Speagle
Cocker Spaniel x Beagle
See photos of some of our past puppies below.
Our previous Speagle, Sasha
Breed: Speagle (Cocker Spaniel x Beagle)
Temperament: Social, energetic, affectionate and playful
Approx. Size: 32 – 45cm at the withers
Weight: 8 - 15kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Maintenance: Medium
Recommended for: families, great with children, but can also suit first time, single dog owners or couples
What is a 'Speagle'?
The mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle, is often labelled a 'Speagle' which is a made up term to define the increasingly popular cross breed. This adorable family dog makes for an outgoing and active, yet affectionate and social companion. Keeping in mind that the Beagle is a scent hound with high work drive, crossing them to the Cocker Spaniel hopes to reduce the heightened tracking instincts of the Beagle, whilst increasing the activity level and trainability of the dog. In the mix of the above mentioned breeds, we find that the Cocker Spaniel has strong enough genes to influence the Beagle (in both looks and temperament), and taper down some of the undesirable traits often seen in the Beagle. Other mixes like Beagliers unfortunately, we find the Beagle genes very strong and dominant over the Cavalier, with many Beagliers being as boisterous and active as a pure bred Beagle.
Though one must always take in to consideration both pure breed traits when looking at a cross breed, and be prepared for characteristics of either breed to develop or be present - the Speagle is more often than not, a more easy going dog than the pure bred Beagle, and many Beagliers.
Expect this cross breed to be fun, charismatic, affectionate and friendly.
Temperament: Social, energetic, affectionate and playful
Approx. Size: 32 – 45cm at the withers
Weight: 8 - 15kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Maintenance: Medium
Recommended for: families, great with children, but can also suit first time, single dog owners or couples
What is a 'Speagle'?
The mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle, is often labelled a 'Speagle' which is a made up term to define the increasingly popular cross breed. This adorable family dog makes for an outgoing and active, yet affectionate and social companion. Keeping in mind that the Beagle is a scent hound with high work drive, crossing them to the Cocker Spaniel hopes to reduce the heightened tracking instincts of the Beagle, whilst increasing the activity level and trainability of the dog. In the mix of the above mentioned breeds, we find that the Cocker Spaniel has strong enough genes to influence the Beagle (in both looks and temperament), and taper down some of the undesirable traits often seen in the Beagle. Other mixes like Beagliers unfortunately, we find the Beagle genes very strong and dominant over the Cavalier, with many Beagliers being as boisterous and active as a pure bred Beagle.
Though one must always take in to consideration both pure breed traits when looking at a cross breed, and be prepared for characteristics of either breed to develop or be present - the Speagle is more often than not, a more easy going dog than the pure bred Beagle, and many Beagliers.
Expect this cross breed to be fun, charismatic, affectionate and friendly.
English Cocker Spaniel
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Beagle
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Speagle Colours & Coat Types
Being a cross breed, with no written breed standard - the Speagle comes in a wide range of magnificent colours. We have been lucky enough to have had both short coat and long coat varieties in the mix. Beagles can be seen in tricolour, lemon, and liver - though tricolours are most common.
Cocker Spaniels come in array of colours including; black, red, gold, liver (chocolate), black and tan, liver and tan- as well as solid and parti patterns - which may be bicolour or tricolour. This includes black and white, orange and white, liver and white, lemon and white (which may or may not have ticking or roaming present), tricolours may be black, white and tan, or liver, white and tan. Roans may be blue roan, orange roan, lemon roan, liver roan, blue roan and tan, or liver roan and tan - as stated in Cocker Spaniel breed standard.
The combination of the two breeds, allows for varying colours and patterns to be produced. Though we have not seen all colours produced, we have pictured below some of the colours and coat types we have had in the past.
The coat may be short like the Beagle, or long and feathered like the Cocker Spaniel. We have noted that the short coat varieties, tend to have a smoother and more glossy coat than the Beagles do, which is often dense and almost coarse at times.
Being a cross breed, with no written breed standard - the Speagle comes in a wide range of magnificent colours. We have been lucky enough to have had both short coat and long coat varieties in the mix. Beagles can be seen in tricolour, lemon, and liver - though tricolours are most common.
Cocker Spaniels come in array of colours including; black, red, gold, liver (chocolate), black and tan, liver and tan- as well as solid and parti patterns - which may be bicolour or tricolour. This includes black and white, orange and white, liver and white, lemon and white (which may or may not have ticking or roaming present), tricolours may be black, white and tan, or liver, white and tan. Roans may be blue roan, orange roan, lemon roan, liver roan, blue roan and tan, or liver roan and tan - as stated in Cocker Spaniel breed standard.
The combination of the two breeds, allows for varying colours and patterns to be produced. Though we have not seen all colours produced, we have pictured below some of the colours and coat types we have had in the past.
The coat may be short like the Beagle, or long and feathered like the Cocker Spaniel. We have noted that the short coat varieties, tend to have a smoother and more glossy coat than the Beagles do, which is often dense and almost coarse at times.
Black and Tan (Short Hair)
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Gold (Short Hair)
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Lemon and White (Short Hair)
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Black (Short Hair)
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Black & White
(Short Hair)
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Gold Roan (Short Hair)
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Orange Roan (Long Hair)
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Orange and White (Long Hair)
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Tricolour (Long Hair)
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Black and White (Long Hair)
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Personality, characteristics and temperament
A confident, joyful and highly sociable dog - the Cocker Spaniel/Beagle mix is a great family companion, and ideal as a first time pet for children - who enjoy playing outdoors, and watching television with the family at night. The Speagle will enjoy daily walks, but won't necessarily demand so, when given a backyard to run about and play fetch. Excellent candidates for obedience and agility, this intelligent, food driven, and eager to please dog will see you succeed. Early socialisation and training will benefit both you and your dog, and will allow for a well adjusted and obedient pet.
Though happiest when by your side, it is preferable to have them outdoors on nice sunny days - to frolic in the garden, spend time in the sun, and watch the birds go by. Being given the opportunity to run and play during the day, smelling all the things the garden has to offer, will allow for a more settled dog come evening, and a who long term will be happy and content to be in their own company.
Being as social as the Cocker Spaniel and outgoing as the Beagle, this dog will enjoy meeting new people and making friends with other dogs - early socialisation and puppy school will be beneficial, and see you and your dog enjoying trips to the dog park and local cafes. A very proud dog, the Speagle is an absolute joy to be around. Very cheery, this energetic and cuddly pooch has great potential.
Grooming your Speagle
Grooming needs will vary depending on the coat type - whether long or short. Either coat type should not be bathed and shampooed more than once a month, as this can dry out the dogs natural oils, and cause skin irritations. Shorter coat varieties will rarely require bathing, and a once over with puppy wipes or doggy dry shampoo and a good brush, will be more than sufficient. Longer coat varieties may be clipped if their owners prefer, though full coat potential will not be reached for some time into adulthood. A longer coat will require more regular brushing or combing than the short coat, to avoid mats and ensure the coat is in prime condition.
The adorable big floppy ears of this dog will need to be checked regularly and kept dry, to avoid moisture - which causes ear infections. If your dog develops dirty and smelly ears, a trip to the vet to be checked and for medicated drops will aid in clearing up potential ear infections. Many vets will also provide an ear cleaner, to use in between checks.
Training your Speagle
Early and hands on training and guidance will see your Speagle mature in to a fun loving and well behaved pet (though seemingly both regal and goofy at times). Highly food driven and motivated by positive reinforcement, begin early socialisation by attending puppy preschool at your local vet, and basic obedience can be practiced at home. Begin harness training when you first bring your puppy home, and your first walks will be fun and enjoyable. The right training and exercise, will allow for your Speagle to become a much loved family member and house pet, enjoying to meet new friends and life experiences along the way.
