BEAGLE
APPEARANCE
The Beagle a small and sturdy hound that is squarely built and a hardy breed. These dogs have short, sleek, and dense coats, and the coloring of the coat can vary and includes red and white, tan and white, lemon and white, blue shading, and the most common, which is tri-colored with black, tan and white. Long wide ears are a pendant shape, and the characteristic pleading expression has made it famous. There are two sizes of Beagle, and in terms of height these vary from up to 13 inches and from 13-15 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Beagle is gentle, lively, curious, and sweet and manages to attach itself to anyone giving him attention and affection. This highly sociable dog is excellent for families with young children and will bond immediately with children and adults of all ages. He is always happy to see you when you come home, and will wag his tail of and greet you with kisses. Since they are highly sociable, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They will be more likely to become destructive and even neurotic if they are left alone for too long.
TRAINING
The Beagle is very intelligent and very eager to please making him a wonderful student to work with. These dogs can be very stubborn, so training should start as soon as the dog is brought into the home. Obedience training of a consistent nature is essential for this breed. Younger Beagles love to chew, so don’t leave this breed alone with your best furniture. If properly trained, the Beagle should listen however, if not trained properly, ignoring is a big problem.
EXERCISE
A daily walk is essential, and this can take place in the early morning or late evening. Running with the dog is a great way to stay active and Beagles enjoy exploring new territory and parks. Considering they have a very strong hunting instinct, this breed should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced in yard as he is bound to run off if something catches his interest. The Beagle enjoys running, walking, and swimming on occasion.
SOCIALIZATION
This highly sociable dog is excellent for families with young children and will bond immediately with children and adults of all ages. They are also generally good with other dogs as well, but cannot be trusted with non-canine pets. They have a tendency to chase smaller animals. With strangers the Beagle can be vocal and territorial and their alertness and tendency to bark as a warning makes them good watchdogs.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Apartment life is all right for a Beagle that is given ample time to roam and play outdoors. He is an excellent digger and climber, and will dig under, or climb his way over, the fence if he sets his mind on it, so you must ensure that your fence is secure enough to keep him secure.
GROOMING
Brushing the dog with a firm bristle brush on a regular basis is all that is necessary to maintain their glossy coat. They will need to be bathed with mild soap on occasion, and a dry shampoo is all it takes to keep them healthy and clean. Prone to back and eye problems, dwarfism, and epilepsy, the Beagle is usually a very healthy and sturdy breed. Their large ears will need to be monitored for infections as this can be a common ailment for them.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Beagle has a life expectancy of around 10-14 years. Prone to thyroid problems, epilepsy, spinal problems, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and bleeding disorders, the Beagle is usually a very healthy and sturdy breed.
HISTORY
The Beagle is a dog that originates from Great Britain, and boasts a history that spans centuries. The Beagle was primarily used for hunting hare, and by the 1800s, even smaller dogs of this breed became popular. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.
