Pocket Beagle Full Grown: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The pocket beagle is a miniature breed of beagle that is often confused for being a puppy even when fully grown. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the pocket beagle once it reaches adulthood.

About the Pocket Beagle

The pocket beagle is a purebred miniature version of the beagle hound. It was developed through a selective breeding program in the United States during the 1980s and 90s with the goal of creating a teacup sized beagle.

Pocket beagles remain quite small even as adults but retain the personality traits and hunting instincts of regular beagles.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown pocket beagle will measure about 9-13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 6-15 pounds. However, there can be some natural variation and some pocket beagles may end up slightly larger or smaller.

In terms of length from nose to tail, most adult pocket beagles span between 12-16 inches. Their full height is approximately 8-12 inches.

Appearance at Full Growth

Physically, a mature pocket beagle looks much like a miniaturized version of the regular beagle breed. They have short legs, long droopy ears, wide-set eyes and a short smooth coat. Common coat colors include tricolor, reddish brown, white and black.

While still small, their overall appearance changes subtly from a puppy. Adult features like defined facial muscles and less round cheeks become more prominent. The coat also thickens slightly and changes texture compared to when they were young.

Personality at Full Growth

In terms of temperament, full grown pocket beagles are as energetic, playful and loving as they were as puppies. They remain incredibly sweet, gentle and friendly towards people, especially their human family. Training and socialization is important from a young age to ensure they are well-behaved.

Their signature beagle traits like following scents, being vocal and determined hunters also don't diminish with age. Pocket beagles love to explore, play and keep busy so regular physical and mental stimulation is needed to keep them happy.

Price

On average, expect to pay between $800-$1200 for a well-bred pocket beagle puppy from a reputable breeder. Adopting an adult pocket beagle from a shelter could cost $100-300 depending on the agency. Be prepared for additional costs like vaccination fees, neutering and other routine vet bills as well.

Food and Feeding

As adults, pocket beagles have moderate energy needs and should be fed twice daily. The general rule is to provide 1/2 to 3/4 cup of a high-quality dry kibble formulated for small breeds at each meal. Senior diets should be considered after 7-10 years of age.

Treats can be given in moderation and during training. Always ensure fresh, clean water is available. Their calorie intake may need adjusting based on activity levels and weight.

Lifespan

With proper care, the average lifespan of a pocket beagle is 12-15 years. Some may live into their late teens as well. Factors like genes, diet, exercise and preventative healthcare can help maximize a pocket beagle's natural lifespan.

Health at Full Growth

As pocket beagles are a newer purebred variety, their long term health hasn't been extensively studied yet. However, they remain prone to conditions also seen in regular beagles like hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy and von Willebrand's disease.

Regular vet checkups are advised from puppyhood onward to monitor growth and check for genetic issues. Spaying or neutering also helps prevent some cancers. Good daily care and a balanced diet can help adult pocket beagles remain fit and healthy into their senior years.

Care and Nutritional Needs

Fully grown pocket beagles still require moderate levels of daily care and attention from their human companions. This includes:

• Grooming 2-3 times a week to brush their coat and check for burrs, tangles or skin problems.
• Regular dental hygiene like brushing teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
• Trimming nails as needed, usually every 4-6 weeks to keep them from splitting or overgrowing.
• Keeping ears clean and dry to avoid infections.
• Regular heartworm, flea and tick prevention year-round as advised by your vet.

Providing mental and physical stimulation through interactive play, exercise, puzzle toys and training sessions is also important for healthy pocket beagle development and behavior as they reach adulthood.

Possible Behavioral Changes

In most cases, there are no drastic behavioral changes to expect as pocket beagles reach full maturity. However, it's normal for some natural shifts in canine temperament to happen in the first 1-2 years as they transition into adulthood:

• Increased independence and curiosity as their confidence grows
• Reduce tendency for separation anxiety compared to as a young puppy
• Marking and territorial behaviors may emerge during sexual maturity between 6-10 months
• Natural hunting instincts may manifest more strongly as adults despite training

With positive reinforcement training and supervision during this transition period, pocket beagles can be guided to express their growing maturity responsibly.

Notable Characteristics of Adults

Some attributes pocket beagles are especially known for displaying in their adult personalities include:

• Loyal, devoted companionship towards owners and family members
• Vocal nature - they are notorious for baying, howling and barking loudly
• Strong sense of smell and their inherited beagle nose for tracking scents
• Quirky, playful demeanor and clownish antics to make people laugh
• Bounding, energetic gait despite their small stature
• Adaptability and ease to acclimate to new homes or situations

When is a Pocket Beagle Fully Grown?

On average, pocket beagles reach sexual maturity and skeletal maturity around 6-10 months of age when most rapid growth is complete.

However, the overall developmental process actually spans 2 years. Their bodies and brains fully finish maturing between 12-24 months. This is considered the window when pocket beagles have transitioned into full adulthood physically and behaviorally.

Suitability as a Pet

When provided with sufficient care, training and attention, pocket beagles absolutely make wonderful family pets and companions.

However, their tiny stature requires extra caution around children, strangers and other animals who could accidentally harm them. Their need for daily human interaction and activity also means they are not well-suited to being left alone for long periods.

In general, the pocket beagle breed is very child-friendly and patient. But young kids still need guidance on gentle handling. Their apartment-friendliness depends on meeting individual exercise needs through walks, playtime and puzzle toys as well.

With the right owner commitment and household environment, pocket beagles thrive beautifully as attentive, loving pet dogs well into their golden senior years.