The Boglen Terrier is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Beagle and Boston Terrier dog breeds. These dogs are known to be playful, spunky, loyal, and often times, stubborn. This lovable and perky mix has proven to become quite popular among owners from various backgrounds.
Boglen Terriers are also called Boston Beagle Terrier or Boggle. However, confusion often arises since Boggle is another name for a Boxer and Beagle mix. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and rescues. So remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These adorable pups prefer big families because there are more people to interact with, and they don’t like being left alone for any length of time. They’re considered a high energy pup so they’re best suited for active adults or families with plenty of people to interact and play with.
They will thrive in a household with a backyard, but will also be content living in an apartment as long as the pup can burn off energy with regular walks and trips to the dog park. Make sure you have a secure yard, as they’re prone to tracking and wandering off.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:12 to 17 inches Weight:10 to 40 poundsLife Span:10 to 15 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Bolgen Terriers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Boston Terrier or Beagle parents.
- While one of the most predominant colors Bolgen Terriers come in is brindle, they can also be brindle and white, black and white, brown and white, and rarely tri-colored.
- Bolgen Terriers usually have short coats and are not considered allergy friendly, though their coats are very easy to groom.
- Because of their pack dog heritage, Boglen Terriers enjoy company and don’t like to be left alone. Another dog or even a cat may help meet their companionship needs.
- Boglen Terriers have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- They tend to only be vocal when a doorbell rings or they spot something outside but rarely howl like their Beagle parent.
History
The Boglen Terrier dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Beagles and Boston Terriers in the late 1990s or early 2000s, likely in North America.
Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to create a silly, adorable, family watchdog. They also wanted to make a healthy mixed breed. This mix helped extend the short snout of the Boston Terrier to alleviate breathing issues and also to reduce the risk of eye infections they are prone to. The Boglen has proven to be a hardy mix that is gaining popularity.
Breeders continued to create Boglen Terriers as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed.
Even though the Boglen Terrier got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.
Check your local shelters, look up Boglen Terrier rescues, or check with breed-specific Beagle and Boston Terrier rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breeds.
Boglen Terriers are recognized by:
- ACHC – American Canine Hybrid Club
- DBR – Designer Breed Registry
- DDKC – Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- DRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry®
Size
As with all mixes, the pups may take on one parent’s size more so than the other, but the Boglen is considered a small breed dog just like its parents. Most Boglens weigh in at ten to 40 pounds and range in height from twelve to 17 inches.
Since both parent breeds tend to become overweight easily, you should discuss with your veterinarian what the appropriate weight is for your dog’s size.
Personality
Many Boglen Terrier lovers describe these dogs’ personalities as “playful.” Although they are the size of your average lap dog, their high energy levels mean they’d probably prefer a game of fetch to a cuddle session. Make sure you have a secure yard as they are prone to wandering off.
Boglen Terriers are gentle, sweet, and funny. They will make you laugh with their non-stop antics and silly behavior.
Especially being part Beagle, these dogs can often times be stubborn and very scent driven, meaning it is not a good idea to keep your Boglen off leash. Patience is necessary when training begins and as stated before, they are extremely food driven which makes training easier. Boglen Terrier people spend a lot of time trying to out-think their dogs, and they often must resort to food rewards to lure them into a state of temporary obedience.
Both parent breeds are intelligent, quick learners, and eager to please, so training these dogs will be easy as long as you are firm and consistent.
Like every dog, the Boglen Terrier needs early socialization–exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences–when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Boglen Terrier puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
The outgoing nature of the Boglen makes it a perfect dog for someone who is active and can give the pup plenty of attention. They adore kids and make excellent family dogs that will be able to keep up with the energy of a child. They’ll enjoy a game of fetch just as much as an interactive brain stimulating toy or a long walk with their owner.
Since these dogs get so attached to their owners, they are often not best left alone for very extended periods of time as they can be destructive if not kept busy. The best way to prevent this is to start young with getting your puppy used to your routine, especially if owners work all day.
These dogs are notorious for their loyalty and, despite their size, make excellent watch dogs. They are not considered yappy but will let their owner know if a stranger is at the door.
Health
The Boglen breed is a generally very hardy dog that has had several health problems lessened by being crossbred. For example, the Boston Terrier has a short snout and bulging eyes. The elongated snout from the Beagle helps ease breathing issues and with eyes more like a Beagle’s, they are less prone to a condition called Cherry-eye.
The Boglen Terrier breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Beagle and Boston Terrier also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Boglen Terriers suffer from include:
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
- Dry Skin
- Skin Allergies
- Inverterbral Disk Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Boglen Terrier’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Boglen Terriers are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Luckily, their high energy levels make it easier for them to keep off extra weight with appropriate exercise.
The ears of a Boglen are often floppy, so it is important that owners check and clean the ears daily to prevent infections. Check their ears for debris and pests and clean them as recommended by your vet. This breed is prone to ear infections. If your dog develops a pungent aroma, chances are they may have an ear infection and may require a trip to the vet.
Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this if it’s too difficult to do by yourself.
Your main concern when it comes to your Boglen Terrier’s care will be maintaining their oral health. The length of the Boglen’s snout may differ among each dog, but in general, the teeth of small breed dogs are known to be prone to dental issues, and it’s best to start to brush your pup’s teeth when they are young to get them used to it.
As they grow, you should brush their teeth daily. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly. Dental chews are also helpful. Please note, if your dog eats their dental chew in under ten minutes, it may not be very helpful for cleaning their teeth.
Feeding
An ideal Boglen Terrier diet should be formulated for a small, active breed. Beagles and Boston Terriers are notorious for being very food driven and tend to become overweight quite easily, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit treats.
As with all dogs, the Boglen Terrier’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Boglen Terrier’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Boglen Terrier coats are often a mix of their Beagle and Boston Terrier parents’ coats and colors. While one of the most predominant colors they come in is brindle, they can also be brindle and white, black and white, brown and white, and rarely tri-colored.
They usually have short coats and are not considered allergy friendly, though their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do.
One very common issue with short, smooth-coated breeds is that they tend to get dry skin rather easily. Boglens are considered light shedders due to their short fine hair, but excessive shedding may occur in stressful situations.
Because they tend to have shorter coats, Boglen Terriers aren’t particularly suited for extreme weather. You’ll likely need a coat in the winter for your dog. While their short coat can keep them cool in the heat, you may need to apply sunscreen to the ears, nose, and sensitive areas where there’s less fur coverage in the summer months.
Children And Other Pets
Boglen Terriers bond with everyone in the family, especially children. They can be rambunctious when playing, however, so they need to be properly socialized and supervised with very young children.
In addition, Boglens may be “mouthy,” grabbing things, including your or your child’s hand, with their mouths to play. They do this in fun and can be trained not to do this. Sometimes when puppies are teething, children need to understand that nibbles from a pup aren’t aggressive towards them. These dogs love kids and will quickly bond and become excellent playmates.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and supervise any interactions. Teach your child never to approach any dog while they’re eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
Because of their pack dog heritage, Boglen Terriers enjoy company and don’t like to be left alone. Another dog or even a cat may help meet their companionship needs. Boglens generally get along with other dogs, as well as cats, as long as they are socialized young.
Of course, personalities may clash but several Boglen owners say their dogs get along well with any size breed. One owner FunkyPaw spoke with said her Boglen will often challenge larger breed dogs. Boglens are highly social animals and certainly won’t mind sharing the household with other pets and children as well.
Every dog’s personality is different, so the real key to getting your pup used to different situations is early training and socialization. Make sure to expose them to other dogs, cats, children, and strangers when they are young so they will be highly adaptable.
Learn more about this awesome mixed breed by reading about their parents, the Beagle and Boston Terrier.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Boglen Terriers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boston Terrier or Beagle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue Inc.
- Colorado Beagle Rescue, Inc.
