Beagle

Description

The Beagle is a sturdy, hardy little hound dog which looks like a miniature Foxh
ound. The body is squarely-built and the skull is fairly long and slightly domed
. The square muzzle is straight and medium in length. The large eyes are brown o
r hazel and are set well apart. The wide, pendant ears are low set and long. The
black nose is broad with full nostrils. The feet are round and firm. The tail i
s set moderately high and never curled over the back. The coat is of medium leng
th, close, hard, sleek and easy to care for. Any hound-type of coloring is accep
table including lemon, tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white
, or lemon and white, blue tick and red tick. Beagles have a distinct howl / bay
of a bark when they are on the hunt. Video Clip of a Beagle's Baying Bark.
Temperament

The Beagle is loving, sweet and gentle. Happy to see everyone, greeting them wit
h a wagging tail. Sociable, brave and intelligent. Excellent with children and g
enerally good with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts, they shou
ld not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and
other household animals when they are young. Beagles have minds of their own. T
hey are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. It is import
ant you are this dog's pack leader and that you provide the proper amount of men
tal and physical exercise including daily pack walks, to avoid separation anxiet
y. With enough exercise they will be calm. You can also purchase animal scents a
nd play tracking games with your beagle to help satisfy their instinct to track.
The Beagle does not have a normal sounding bark, but rather a loud bay cry, tha
t almost sounds like a short howl. Beagles are curious and have a tendency to fo
llow their own noses. If they pick up a scent they may wander off and not even h
ear you calling them back, or not care to listen, as they will be too busy tryin
g to find the critter at the other end. Take care when letting them off leash th
at you are in a safe area. Beagles who are allowed to be pack leaders over their
humans can develop a varying degree of behavior issues, including, but not limi
ted to, guarding, obsessive barking, snapping, biting, and destructive behaviors
when left alone. These are not Beagle traits, but rather behaviors brought on b
y lack of leadership and or exercise, from their humans. The behaviors can be co
rrected when the dogs instincts are met.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41cm) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm)
There are two height classes, 13-15 inches (33-38cm) and under 13 inches (33cm).
Weight: Dogs 22-25 pounds (10-11kg) Bitches 20-23 pounds (9-10kg)
Health Problems

Some lines can be prone to epilepsy, heart disease, eye and back problems. Also
prone to chondroplasia, aka dwarfism (warped front legs, like a Basset's). You c
an see an example of chondroplasia in a dog.
Living Conditions
Beagles will do okay in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be
outdoors. They are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Exercise
Energetic and possessing great stamina, the Beagle needs plenty of exerc
ise, including a brisk daily walk. It should have a fenced yard of reasonable si
ze to romp in. Always use a lead when walking this breed or you will be running
the risk of it disappearing in search of wild game.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years
Litter Size
2 - 14 puppies - Average 7
Grooming
The Beagle's smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Brush with
a firm bristle brush, and bathe with mild soap only when necessary. Dry shampoo
occasionally. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection and ke
ep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin

The first Beagles date back to the 1500s. English hunters would take packs of th
ese dogs out on the hunt tracking rabbits, hare, pheasant, quail and other small
animals. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other
types of English hounds. The dogs have since become one of the most popular bre
eds in the USA. The breed can hunt alone, in pairs or in packs. The name "Beagle
" may have come from the French term "be geule," which means gape throat, referring
to the dogs baying voice. The name may also have come from the dog's size, stemm
ing from the French word beigh , the Old English word begele , or perhaps the Celtic w
ord beag , which all mean "small". He has also served as an excellent narcotics det
ection dog and makes a fine family companion. They were first recognized by the
AKC in 1885.
Group
Hound, AKC Hound