Pocket Beagle (also known as “Teacup Beagle” or “Miniature Beagle”) is a breed of small dogs. It is typically 9 to 12 inches. Despite its size, it is classified as a working dog.
It is a small version of Beagle which is recognized as scenthound with a comparable cost. It is a gentle and loving dog. However, it is known to be a poor quality puppy which is only bred for the market.
The old breed of Pocket Beagle is not related to the modern one. Modern Pocket Beagle is not purebred. The real ones do not exist any longer. The miniature beagle today is below the standard beagle.
Pocket Beagle – How Much Does it Cost?
Before buying a Pocket Beagle, there are a few things to consider. Since it is prone to many health issues, make sure to ask for health screenings and health certificate from the breeder. Sometimes, it even is better to adopt a fully-grown Pocket Beagle since it’s hard to know what size it will be when it grows.
A Pocket Beagle costs around as little as $200 and as high as $2,000. It is typical of them to follow scents and wander around.
If taken outside, they must be on a leash because they will be very persistent if they catch a whiff of something that interests them.
Other Upfront Costs When Purchasing a Pocket Beagle
- Shipping and Delivery
An airline shipment of $400 can be availed for your Pocket Beagle. If you want your puppy to be hand-delivered, there will be an additional transportation charge.
Breeders typically do not ship when the temperature is below 10F so there is a possible delay.
- Registration
The American Kennel Club Association DOES NOT really recognize Pocket Beagles. It believes that it shouldn’t be intentionally bred to avoid health problems. For AKC, it is far under its breed standard.
It further notes that there is only one breed of Beagle which comes in two varieties. First is those standing 13 inches at the shoulder. Second is between 13 and 15 inches. But the breeders want the Pocket Beagle to be recognized.
If your dog meets the standard height of AKC, you can have it registered for $34.99 which includes the paper registration fee. You can also register it online for $30 to $79.99 depending on the type of package you will choose.
- Microchip
If you haven’t already, you should consider getting your Pocket Beagle microchipped. This procedure costs, on average, $30 to $60 at a vet and $30 to $70 at PetSmart.
Microchipping could be a very useful tool to keep a tenacious Pocket Beagle safe, particularly because of its tendency to wander. Owners should also be aware that Pocket Beagles are targets of thieves who will sell them to research laboratories.
- Shelter and tracking collars
As a general rule, Pocket Beagles will need at least a fence or even a tracking collar to keep them from getting lost; unless you live in a more enclosed environment like an apartment. Pet pens and yard kennels will cost you as little as $75 and as much as $1,000 depending on the size and quality.
Tracking collars can be very cheap; costing around $20. Higher quality ones will cost you $100 or more.
- Obedience Training
Beagles have a tendency to bark and howl quite frequently. If needed, obedience training can be a good option.
On average, group training classes cost $30 to $50 per class, private classes cost $45 to $120, and obedience training schools range from $120 to $200 per 6-week package.
You can train your dog yourself but it is essential that you use food as a reward since Pocket Beagles and Beagles are likely to be motivated by food. And if left alone, will probably overeat to dangerous quantities.
Regular Maintenance Costs
Besides the Pocket Beagle price, you will be facing the following recurring costs throughout your dog’s life:
- Food Costs
Since Pocket Beagle has so many health issues, it is important to make sure that it gets the right nutrition it needs. It is always recommended to give high-quality dog foods for your dog.
Depending on size and age, activity level, body type, and metabolism, Pocket Beagles eat on average ⅞ – 1 ⅜ cups of food daily.
This quantity should be split into two meals and should not be served free feeding. It is recommended that you get your Pocket Beagle a grain-free food since it is hard for it to digest cereal grains.
For example, Pacific Stream Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food costs $49 on Chewy.com. On average, one bag of dry dog food will last a Pocket Beagle about a couple of months.
- Grooming Expenses
You should brush a Pocket Beagle’s hair once or twice a week. Its ears are prone to infection that’s why you should clean it on a regular basis as well by using cotton and oil. Also, you should trim its nails when needed.
Professional grooming ranges from $30 to $150 on average; mainly depending on the services included and the size and temperament of your dog.
There are also grooming services which offer different kinds of grooming like at Petsmart.com. Its services start from $45 to $152. The service it will provide will depend on the type of package you choose but most of them include a bath, haircut, ear cleaning, anal gland cleaning, and nail trimming.
- Dog Walking
Pocket Beagle should be given proper exercise such as short walks daily in order to prevent heart problems. It likes to follow scents so you should look after it and pay attention.
Pocket Beagles, especially young ones, will want to run around and play a lot since they have a lot of energy. If you live in a small apartment or house with little space to run around, you will need to walk your Pocket Beagle one to two times a day.
If needed, a dog walking service will charge you about $20 to $30 per half-hour walk, and about $30 to $60 per hour walk.
- Medical Costs
Pocket Beagle bred dogs are very prone to illness like heart and ear problems, epilepsy, and dwarfism. That’s why AKC does not really recommend breeding this kind of dog.
Make sure that it gets the booster shots that it needs. You should go to the veterinarian every month and when necessary.
Spay/neuter costs around $30 to $300 on average depending on location and weight of the dog – with spaying being the more costly one due to being a more complex procedure.
