The Beagle Bulldog mix, which is often called the Beabull, is a designer breed created by crossing a Beagle and an English Bulldog. The cross results in a loving, playful dog that usually has a huge streak of independence. Of course, both the appearance and temperament of this hybrid can vary, depending on the parents and the parent the dog takes after. If you’re considering a Beabull, it’s a good idea to learn more about the hybrid before making your choice. Here’s a closer look at the designer breed’s history, temperament, appearance, grooming needs, health, and more.
Origin and History
It’s thought that the Beagle Bulldog mix probably originated within the United States, sometimes within the past 10-20 years. Of course, we don’t know when or where exactly the Beabull hybrid originated, so to learn more about the mix, it’s a good idea to look at the origin and history of the two parent breeds: the Beagle and the English Bulldog.
The Beagle has a history that is difficult to bring to light, although it’s thought that they may go all the way back before Roman times. Modern Beagles were refined in England, and later in the American South, a small dog known as a Beagle was used by hunters. Dogs from England were imported and bred with these American dogs, and the American Beagle breed was refined. Later, in 1885, the AKC would recognize the Beagle, and in late 1800’s, the United States National Beagle Club would be formed.
The English Bulldog has a violent history, and the breed traces back to the 1500s. The breed was created for bull-baiting purposes, resulting in a dog that was powerful and ferocious. In 1885, when dog and bull fighting became illegal within England, some fanciers of the breed attempted to preserve it. They worked to retain the good qualities of the breed while weeding out the bad ones. After several generations of breeding, the breed became a dog that was both fine physically, but excellent temperamentally as well. Today the English Bulldog is docile and adaptive, and they love kids, are loyal, and very affectionate.
Appearance
The size of the Beagle Bulldog mix can vary, but they generally stand between 12 and 16 inches high and they usually weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. These dogs may favor either of their parent breeds, but they generally have the wrinkles and feet of a bulldog. Beabull usually have the droopy, long ears of a Beagle, along with a long muzzle. Generally, they have a coat with sides that are soft and a top that is a bit coarse. Their coloring can vary, favoring a mix of colors that come from both of the parent breeds.
The Beabull Temperament
You can expect the Beagle Bulldog mix to have a very docile temperament, although they can be a little hyperactive from time to time. While they have a tendency to stubbornness, usually they are fairly calm. Since they are very affectionate and they like to have fun, they love playing with children. These dogs love being around people, so they want to be with their owners as much as possible. They enjoy lazing around a bit like bulldogs do, but they do have spurts of energy like Beagles and enjoy playing games. Since Beabull dogs are very intelligent, it’s important to make sure that they have mentally stimulating challenges and tasks or they may become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.
You don’t need to worry about a lot of exercise for the Beagle Bulldog mix. Usually a good walk every day along with a couple games of fetch will be enough exercise for these dogs. Since they can be a bit stubborn, early, firm training is important. They respond well to reward based training methods, but it’s important to ensure that training sessions are interesting and engaging. Early socialization with other animals and with people is important for Beabull puppies.
Grooming
The Beagle Bulldog mix tends to shed regularly, so you’ll need to make sure that you brush them daily. Usually they only need to be bathed as needed. You will need to have their nails trimmed if they don’t wear them down outdoors naturally, which is something you can have done by a professional groomer. Since the Beabull often have the long, floppy ears of the Beagle, their ears should be wiped and checked weekly for any problems. Teeth also need to be brushed several times a week with a dog toothpaste approved by a vet. This helps prevent bad breath and dental problems.
Working Roles
The Beagle Bulldog mix is not used in any working roles today, although the parent breeds were once working dogs. However, they make wonderful family pets for families of all sizes and ages.
Health
The Bulldog generally lives to be between 8 and 12 years old, while the Beagle has an average life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years. You can probably expect your Beabull to have an average lifespan of between 8 and 14 years. In most cases, hybrid dogs have fewer health concerns than their parents do, but some of the potential health problems that may affect the Beagle Bulldog mix include:
- Glaucoma
- Invertebral disk disease
- Narcolepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
- Chinese beagle syndrome
- Cherry eye
- Hypochondroplasia
- Beagle pain syndrome
- Ear infections
- XX sex reversal
- Deafness
- Hepatitis
- Pituitary dependent hyperandrenocorticism
- Corneal dystrophy
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Anemia
- Lymphosarcoma
- Eye problems
- Hemivertebrae
- Ectopic ureters
- Various forms of cancer
- Cryptorchidism
- Hip dysplasia
- Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome
- Ununited anconeal process
- Ventricular septal defect
- Dystocia
- Genetic dwarfism
- Aortic stenosis
- Cleft palate
- Spina bifida
- Urate urolithiasis
- Canine follicular dysplasia
- Generalized demodicosis
- Hypoplastic trachea