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Beacol |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Beacol |
| The Beacol hybrid is a cross between the Beagle and Bearded Collie breeds. They are small to medium-sized dogs with large, expressive eyes that most often sport a medium-length shaggy coat, although a shorter coat reminiscent of the Beagle is also possible. These intelligent, independent dogs can make great pets, but can be a challenge to train due to their stubborn nature and can become destructive if not given sufficient exercise and attention. If well trained and socialized, these dogs are great with children and other dogs, although their strong urge to hunt can make them unsuitable housemates for small animals such as cats. |
History of the Beacol |
| This hybrid was developed recently, a cross between the Beagle, a tracking dog, and the Bearded Collie, a herding dog. The resulting hybrid is generally a little less vocal than the purebred Beagle, easier to care for than the average Bearded Collie, and tends to be affectionate and playful. |
A little of the Beagle |
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| The Beagle is a rabbit-tracking dog that has been a popular animal both as a hunting companion and family dog for many centuries, and was noted by name frequently in 15th-century writings. However, there have been some changes in the Beagle breed since they became popular, including a period of time when a small version of the Beagle known as the Beagle Pocket was bred. Breed standards were established in the late 1800s, around the same time as the Beagle Club of England and the National Beagle Club in the USA were being formed, and was recognized in the Hound category by the American Kennel Club in 1885. | ||
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| Standard of the Beagle | ||
A little of the Bearded Collie |
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| The Bearded Collie is also an ancient breed of dog with a troubled past, originating in Scotland, and although the first breed description was not written down until the early 19th century, dogs closely resembling the Bearded Collie were depicted in 18th century works of art. Used for sheep breeding, these dogs almost disappeared during the First and Second World Wars, but soon after the war interest was revived and the breed was recognized in England in the 1950s and accepted into the Herding Group by the American Kennel Club in 1983. | ||
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| Standard of the Bearded Collie |
Appearance of the Beacol |
| As the two parent breeds that are combined to create this breed differ somewhat in size and appearance, there can be a great deal of variation, sometimes even within the same litter. They should have a relatively square muzzle of medium length, with hanging ears and large, expressive eyes in various shades of brown. The skull itself can vary, from the broad, flat shape of the Bearded Collie to the slightly narrower, rounder shape of the Beagle. The Beagle tends to have a square shape, and the Bearded Collie is more rectangular, with a slightly longer back than the dog is tall, as measured at the shoulder, and the hybrid can inherit either trait. The Beacol has a double coat, with a soft, dense undercoat that is usually covered by a protective layer of medium-length shaggy fur, more reminiscent of the Bearded Collie than the Beagle. Sometimes, however, the protective outer layer will rather mimic their short, smooth Beagle kinship, and both layers can be available in a variety of colors and color combinations. |
Temperament of the Beacol |
| Beacol interactions with children are generally playful and affectionate, and with proper socialization and supervision, they can make excellent pets. They generally get on well with other dogs, however, the inherent hunting drive of the Beagle is often found in the Beacol, as is the herding instinct of the Bearded Collie. Unless socialized at an early age, this hybrid may not be suitable for homes with smaller animals. |
Needs and activities of the Beacol |
| On the whole, the Beacol mimics its parent breeds in temperament, and these small to medium-sized dogs are generally intelligent, independent and lively. Those who favor the Beagle may tend to be a little more on the gentle, friendly side, while those who follow the Bearded Collie may lean a little more towards alertness and playfulness. The Beacol can respond well to obedience training, but it needs to be started early as these dogs can be a little stubborn. |
Maintenance of the Beacol |
| Bathing is not a frequent requirement, usually every two or three months, but daily brushing and combing is an absolute must for most Beacols. Dogs with coats that favor the Bearded Collie are prone to matting and matting, and while combing isn't necessary for dogs with shorter coats, daily brushing helps distribute healthy oils from the skin to the coat and remove loose hair. To reduce the amount of time spent daily on the coat, Beacol owners with particularly long coats may choose to take the dog to a groomer for regular trimming. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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