Beagle – Breed profile, characteristics and facts
Featured image by © bigstockphoto.com / MadPhotosPI
What is a Beagle?
The beagle is a small breed of scent hound, similar in appearance to the foxhound. Beagles are friendly, curious, loyal companions and excellent hunting dogs. Reverend Phillip Honeywood bred some Beagles in 1830’s UK, and is believed to have formed the basis of the modern day Beagle breed, though the breed itself goes back hundreds of years. Beagles were imported to the United States shortly after the civil war, and gained great popularity as hunting dogs. The Beagle was originally used for tracking rabbits and other small game. In recent times, they have been employed in other roles such as detection, assistance and even therapy dogs, visiting the elderly and the sick.
Pros and Cons
- Beagles are very sociable and love being part of the family
- They are very friendly and merry. Great with kids and seniors
- They are generally low maintenance, compact and versatile to your family.
- They fare great with other household dogs
- Beagles are cute, funny, and love to play.
- Beagles are quite loud, and known as one fo the most vocal breeds.
- Beagles love to dig, and can be quite destructive in the back yard
- They are keen scent hounds and can wonder off following their noses
- They can be quite stubborn at times and pose some difficulty training
- You must always keep them on a leash as they tend to run off and don't repsond to your calls.
Appearance and Size
Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 13 – 16 inches
Weight: 22 – 25 pounds
The breed is solid, sturdy, and its medium hard, hound coat comes is white, black and brown. When it comes to height, there are two Beagle varieties. The first variety stands 13 inches at the shoulder, and the other between 13 and 15 inches. His brown or Hazel eyes, deep chest and high tail further lend to his merry disposition.
Temperament
This Beagle is a popular pet known for its even temperament. The breed makes for an intelligent, merry, loyal and adaptable companion. Beagles enjoy human companionship and do not like being left alone, else they can get quite destructive. They are motivated by food, and can be sensitive, so positive reinforcement training with treats will get you far. The Beagle is inherently non-aggressive dog, and generally does not make a good guard dog. As with all dogs, early socialization is a must.
Grooming
The Beagle sheds heavily in the Spring, and moderately year-round. Their short coat requires little grooming. All they really need is a weekly brush to keep it clean and healthy. Use a medium-bristle brush for best results. As with all breeds, keep their nails trimmed on a regular basis, and give them a bath when required. Little else is needed.
Health
Its important to be aware of the following diseases if considering a Beagle, as they are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Cherry Eye, Intervertebral Disk Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Glaucoma, Hypothyroidism, and Patellar Luxation
Life Expectancy
The Beagle has a lifespan of around 12-13 years
5 Fun Facts About Beagles
- The iconic cartoon character "Snoopy" from Peanuts was a Beagle, as was "Odie" from the Garfield comics
- President Lyndon Johnson and Queen Elizabeth I had one, and even Shakespeare has mentioned them in his works.
- Beagles are noisy. In fact, the word Beagle actually is believed to be translated from the French term 'bee gueule,' which loosely translates to loud mouth.
- Beagles have around 220 million scent receptors in their nose, and are used by security and law enforcement
- Beagles have white-tipped tails because they are easier to track through the tall weeds, compared to the rest of the dog's body.
Environment
The Beagle is known for its gentle and friendly nature, it is a very popular family pet. Beagles are active and energetic, and require an hour of exercise a day. Regular exercise is recommended as the breed is prone to put on weight. A house with a fenced in yard would be ideal, as they have been known to be great escape artists. Beagles love being part of the family and enjoy companionship, both human and canine.
If you’re looking to add a Beagle to your family, consider adopting one instead. Rescuing an animal is a win-win for all, and you save a life.
