If you are looking for a friendly, energetic, and loyal dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, you may want to consider the Beagador. This crossbreed, also known as the Beagador, Labbe, or Labbeagle, is a combination of two popular and well-loved breeds: the Beagle and the Labrador Retriever. The Beagador can inherit traits from both parents, making it a unique and versatile dog that can adapt to various situations and environments. However, it can also have some challenges and drawbacks that you need to be aware of before getting one. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Beagle Lab mix, including its history, appearance, personality, health, and care. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide if the Beagle Lab mix is the right dog for you.
History of the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab mix is a relatively new crossbreed that emerged in the last few decades. Like most designer dogs, its exact origin is unknown, but it is likely that it was first bred in the United States or Canada. The Beagador is not recognized by any major kennel club as a purebred dog, but it is registered by some smaller organizations that cater to hybrid dogs. To understand the Beagador better, let’s take a look at the history of its parent breeds.
History of the Beagle
The Beagle is one of the oldest breeds of hounds, dating back to ancient times. The word “beagle” may come from the French word “be’geule”, meaning “gape throat”, referring to the breed’s loud and distinctive bark. The Beagle was originally used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and hares, in packs or alone. It was brought to America by English settlers in the 17th century and became popular as a hunting and companion dog. The Beagle was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885 and is currently ranked as the 7th most popular dog breed in the US.
History of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a descendant of the St. John’s Water Dog, a working dog that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. The St. John’s Water Dog was used by fishermen to retrieve fish and nets from the water and to help with other tasks on land. The breed was imported to England in the early 19th century and refined by various breeders who wanted to create a versatile sporting dog. The Labrador Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1917 and is currently ranked as the most popular dog breed in the US.
Appearance of the Beagador
The appearance of the Beagle Lab mix can vary depending on which parent it takes after. However, some general characteristics can be expected from this crossbreed. The Beagador is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 25 to 65 pounds and stands between 13 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. It has a short to medium-length coat that can come in various colors and patterns, such as black, chocolate, yellow, white, tan, or tricolor. The coat is usually dense and water-resistant, requiring minimal grooming. The Beagador has a broad head with floppy ears, dark eyes, and a black nose. It has a strong and muscular body with a long tail that can be straight or curved.
Personality of the Beagle Lab Mix
The personality of the Beagador can also vary depending on which parent it takes after. However, some general traits can be expected from this crossbreed. The Beagle Lab mix is a friendly, energetic, and loyal dog that loves to be around people and other animals. It is a great family dog that gets along well with children and other pets. It is also a smart and trainable dog that can learn various commands and tricks. However, it can also be stubborn and independent at times, especially if it inherits more from the Beagle side. It needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. The Beagle Lab mix is not a good choice for apartment living or for people who are away for long periods. It needs a spacious and secure yard where it can run and play freely.
Health of the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagador is generally a healthy and hardy dog that can live up to 10 to 15 years. However, like any other crossbreed, it can inherit some health issues from its parent breeds. Some of the common health problems that may affect the Beagador are:
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, leading to pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: A similar condition that affects the elbow joint, causing lameness and reduced mobility.
- Eye problems: Various eye disorders that can affect the vision or cause irritation or infection, such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, or dry eye.
- Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, Beagle Lab mixes are prone to ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. Symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, odor, or scratching of the ears.
- Allergies: Beagle Lab mixes can suffer from allergies to certain foods, environmental factors, or fleas. Symptoms include itching, scratching, licking, sneezing, coughing, or skin rashes.
- Obesity: Beagle Lab mixes love to eat and can easily become overweight if not fed properly or exercised enough. Obesity can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or joint issues.
To prevent or reduce the risk of these health problems, you should provide your Beagador with a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs and keeps it at a healthy weight. You should also exercise your Beagador regularly and provide it with enough mental stimulation to keep it fit and happy. You should also groom your Beagle Lab mix regularly and check its ears, eyes, teeth, nails, and skin for any signs of problems. Try to visit your veterinarian regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. You should also spay or neuter your Beagador to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Care of the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab mix is a low-maintenance dog that does not require much grooming. However, it does need some basic care to keep it healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to care for your Beagador:
- Brush your Beagle Lab mix’s coat once or twice a week to remove loose hair and dirt. This will also help distribute the natural oils and keep the coat shiny and healthy. You can use a bristle brush or a rubber curry comb for this purpose.
- Bathe your Beagador as needed, but not too often, as this can dry out the skin and coat. Use a mild dog shampoo and rinse well. Dry your Beagador thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer on a low setting.
- Trim your Beagle Lab mix’s nails once or twice a month to prevent them from cracking or splitting. Use a nail clipper or a grinder designed for dogs and be careful not to cut the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail. If you are unsure how to do this, you can ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for help.
- Clean your Beagle Lab mix’s ears once a week to prevent ear infections. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with a dog ear cleaner and gently wipe the inside of the ears. Do not use cotton swabs or insert anything into the ear canal, as this can cause damage or irritation.
- Brush your Beagle Lab mix’s teeth daily or at least several times a week to prevent dental problems such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, or tooth decay. Use a dog toothbrush and a dog toothpaste and gently massage the teeth and gums. You can also give your Beagle Lab mix dental chews or toys that can help clean the teeth and freshen the breath.
Feeding the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagador is a medium-sized dog that needs a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs and keeps it at a healthy weight. The amount of food your Beagle Lab mix needs depends on its age, weight, activity level, and overall health. As a general guideline, you can feed your Beagle Lab mix about one to two cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. You can also add some wet food, fresh food, or treats to make the diet more varied and appealing. However, you should avoid overfeeding your Beagle Lab mix or giving it too many treats, as this can lead to obesity and health problems. You should always provide your Beagle Lab mix with fresh and clean water at all times to keep it hydrated and healthy.
Exercising the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagador is an active and energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise to keep it fit and happy. You should provide your Beagle Lab mix with at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. Try walking, running, playing fetch, or agility training. You should also provide your Beagle Lab mix with enough mental stimulation to keep it from getting bored or destructive. Try giving it interactive toys, puzzles, games, or training sessions that challenge its intelligence and skills. Try to socialize your Beagle Lab mix from an early age with other people and animals to make it more friendly and confident. You should also expose your Beagle Lab mix to different sights, sounds, smells, and experiences to make it more adaptable and well-rounded.
Training the Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab mix is a smart, trainable dog that can learn various commands and tricks. However, it can also be stubborn and independent at times, especially if it inherits more from the Beagle side. You should start training your Beagle Lab mix from an early age and use rewards such as treats, praise, or toys to motivate and encourage it. Avoid harsh or negative methods such as yelling, hitting, or scolding, as this can make your Beagle Lab mix fearful or aggressive. You should also avoid repeating commands or giving in to your Beagle Lab mix’s demands, as this can make it ignore or disobey you. You should also set clear rules and boundaries for your Beagle Lab mix and enforce them firmly but kindly. Some of the basic commands you should teach your Beagle Lab mix are:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- Leave it
- Drop it
- Heel
Try also to teach your Beagle Lab mix some advanced commands or tricks such as:
- Roll over
- Shake
- Speak
- Fetch
- Play dead
You should also train your Beagle Lab mix to walk nicely on a leash and to recall reliably, especially if you plan to take it off-leash in public places. You should also train your Beagle Lab mix to cope with being alone for short periods, as this can prevent separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab mix is a wonderful dog that can make a great family pet for active and social people. However, it is not a dog for everyone and has some challenges and drawbacks that you need to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting a Beagle Lab mix:
Pros
- Friendly and gentle temperament when well socialized
- Gets along well with kids and other pets
- Intelligent and eager to please during training
- Athletic and playful breed
- Low-maintenance grooming
Cons
- Cannot be left alone for long periods
- Quite a vocal breed – known to bark or howl
- Dense, double coat that sheds a lot
- Not suitable for inactive or allergic people
- Prone to some health problems
it the shelter or rescue and meet the dog in person before adopting it. You should also ask as many questions as possible about the dog’s history, health, personality, and needs. You should also be prepared to provide the dog with a loving and supportive home where it can thrive and enjoy its new life.
Finding a Beagle Lab Mix Puppy
If you prefer to get a Beagle Lab mix puppy from a breeder, you should be very careful and selective in choosing one. Many irresponsible and unethical breeders breed dogs for profit without regard for their health or welfare. These breeders may sell sickly, poorly socialized, or genetically defective puppies that can cause you a lot of trouble and heartache. To avoid these breeders, you should do some research and find a reputable and responsible breeder who breeds Beagle Lab mixes or its parent breeds. Here are some tips on how to find a good breeder:
- Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, friends, family, or other dog owners who have Beagle Lab mixes
- Search online for breed clubs or associations that can provide you with a list of registered and reputable breeders
- Visit the breeder’s premises and meet the puppies and their parents in person
- Ask for proof of health tests and clearances for both parents and the puppies
- Ask for a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, such as the price, health guarantee, spay/neuter agreement, and return policy
- Avoid breeders who sell puppies at very low prices, offer to ship puppies without meeting you in person
Conclusion
If you are looking for a lively, loyal, and loving dog that can keep up with your active and social lifestyle, the Beagle Lab mix might be the perfect choice for you. This crossbreed combines the best traits of the Beagle and the Labrador Retriever, making it a versatile and unique dog that can fit in different situations and environments. However, the Beagador is not a dog for everyone. It can be challenging to train and handle, especially if it takes after the Beagle more. The Beagador also requires a lot of exercise, stimulation, attention, and affection to prevent boredom and loneliness. It is easy to care for in terms of grooming, but it needs a balanced diet and regular check-ups to maintain its health and well-being.