Beaglemation

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Great Britain <> Croatia -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Beaglemation

The Beaglemation is a hybrid dog breed, the result of crossing a Beagle with a Dalmatian. Beaglemation is all about energy. Indeed, do you remember the famous Tigger character from Winnie the Pooh and his extraordinary enthusiasm about tiggers, well, that pretty much sums up Beaglemation's attitude to life because these guys are full of energy in canine form. A medium to large dog with a short coat, Beaglemation does everything with gusto. However, this can give them a lack of concentration, making them difficult to train. They also like to chase anything that moves, including cats. So, although the Beaglemation is friendly, it won't necessarily make a good roommate with other pets.

History of the Beaglemation

The Beaglemation, like most other hybrid dogs, has a history that goes back some ten years. Indeed, their history is really that of their parent breeds. In this case, both the Beagle and the Dalmatian have interesting histories.
        

A little of the Beagle

        
The Beagle breed is an ancient one. Their ancestors can be found in small rabbit-hunting dogs brought to England by the Romans, as well as in other famous hunting dogs, such as the now extinct Talbot Hound, imported from France by William the Conqueror. A hunting dog with a keen sense of smell, Beagle-like dogs have been around since the 14th century. Curiously, toy versions of the Beagle, the Pocket and Glove Beagle, were once very popular in Elizabethan times. Beagle popularity plummeted in the 18th century, when the larger, faster Foxhound was preferred as a hunting dog. However, this irrepressible breed never really disappeared and today flourishes as a favorite companion dog.
Standard of the Beagle

A little of the Dalmatian

The instantly recognizable Dalmatian has a more obscure history than the Beagle. They are thought to have originated in a region now known as Croatia. The original Dalmatians appear to have been a versatile dog used for a variety of activities, from guarding and herding to grazing and performing in circuses. But it's in their role as carriage dog that the Dalmatian is perhaps best known. In the 17th and 19th centuries, they were an indispensable accessory for any self-respecting aristocrat, running alongside their carriage. Their purpose was to clear the road for the horses and protect the carriage in the inns, but perhaps people also liked the way they looked.
Standard of the Dalmatian

Appearance of the Beaglemation

The Beaglemation is a medium to large dog and a true canine athlete. They are muscular, with deep chests, tucked-up bellies and strong, straight legs. They have a long, whip-like tail that is likely to wag most of the time. The Beaglemation has a good-length muzzle and velvety floppy ears that sit high on the head and drop to or below the chin. Both parent dogs have short coats, and the Beaglemation is no different. The main background color of the coat is white, and they may wear a variation of either parent's coat, ranging from Dalmatian polka dots to Beagle spots in colors such as black, pale yellow, brown and brindle.

Temperament of the Beaglemation

Both parent breeds are renowned for their dynamism, as befits dogs with a working heritage. It therefore follows that the Beaglemation is a highly energetic dog requiring almost constant mental activity and stimulation. In fact, they could also be described as strongly related to certain Dalmatians with a characteristic trait of nervousness and anxiety. Not only do they crave physical exercise, but their minds need to be occupied too. Unfortunately, a bored Beaglemation will create its own entertainment, which probably involves barking, chewing, destructive behavior or all three.

Needs and activities of the Beaglemation

The Beaglemation is typically a fun, affectionate creature that makes an excellent family companion. They get on well with adults and children alike, although they are known to be a little stubborn during training. Due to their Dalmatian nature, this hybrid can tend to become very aggressive or destructive if not given enough attention or socialized properly. Although these dogs have a lot of energy, they are also quite capable of focusing that energy and will benefit from advanced training techniques to keep their minds and bodies busy. Beaglemation will generally get along with other dogs, but they may not be able to resist the pursuit of small, fast-moving animals like cats. Both Beagles and Dalmatians have a reputation for being clowns on occasion, and their offspring are no exception, seemingly enjoying making their family laugh with their frolics.

Maintenance of the Beaglemation

This particular combination of dog breeds makes them easy to care for. Although the Beagle side can contribute to a slight doggy smell, these dogs are generally very clean and only require a bath every few months. Their short coats are not prone to matting or clumping. Brushing is therefore only necessary every few days to a week to remove loose hairs and keep the coat soft and smooth. Dogs with floppy or hanging ears may be a little more susceptible to ear infections. Checking and cleaning the ears should therefore be part of their grooming program.

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