The Beagle – Everything You Need To Know
As one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the Beagle is a classic dog that makes a perfect pet for any family. Beagles are incredibly independent, so they can be difficult to train. As natural hunting dogs, the Beagle is always in search of a scent trail to follow, which can get them into some sticky situations.
History & Origin
Beagles are a very old breed of dogs, having originated in the 1300s, but there have been signs of Beagles as early as 5 BCE in Greece. As a native to England, Beagles have been used for centuries in hunting small game and tracking.
Because Beagles are so old, there is very few pieces of documentation that discuss the origin of the breed.
Appearance
Beagles are extremely similar in appearance to Foxhounds, but the Beagle is much smaller in size. While they are small, they are very strong and lean.
Beagles come in a variety of colors and markings. The standard colors for a Beagle include: black and tan; black, red and white; black, tan and blue; black, tan and white; blue, tan and white; brown and white; brown, white and tan; lemon and white; red and white; and tan and white.
Other colors of beagles include black; black and white; black, fawn and white; black, tan and redtick; blue; blue and white; brown; lemon; red; red and black; red, black and white; tan; white; white, black and tan.
It is not uncommon for beagles to have ticked markings. Other forms of markings, though less common, include black markings, brown markings, spotted, tan markings, and white markings.
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Temperament
Beagles are natural hunters, so just the smallest catch of a scent can cause them to run off trying to track down the source. Because of this, it is always advised to keep your Beagle on a leash when out for walks or ensure your backyard is closed off when letting them out on their own.
Due to the Beagle’s independent nature, they can be difficult to train. But they are highly intelligent dogs and very loyal, which make them excellent pets. Beagles are a very happy breed of dog that enjoys companionship and making new friends.
Size
The Beagle is a relatively small dog. Both the male and the female Beagle can grow to be between 13 and 15 inches in height and will usually weigh between 18 and 30 pounds.
Because the beagle is so small, they are great for hunting. Its small size keeps the animal low to the ground and able to trail the scent of small game, like rabbits.
Health
For the most part, Beagles are healthy and happy dogs, but they are still prone to some health conditions. The most common kinds of conditions that Beagles may develop include dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Beagles may also develop continues such as seizure disorders, allergies, or inter-vertebral disc disease. Beagle specific conditions include Beagle Pain Syndrome and Beagle Colic.
Breeders and owners of Beagles should be aware of these conditions and the symptoms that associate these conditions. Getting your Beagle checked by a vet at the first sign of symptoms can help ensure a speedy and complete recovery.
Care
Beagles are incredibly independent, which makes them both easy to care for but difficult to train. Beagles do not mind being left on their own, so they can make an excellent pet for families who are away at work or school during the day.
Because Beagles are known to be difficult to train, they can make messes and cause problems throughout the house. It may be necessary to take Beagles to a formal obedience school to ensure they receive proper training.
Feeding
In addition to needing fresh water throughout the day, owners of Beagles will want to ensure they are providing their dogs with enough nutrients, minerals, and proteins to get them through the day.
The exact amount of food a Beagle needs depends on how active the animal is and how much the Beagle has aged. A Beagle may need more food as they are growing than they will when they reach their full size.
When a Beagle gets the right food and nutrition it needs, it can live a long and healthy life. Any owners worried their Beagle is not getting the proper food it needs should discuss with their vet the proper feeding times and volume of meals.
Grooming
Although Beagles have a short coat length, they still need weekly grooming. Because their coats are known to shed, they will need to be brushed a few times a week to keep the hair from falling all over the home.
Beagle’s ears are also known to trap moisture and debris that can lead to ear infections. They will need to be cleaned and checked regularly to eliminate the chance of build up. Additionally, owners of Beagles will need to regularly brush their dog’s teeth to keep gum infections away and trim their nails to prevent cracking.
Children
Because Beagles can be difficult to train, they aren’t suggested for every family. Only families willing to put in the work to efficiently manage and train their dog should consider a Beagle for a family pet. But those who do decide to adopt a Beagle into their home will be rewarded with a loving and caring pet.
Beagles love companionship and being around their owners. While their independence may cause them to ignore commands or influence them to run off tracking a scent, they are happy, easygoing animals that are great with children and other pets or animals.
But because Beagles require a lot of attention and training while they are young, adopting a Beagle puppy with small children is not ideal. For families interested in adopting a puppy while still raising very young children, a Beagle might not be the right choice.