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What exactly is a Bogle? It’s actually the name of a kind of folkloric creature from Scotland, but it is also the name of a hybrid breed of dog that’s a cross of Beagle and Boxer. Beagles are hunting dogs known for their very happy and easygoing personalities, and Boxers are all-around working dogs that are devoted, brave, and energetic. Bogles are very cheerful, playful, and active dogs that combine some of the best characteristics of their parents.
Breed Overview
Height:
15 – 25 inches
Weight:
40 – 60 pounds
Lifespan:
10 – 15 years
Colors:
Combinations of brown, black, tan, white, tri-colored or bi-colored
Suitable for:
Active families with older children, house with a yard
Temperament:
Playful, affectionate, energetic, loyal, smart
Bogles tend to be larger and more muscular than the Beagle, but depending on which parent they take after the most, they might sport a shorter muzzle and squarish head like the Boxer or a longer and slimmer muzzle like the Beagle. They tend to have long drooping ears, and short, smooth coats and are a combination of black, brown, tan, or white and can be bi or tri-colored.
Bogle Characteristics
Bogle Puppies
Bogles are high-energy dogs thanks to having high-energy parents. They might have a slightly longer lifespan than their parents since they are a hybrid. It is relatively easy to train Beagles and Boxers, and therefore Bogles shouldn’t be too difficult to train. Bogles are generally healthy, but while the Beagle is a social dog, the Boxer is a little wary of strangers, so the Bogle could be very friendly or aloof, depending on which parent he takes after the most.
Make sure to read the Bogle’s full care guide so you know what type of food, exercise, and grooming they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bogle 🧠
The Bogle is an intelligent hybrid since both of his parents are intelligent breeds. These dogs are loving and playful when the mood suits, but they will also enjoy spending time lazing at home with you. The Beagle in them makes for a sweet and friendly dog but will also add a certain amount of stubbornness.
They are exceptionally loyal and devoted dogs and will stick to you like glue, which is also another part of what makes them excellent watchdogs. Bogles are affectionate and loving dogs that will enjoy a good cuddle as much as a good run.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Bogle does make an excellent family dog but would do best with older children. They tend to be rather boisterous when they play and will more than likely accidentally knock down the little ones during playtime. Be sure to educate your children on respecting all dogs.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Bogle will get along with most pets when socialized with them at a young age. These dogs do have quite a high prey drive, so if you introduce a small pet to the household after they have become adults, you’re risking a lot of chasing or worse. If the Bogle is raised with another animal, he will protect them and everyone in the household equally.
Things to Know When Owning a Bogle
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Bogles are typically medium in size and tend towards a stocky and muscular build. When choosing his food (which should be high-quality), you need to consider his age, size, and activity level. Consult the recommendations on the back of the dog food bag for how much you should be feeding your Bogle or speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or health.
Exercise 🐕
Bogles tend to be quite energetic and will need 40 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. The amount will depend on which parent your Bogle takes after, as well as your dog’s size. They will also benefit if they have a fenced yard to run around in every day as well and you need to make a point of spending time playing with your dog.
Training 🎾
Training your Bogle shouldn’t prove too difficult. Both the Beagle and the Boxer are intelligent and do well with a reward-based training method—particularly if you use treats. While the Beagle is known to be stubborn, it shouldn’t impede training the Bogle. Socialization at a young age is crucial because of the Boxer heritage, as you’ll want to curb any aggressive tendencies.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming the Bogle isn’t difficult but does require a weekly brushing using a hound glove or soft-bristled brush to help remove excess hair. They don’t tend to get the doggy smell too strongly, so they will only need an occasional bath with a good shampoo meant for dogs.
You should trim your Bogle’s nails about every 3 to 4 weeks, brush his teeth 2 to 3 times a week, and clean his ears every week if they’re long and droopy.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Bogle is a healthy hybrid and not as prone to the serious health conditions that are commonly found in purebreds. However, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the health issues that frequently occur with the Boxer and Beagle.
Your vet will check your Bogle’s hips and knees and run tests on his heart as well as urinalysis and blood tests.
- Hypothyroidism
- Bowel disease
- Corneal erosion
Your vet will check the Bogle’s eyes, ears, and skin and run blood and urinalysis tests during a complete physical exam to help rule out any of these conditions.
Male vs Female
There’s usually a difference in size between the male and female Bogle. They tend to range about 15 to 25 inches in height and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, so you can expect the females to be in the lower end and the males in the upper.
The surgery your dog gets is another difference—male dogs are neutered, which is a less complex and therefore less expensive surgery than spaying females. Spaying and neutering your dog gives your dog the advantage of being less likely to contract certain health conditions in the future as well as decreasing aggression.
And lastly, there’s thought to be a difference in personality. It has been said that females are less territorial and more loving than males, but this isn’t always true. One thing that is certain is that what really determines a dog’s temperament is in the socialization and training while they are puppies and how they are treated as adult dogs.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bogle
1. The Bogle May Be Vocal
The Beagle is known for being a very barky dog, while the Boxer is actually a relatively quiet breed. It does depend on which parent the Bogle takes after the most, so your Bogle could be a quiet or talkative dog.
2. The Bogle Makes A Great Police Dog
They make great watchdogs as they are quite alert, and because of the Beagle heritage, the Bogle makes an excellent sniffer dog and can be used for detecting narcotics.
3. The Bogle May Be Wary of Strangers
Beagles are known to be very social and friendly, while Boxers are on high alert around people they don’t know. The Bogle tends to be a good watchdog while at home and will let you know when someone comes to visit, but the Beagle in them will allow them to greet the stranger once they’ve been introduced.
Closing Thoughts
What can we say about the Bogle that hasn’t already been said? They are gorgeous dogs that will love and protect you and become an integral part of your family.
Finding a Bogle might be a bit of a challenge since there are not a lot of breeders that specifically breed them. Speak to the breeders of Beagles and Boxers as a start as they might be familiar with the Bogle and where you can find one. You can also approach dog clubs or post your interest in finding a Bogle through social media. You should also check with local rescue groups as a Beagle/Boxer mix might just show up.
What do you do if your favorite dogs are the Beagle and the Boxer, and you can’t choose between them? You get yourself the Bogle!
See Also:
- Beagi (Beagle & Corgi Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, Care & More
- Beaker (Beagle & Cocker Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More
Featured Image Credit: Joy Baldassarre, Shutterstock