Glechon (Bichon Frise x Beagle Mix): All You Need to Know

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Glechon (Bichon Frise x Beagle Mix)The glechon dog is a rare but remarkable bichon frise beagle mixed breed. Sometimes called a designer dog or even a hybrid, the glechon may be bred accidentally or by a breeder looking to combine the best traits of the beagle with those of the bichon frise. In fact, many argue that mixed breeds are healthier dogs in general due to having a wider gene pool.

If you love the bichon frise and the beagle, the glechon may be the dog for you. Finding glechon puppies for sale may be difficult, although crossbreeds are often easier to adopt. Nevertheless, adding this bichon mix to your family could make the ideal family-friendly addition.

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Glechon (Bichon Frise x Beagle Mix) History

The glechon is a relative newcomer among designer dogs, likely due to the popularity of new breeds at the turn of the 19th century. While there is very little detail regarding the history of this mixed breed, we can examine its history by glimpsing at the history of its parent breeds.

Buckley, 6 months old

Bichon Frise

Bichon FriseThe bichon frise has a complex and colorful history. Originating in the canary islands, the bichon breeds, then thought of as ‘little white dogs,’ found a place in the royal courts of Europe. It was so popular that portraits of King Henry III often depict him with his three favorite bichons, Liline, Titi, and Mimi.

A series of political changes would see the noble bichon frise find a new role in entertainment. They would serve as performers for over a century before finding a new place in the upper echelon of society. Finally, they settled into their roles as little emperors and empresses within the home as ideal companion dogs.

Beagle

BeagleThere is a bit of mystery surrounding the origins of the beloved beagle. Records reference the breed dating as far back as the 1400s. However, the modern beagle can trace its lineage to the English, French, and Welsh hunting dogs.

Before the records mentioned above, very little is certain. There is speculation that the beagle is a descendent of the dogs favored by Roman legionnaires during their occupation of Europe. Still, it is a nearly impossible claim to substantiate with the currently available evidence. Today, the beagle is both a popular family dog and still an excellent hunting breed.

Glechon Appearance, Coat, Size, and Weight

The glechon inherits traits from both parent breeds, so there can be quite a bit of difference between one glechon and the next. Often, one breed is dominant and shapes much of their appearance and temperament. However, unlike many other crossbreeds, the glechon has a couple of consistent features.

They are a medium-sized breed and usually have big floppy ears. The glechon has a pronounced nose and an alert gaze. Their body is typically long, with a sturdy gait. They are not as dainty as some other bichon hybrids, boasting a fuller frame, although their coats are mostly not as dense or as full.

They can have a short coat, like their beagle parent, but mostly their coat is a bit longer with light curls. If they take after their bichon frise parent, they may be light shedders and less allergenic, but this isn’t always the case. The most common coat colors are tan, brown, black, gray, and white.

They stand at an average height of 15 inches, with smaller glechons measuring 13 inches. Their weight depends on their size but should fall between 15 and 35 pounds.

Glechon Maintenance, Exercise, and Space Requirements

Next, let’s take a look at how much of a work it is to keep a glechon.

Maintenance

When compared to their high-maintenance bichon parentage, the glechon are very manageable dogs. Their coat can still be relatively fine, but it is less dense. As a result, at a glance, the glechon’s coat more closely resembles that of a long-haired terrier breed. As with many dog breeds, their eyes can get gunky. Wiping the area with a moist, warm towel before the gunk dries is the easiest (and least painful) way to avoid eye irritation.

Most glechons should have biweekly grooming sessions and a regular monthly bath.

Dental hygiene is always important, and neglecting their teeth can seriously affect the heart and various body functions. In addition, the glechon needs occasional nail trimming.

Exercise

Every glechon differs when it comes to the ideal amount of exercise that they need. Still, for the most part, they are moderately active dogs. Therefore, the best way to determine your glechon’s exercise needs is to start slow, at the dog’s pace. Most glechons will be happy with a 30- to 45-minute daily walk, and will enjoy a little extra playtime throughout the day.

You can then incrementally increase the length and intensity of their exercise routine until they look tuckered after. Then, if they are content and tuckered, the glechon should be relaxed and not engage in destructive behaviors like excessive barking and digging.

Space Requirements

The glechon is a fairly adaptable crossbreed and should be fine in most environments. However, the beagle is a hunting dog, with a tendency to bay loudly when excited. They may pass this onto the glechon, making this a mix a better idea for a home where there is a yard.

In general, they are curious, intelligent dogs that require some mental stimulation. Therefore, they need sufficient space to keep themselves entertained. A smaller living area could work for the glechon, as long as they spend enough time out on walks.

Glechon Temperament and Intelligence

The glechon tends to grow extremely attached to its owners, just like the bichon frise. That is not surprising, as they are very companionable little dogs. Unfortunately, as a result, the glechon runs the risk of developing separation anxiety.

They are highly intelligent dogs, but they do have hunting dogs genes, and they may inherit a bit of stubbornness from the bichon and independence from the beagle. This means their intelligence doesn’t always translate into training. They can have trouble housetraining or coming when called (especially if there is something interesting going on that has their attention),

The beagle hunting instinct means that a glechon is liable to sprint off when let off their leash if they catch a strong smell. Unfortunately, that same instinct also makes them prone to excessive barking. As a result, they may pose a significant risk to the wellbeing of local squirrel populations.

Although glechons are generally friendly, they require a lot of socialization to ensure they get on with strangers and other animals—they have a particular need for early, consistent socialization. That said, they have a strong predisposition toward pack life and should do well in a home that already has an established pack. In general, they should get on well with other dogs.

Glechon Health and Lifespan

The glechon enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

The glechon is susceptible to the genetic health problems common to either of its parent breeds. They are, however, less likely to develop such health problems than either parent, thanks to a larger gene pool. Common health issues include:

  • Allergies
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Ear infections
  • Beagle dwarfism
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Eye problems

Every glechon is unique and needs individual assessment of their dietary requirements. Your vet can provide you with expert advice. Both the beagle and the bichon frise are very prone to diabetes as they age. This is especially true for unspayed females, and so their diets and weight should be carefully managed from a young age.

Is the Glechon the Right Breed for You?

The glechon will usually do fine with older children but is not the best fit for families with younger kids. Ideally, the glechon will find a home with one or two adults or a smaller family with older children. These are good family dogs, who will settle in well with other dogs and can adapt to most environments

Their owner should have plenty of time to spend with them. The glechon can suffer from separation anxiety and does not do well being left alone for extended periods. Rather, it makes for a great traveling partner, preferring to go everywhere with their owner.

While they don’t need a daily marathon, the glechon can share its energy levels with the beagle parent. They are usually very busy and might require intensive exercise in their routine to help burn off that excess energy.

Summary

The glechon is the result of crossing a beagle and a bichon frise. Glechon combines their parent breeds’ traits, with one breed’s characteristics often being dominant.

They have a unique personality and can make for a better fit than either parent breed for many households.

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