagles," because they were small enough to be carried in one, the breed traces its popularity back to Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500's. She bred and hunted with pocket beagles that were only about 9 in. tall.
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Miniature Beagles Back From Near Extinction 29-1-8 After nearly disappearing entirely, miniature beagles are back and growing in popularity. Known as "pocket beagles," because they were small enough to be carried in one, the breed traces its popularity back to Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500's. She bred and hunted with pocket beagles that were only about 9 in. tall. The small dogs were trained to hunt in packs and to chase rabbits and other small game.
"There are no longer any in England, Ireland or Scotland, and I have only located about 50 adults of the original type in the U.S.," says Robert Mock, founder of The Olde English Pocket Beagle Registry. Mock is well known in the rare breeds world for his work on re-establishing the Miniature Jersey and Baby Doll sheep.
"I have been restoring old breeds for years," he says. "I remembered pocket beagles from years ago and started calling beagle clubs and advertising."
Mock was successful at locating some that still fit the criteria. Heights vary from 9 1/2 to 11 1/2-in. He says it will take several generations to bring the breed back in size to consistent heights of 10 in. or less. While the registry has a height standard of 12 in., smaller dogs are preferred in breeding programs as long as their conformations are correct.
At this time, there are less than 50 adult females of the original type in the registry, which is in its sixth year. It is a "protected" registry. While anyone can buy a pocket beagle if they can afford the rare animals, it is not so easy to become a breeder under the registry. Dogs sold as pets have to be spayed or neutered and still sell for $850 to $1,000. If sold for breeding purposes, they are priced even higher.
"We are concerned about bloodlines and restoring the breed," says Mock. "If a person wants to get into breeding stock, they have to answer a list of questions such as facilities, experience and goals."
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup,
The Olde English Pocket Beagle Registry, Robert Mock, P.O. Box 942, Rochester, Wash. 98579 (ph 360 273-7789; website: www.pocketbeagles. com).
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