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The Boglen Terrier is a rare hybrid dog breed that crosses the Beagle with the Boston Terrier. The crossbreed is known to be playful and fun, loving and loyal, and somewhat stubborn, taking on a combination of traits from both parent breeds.
High energy levels and low tolerance of being left alone mean that Boglen Terriers tend to do best in large families, but, below, we look at the characteristics and traits of this breed to help determine whether it is the best choice for you and your circumstances.
Breed OverviewColors:Brown, tan, black, whiteSuitable for:Active owners who are home a lot and can provide plenty of exerciseTemperament:Loving, playful, energetic, lively, fun, stubborn
The Boglen Terrier is a cross between the Beagle and the Boston Terrier. They are sometimes also known as the Boston Beagle Terrier and may also be referred to as the Boggle, although that is also another name for the Boxer Beagle cross, so potential owners need to beware when buying or adopting.
This hybrid breed crosses two well-known, popular breeds, so while the Boglen itself doesn’t have much history, we do know plenty about the parents, which can give a good indication of what potential owners can expect from their future pets.
Boglen Terrier CharacteristicsEnergy+ High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa. Trainability+ Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Health+ Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. Lifespan+ Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require. Sociability+ Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
Boglen Terrier Puppies
The Boglen Terrier is a relatively uncommon hybrid breed. It hasn’t been intentionally bred for long, and it can be difficult to find the puppies from reputable breeders. Accidental breeding is possible, however, and some registered breeders of either parent breed might have litters of Boglen Terriers. They can also be found in some rescues and shelters. Because this is a crossbreed and not a pedigree, the puppies should be inexpensive to purchase, costing less than either parent breed.
If you do find a breeder, visit the site before agreeing to purchase. Check the general health of the puppies and the mother, while also determining the sociability of the puppy. It should be keen to meet you and may want to play as well as investigate the new person.
Adopting a Boglen Terrier from a shelter or rescue means that the dog you get will likely be chipped and potentially even neutered. It should have been vetted with other dogs and with people, too, although you have less idea of the dog’s history than when you buy from a breeder. Take your own dog with you to meet the Boglen, if possible, and take it out for a walk so you can get a good idea of how it acts and reacts when away from the kennel.
Boglen Terrier Dog Breed Origin & History
The Boglen Terrier doesn’t have much of a documented history, having only been intentionally bred starting in the 1990s or even in the 2000s. However, the cross may have been bred unintentionally before that date.
The mix was created to be healthier than the Boston Terrier, breeding out the brachycephalic facial features that can cause eye problems and breathing difficulties. Breeders also wanted to create a family dog that is friendly and loving but also playful and a bit silly. By most reports, they have been largely successful.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Boglen Terrier
The one word that best describes the hybrid is playful so while it is a small pup, it has a lot of energy. That energy will need an outlet, or owners might find themselves with a handful of bad habits.
The Boglen is somewhat prone to wanderlust, which means owners need a secure yard, but while it is a very energetic breed, it can live comfortably in an apartment thanks to its size and as long as it gets plenty of daily exercise in the form of walks and games.
The Beagle parent means the Boglen has a very strong scent drive and some stubbornness, and if they pick up on an intriguing scent, it can be difficult to achieve decent recall. Therefore, owners are advised to keep their dogs on leashes and should look for ways to exercise that sense of smell.
Early training will also help smooth off some of the stubborn edges, but the breed is heavily food motivated which should make it fairly easy to keep training sessions effective. Friendly with family, strangers, and even other dogs, the Boglen Terrier is a good all-round pet, with just the high energy needs and the somewhat stubborn nature to combat.
Image Credit: BGSmith, Shutterstock
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Boglen Terrier is a lively, friendly dog. They will get along with all family members, especially those who are willing to throw a ball or find other ways to play with and exercise the pup. They also get on with strangers and don’t usually display an overly protective side, which means they are a good pet for families with children as they will get along with young friends.
The playfulness and high energy level of the dog means that it can be a handful even for the most playful of children, and early training should concentrate on teaching the dog what belongs to them and what belongs to the children. The “leave” command will be important.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Boglen Terrier is a cross between the Beagle, which is not only accustomed to living in packs but tends to do better when kept as one of multiple dogs in a household, and the Boston Terrier is also known for being introduced to other dogs.
Although the Beagle is a hunting breed, the Boglen will usually get along well with cats as well as dogs, although as is true with all dogs and all animal families, gradual and careful introductions are important because they will help ensure a better relationship between the animals. Try taking things too quickly, and it could upset one or the other animal and set introductions back.
Things to Know When Owning a Boglen Terrier
The Boglen Terrier makes a good family pet, getting along with other pets and family members of all ages. Although it is quite a small dog, it is also quite robust which makes it suitable for children, but it isn’t necessarily the best pet for all potential owners.
Below, we look at some of the things you need to consider when looking at getting this hybrid breed.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
You should weigh your dog to help determine an appropriate feeding amount, and feed according to the weight you’re aiming for, rather than the weight your dog is. This is especially important when measuring food for puppies. The Boglen will grow to around 30 pounds in weight, and most puppy foods give feeding volumes according to the likely adult weight of the dog. For adults, roughly 2 cups of dry kibble per day will be about right.
If you feed canned food or any other type of food, like dehydrated frozen food, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to check you feed an appropriate amount.
The stubborn nature of the Boglen, especially when it comes to training, can be overcome with the use of treats because this is a very food-orientated breed. That’s good news for training but it also means you need to take greater care over feeding volume. If your dog responds to the use of kibble as a treat, you can weigh out the daily feeding volume and use a handful of biscuits during the day for training.
Otherwise, take into account the calories you feed as treats. This should never total more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake. You will need to adjust feeding levels accordingly.
The breed doesn’t really need any special diet, but if yours is especially active, you may need to feed a little extra or choose a food that is formulated for active dogs. Always ensure there is clean, fresh drinking water available for your dog.
Exercise 🐕
This is a small breed, but it is also a very lively and active breed. As such, you will need to provide 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day. This can include regular walks, which are a good opportunity for socializing and training, as well as exercise. It can also involve more intense exercise, including playing in the garden with a ball, or participation in canine sports events.
The Boglen has an acute sense of smell, so consider signing up for scent work events to help provide physical and mental exercise.
Image Credit: cpaulfell, Shutterstock
Training 🎾
The Boglen Terrier is a friendly and sociable breed that will normally get along with strangers as well as friends and family. However, you should start socializing any dog when it is still a puppy. This gets the dog used to dealing with new situations and meeting new people and dogs. Socializing can start at puppy classes, where it will meet other dogs and their owners in a controlled and safe environment.
It can continue on walks and even at other canine sports classes and events.
Puppy classes are also a good opportunity to start training when your dog is still young. These teach the basics of training, and they get your dog in the right frame of mind to start learning basic commands. They also show you how to train your dog, so you can take these skills home with you and keep up with the training efforts.
Grooming ✂️
This hybrid typically has a short coat, but it is not considered hypoallergenic. The coat is easy to care for, however, and will generally only require brushing once or twice a week, possibly more often during shedding season. The breed is somewhat prone to dry skin, however, and this is something you will need to look out for, potentially using sensitive shampoo products like oatmeal shampoo, rather than chemical-based alternatives.
Other elements of dog grooming need attention. Nails will need trimming every 2 or 3 months otherwise they can cause discomfort and even pain, and they will be sharp if your Boglen jumps up to greet you. Teeth also need regular brushing, typically three times a week or even every day. Regularly check inside the dog’s ears for signs of infection and to ensure there is no buildup of dirt. Look for signs of injury and keep an eye out for fleas and ticks while you’re grooming.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Although the Boglen has been bred to be a healthier alternative to the Brachycephalic Boston Terrier, there are still some health problems that owners need to keep an eye out for.
Dry skin and skin allergies are more common in this breed than in some other breeds, while hip dysplasia can cause discomfort and may lead to arthritis. Conditions to look out for include those below.
Minor Conditions
Allergies
Cataracts
Ear Infections
Obesity
Skin conditions
Male vs Female
As with any dog breed, male Boglen Terriers will grow to be a little taller and heavier than females. The breed itself is prone to wandering, and a lot of owners report that male dogs are more prone to this than females.
Males tend to be more playful and lively while females are calmer. Males can be more demanding of their owner’s time, but this also means they are more likely to suffer separation anxiety.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Boglen Terrier
1. Beagles Are Born Hunters
Beagles were bred to hunt hares, rabbits, and other small game. They would typically hunt in packs, which is why they adapt well to living with other dogs, and even their ears are designed to help them sniff out their prey.
2. The Boston Terrier Is Known as the American Gentleman
The Boston Terrier actually hails from Southborough but its popularity in the city of Boston led to the name Boston Terrier. The breed has had a few nicknames including Roundhead, because of the shape of its head, and the American Gentleman because of its gentle nature and gentlemanly looks.
3. The Boglen Terrier Can Be Demanding
The Boglen Terrier has a lot going for it. It gets on well with people and other animals, is lively and playful, and can live in an apartment. But it can be a demanding dog, despite being small.
Left alone for too long, this is one breed that can suffer separation anxiety, and the breed’s desire for food means it can be demanding in the kitchen, while its high energy levels make it demanding of physical exercise and walks.
Final Thoughts
The Boglen Terrier is a hybrid that crosses the Beagle and the Boston Terrier. The resulting cross is a lively and energetic little pup that not only enjoys time with their humans but can be quite demanding of it, even suffering separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Owners need to be prepared to offer plenty of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation to ensure the breed does not develop any unwanted behaviors or bad habits but will repay the effort with plenty of affection and fun.
Featured Image Credit: BGSmith, Shutterstock
