The beagle Chihuahua mix is a cross between a beagle and Chihuahua. Beagle Chihuahua mixes are also commonly referred to as cheagles, chibeagles, chi-beas, and beagle chis.
Beagle Chihuahua mixes are small-sized designer dogs ranging between 9 and 14 inches tall and weighing between 9 and 30 pounds at full maturity. The mixed breed has an average life span of 10 to 14 years when looked after with the proper diet and care requirements.
The cheagle’s personality depends on the parents’ traits, but this mix is usually energetic, playful, affectionate, and needs constant attention. The mixed breed is loyal but has a stubborn streak when it comes to training, so the dog needs a devoted owner. The dog is suitable for families with older children but tends to bark loudly and often.
The beagle Chihuahua mix typically costs between $300 and $2,000 from a rescue center or a reputable breeder.
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Beagle Chihuahua Mix Characteristics & Overview
| Common names | Beagle Chihuahua mix, cheagle, chibeagle, chi-bea, and beagle chi |
| Origin | North America |
| Parent breeds | Beagle and Chihuahua |
| Breed group | Breed group: Hybrid, designer dog breed |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Height | 9–14 inches |
| Weight | 9–30 pounds |
| Colors | Cream, white, brown, tan, black, or tri-color |
| Coat | Short and soft or medium and feathered, double-layered coat |
| Life expectancy | 10–14 years |
| Temperament | Highly energetic, fun-loving, loves attention, affectionate, and loyal |
| Shedding | Shedding: Moderate shedders |
| Barking tendency | High |
| Cost | $300–$2,000 |
Origin & Purpose
The origin of the beagle Chihuahua mix is mainly unknown, especially because no breeder has claimed this mixed breed. The cheagle is likely to have existed naturally for years. However, intentional breeding of this breed began in the 1990s in North America. The purpose of the cheagle is a companion dog. The dog is bred from a beagle and a Chihuahua or multi-generational crosses.
The Beagle
The Beagle is one of the most popular dogs in America, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The dog was initially bred as a hunting dog, although hunting instincts aren’t usually passed down to the cheagle. The Beagle parent passes down its curious, merry, friendly nature and thick double coat. The cheagle’s loud bark, intelligence, and stubborn nature are also adopted from the beagle parent.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a descendant of the ancient Techichi from Mexico. The Chihuahua has a protective and loyal character and barks a lot — traits that are often passed down to the cheagle. Chihuahuas are very sassy, charming, and feisty but also have graceful personalities. The Chihuahua’s small size contributes to the small size of the cheagle as well as the cheagle’s energetic, stubborn, and intelligent nature.
Lifespan
On average, the beagle Chihuahua mix lives for 10 to 14 years if the dog is well-cared for with enough exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary trips. The mixed breed is predisposed to specific health conditions that may shorten its lifespan, such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, obesity, heart problems, and more.
Cheagle Appearance
There are no size or appearance standards for the cheagle because it’s a relatively new breed, and the dog’s appearance varies considerably based on the parents. Generally, the beagle Chihuahua mix looks like a slightly large Chihuahua because the mixed breed has the size, small head shape, triangle-shaped ears, skinny legs, and pointy paws of the Chihuahua parent. The designer breed usually adopts its coat colors, large round eyes, floppy ears, and thick tail from the beagle parent. The dog’s tail often curls up slightly in the signature Chihuahua style.
Height and Weight
Beagle Chihuahua mixes are considered small dogs, with a height at the withers of 9 to 14 inches and a weight of 9 to 30 pounds.
The size and weight of the cheagle will depend on whether the beagle parent is a regular or pocket-sized beagle. Pocket-sized beagles will produce cheagles up to 11 inches tall and weigh up to 15 pounds. Male cheagles are usually slightly heavier and taller than females.
Colors
Beagle Chihuahua mixes are typically white, cream, tan, brown, fawn, chocolate, black or tri-colored. The mixed breed commonly inherits the hunting coat colors and the facial markings of the beagle parent. In some cases, the coat is a solid color, but more commonly tri-colored.
Coat
Cheagles usually have a thick double coat, but some may have a single coat. The coat of this mixed breed is generally short and shiny, especially if the Chihuahua parent has short hair. Cheagles, from long-haired Chihuahua parents, are likely to have medium-length, feathered coats.
Cheagles are moderate shedders all year round and require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.
Beagle Chihuahua Mix Personality and Temperament
Beagle Chihuahua mixes generally have a well-balanced blend of both parent breeds. The result of the two breeds is an easy-going dog that can be highly stubborn during training. The cheagle may have separation anxiety and become highly protective of its owners, which are traits from the Chihuahua parent.
The mixed breed often attaches to one member of the family and requires plenty of exercise and attention. The cheagle is usually friendly but can be aggressive with other dogs and isn’t suitable for young children.
Barking
Cheagles are highly vocal dogs and take on the tendency to howl from the beagle parent and yap from the Chihuahua parent. The mixed breed makes a good watchdog because of its loud bark. Proper training early on will usually — but not always — prevent the bark from becoming a recurring problem.
Cheagle Care
The cheagle is relatively easy to care for as long as its food and exercise needs are met. The breed is easy to groom and while it will require trips to the vet, the dog is generally healthy with few health concerns to look out for. Early training and socialization will make caring for this breed more straightforward.
Food Needs
As with any mixed breed, a consultation with a veterinarian is needed to determine the right amount of food for the dog. The amount of food the cheagle needs is determined by the dog’s size, weight, age, and activity level.
Generally, feed the beagle Chihuahua mix 1 to 1 ½ cups of high-quality dry kibble formulated for small breed dogs. Split the food into two or three meals a day and be careful not to overfeed the dog because this breed is prone to obesity.
Grooming Needs
Brush the cheagle once or twice a week, depending on the length of the dog’s coat, to remove dead hair and minimize shedding. Bath the mixed breed only when necessary, like when the dog is very dirty. Otherwise, only bathe every 12 weeks, to prevent dry and flaky skin.
Check the dog’s ears regularly and dry the dog’s ears if it goes swimming to prevent infections. Brush the cheagle’s teeth three or four times weekly to prevent bacteria growth and tooth decay. This dog’s coat isn’t suitable for cold weather, and the dog may need a warm jersey in colder climates.
Exercise Needs
The cheagle requires less activity than the beagle parent but enough exercise to let the dog use up its energy. A walk or play session of 40 to 60 minutes per day is enough to keep the dog healthy.
Split the exercise into a few sessions per day and keep the dog on a leash when outside of the house or yard because of the dog’s high prey drive. The mixed breed is suitable for apartment living because of the low exercise requirements, as long as the dog is around its owner(s) as much as possible.
Mental Needs
Daily mental stimulation for the cheagle is important to prevent unwanted barking and chewing habits. Daily play sessions, smelling games, and fetch are good ways to keep the mixed breed occupied and out of trouble.
Common Health Concerns
The cheagle is a relatively healthy dog. However, the mixed breed is prone to certain health conditions from both the parent breeds. Consult a veterinarian regularly to reduce the chances of severe illness and if any of the following conditions are detected:
- Hip dysplasia: is a hereditary condition that affects a dog when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. This condition is evident by limping, dragging of the back legs, and visible pain. Treatment is available to ease the symptoms of hip dysplasia
- Heart problems: are passed on from the Chihuahua parent, who is prone to patent ductus arteriosus. This heart condition is present at birth and requires urgent surgery to prevent death
- Obesity: is a common problem with small dogs, including the cheagle, and often leads to more severe health conditions. Prevent obesity by monitoring the dog’s diet — including treats — and giving the dog enough exercise
- Eye problems: are common in cheagles because of the slightly-protruding eyeballs and the short distance to the ground. Dry eyes or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is common in this mixed breed, causing ulcers and lack of tear production. These conditions can lead to visual impairment if left untreated
Beagle Chihuahua Mix Training
Training a beagle Chihuahua mix is difficult because of its inherited stubborn behavior from both parent breeds and the cheagle’s high energy levels. This mixed breed also tends to develop Small Dog Syndrome, which causes aggressive and undesirable behavior.
To successfully train a cheagle, use a firm and consistent training method and establish yourself as the alpha when the dog is still a puppy. The mixed breed will take liberties if it’s given any freedom during training.
Use positive reinforcement training and treats — limited by dietary restrictions — to get the best results when training a cheagle. Early socialization is essential to prevent the mixed breed from developing aggressive behavior toward other dogs and small children. Group obedience training will help with socialization and proper training for the cheagle.
Cheagle Price
Like any designer breed, the cheagle is relatively expensive to buy from a reputable breeder or a rescue center. However, adopting this mixed breed is slightly cheaper than buying from a breeder. The beagle Chihuahua mix is relatively inexpensive to care for.
How Much Is a Beagle Chihuahua Mix?
A beagle Chihuahua mix typically costs $300 to $2,000. If you buy a cheagle from reputable breeders, it costs between $800 and $2,000. Adopting this mixed breed is cheaper, costing between $300 and $600, and is possibly free for more senior dogs. Check the dog’s health certificates to ensure a healthy puppy.
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Cheagle?
The yearly cost of a cheagle is around $2,000 for the first year because of the initial veterinarian trips, bedding, food, and grooming requirements. The following years will cost about $1,000 to care for a cheagle.
Is a Beagle Chihuahua Mix Right for You?
The cheagle is an excellent dog for owners looking for a loyal companion and a small-sized dog. However, some of the typical traits of these dogs are not suitable for all types of owners and households.
Beagle Chihuahua Mixes are Suitable for:
The beagle Chihuahua mix is suitable for any kind of household, from small apartments to large homes with fenced-in yards, as long as the dog is given plenty of exercise and attention. The cheagle is suitable for single owners or families with older children, and the dog is likely to attach to one person more than others.
This mixed breed is suitable for owners looking for a watchdog that will alert them to strangers and people at the door. The dog is also suitable for active owners with enough time to dedicate to training and giving the dog ample attention. The cheagle is suitable for homes with other pets as long as early socialization happens.
Beagle Chihuahua Mixes are NOT Suitable for:
The beagle Chihuahua mix is not suitable for homes with noise restrictions because the dog tends to bark loudly and often. The dog’s noise levels may make this dog unsuitable for certain apartments. The cheagle has a short-haired coat that is not suitable for extremely cold climates.
Cheagles are not suitable for homes with small children who are not used to dogs because the mixed breed can get hurt easily due to its small size and doesn’t tolerate young children well. The dog requires moderate exercise daily, making the breed unsuitable for inactive homes.
The cheagle may develop separation anxiety and requires constant attention, making the dog unsuitable for homes where no one is home for long periods. This dog is also not suitable for owners who don’t have enough time to provide consistent training from puppyhood to adulthood.
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