The Beagle is one of the most well-known dog breeds in America. Due to their compact size and gentle nature, they are suitable for many homes and lifestyles. Beagles are also friendly to children and other pets, but do require a lot of exercise and are known to wander around whenever they smell something irresistible, be it food or a small animal to chase. So, is Beagle right for you? Read on to learn more about the breed’s characteristics, including appearance, personality, grooming requirements, history, and more.
Beagle characteristics
Appearance
Beagles are compact dogs with a slightly dome-shaped skull, a square muzzle, a broad nose, and long, drooping ears. They have a straight back, deep chest and medium length tail. Beagles come in two sizes: the smaller breeds are no more than 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 22 and 30 pounds on average; the larger breeds are between 13 and 15 inches tall and have a healthy weight range of up to 35 lb. Most Beagles are tricolor with black, light brown and white markings. However, there are also two-tone members of the breed, such as the Lemon Beagle, whose main feature is a white coat and tan coat.
Characteristics
The temperament of the Beagle is known for being intelligent, social, and getting along well with children. They love company, but can become destructive or bark incessantly if left unattended. These dogs are also easily excited, which makes them prone to howling. Although Beagles may be somewhat wary of strangers, they tend to warm up quickly and show affection at any time (which can make them poor guard dogs). As hunting dogs, Beagles have an urge to follow their noses, and they are happiest when tracking scents. This causes them to be easily distracted, so they may be harder to train than other dogs. Owners must be highly vigilant about training to prevent them from wandering off or eating things they shouldn’t.
Life
The average lifespan of a Beagle is between 12 and 15 years, with an average age of 13.5 years. How long your beagle can live depends on your genes and how you care for them. The good news is that some of the leading causes of death in this dog breed are easily avoidable.
Beagle Care Tips
Training and exercise
Beagles are very active and need daily exercise. Because they are bred to work in groups, these dogs enjoy being played with people and dogs, including humans and canines. Beagles move around a lot, so you need to make sure the exercise area is fenced and your puppy is supervised. Also, walking only on a leash is highly recommended, as even a well-trained beagle breeders near me may not be able to resist the urge to run away in pursuit of interesting scents, such as squirrels or rabbits, even if you can’t see or hear the animals.
Beauty
Beagles have a smooth, dense double coat that gets heavier in winter. They shed moderately throughout the year, with more shedding in the spring. Weekly brushing is required to remove loose hair and encourage new hair growth. They don’t need frequent baths unless they become particularly messy. As with all breeds, their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent your pet’s pain from running and walking and reduce the risk of arthritis later in life.
Nutrition
Most Beagles eat up to 3/4 cup of dry dog food twice a day to get enough calories. This amount will vary based on your pet’s age, size, activity level, and other factors, so you should always discuss the type and amount of food you feed your dog with your veterinarian. Beagles are known for their insatiable appetite, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your pet’s weight to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Common Beagle Health Issues
While Beagles are generally healthy, some members of the breed experience more severe health conditions. Most commonly, Beagles suffer from joint and bone-related problems, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and disc disease. Beagles are also prone to eye problems such as glaucoma, cherry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy. Certain neurological problems are also common, such as epilepsy, which can be caused by hypothyroidism. Many Beagles can experience minor health problems, such as ear infections, which can be very unpleasant but are easily treatable with prompt veterinary attention.
Beagle Breed History
According to some historians, the first mention of beagle dogs dates back to the 1400s.
Common Beagle Health Issues
While Beagles are generally healthy, some members of the breed experience more severe health conditions. Most commonly, Beagles suffer from joint and bone-related problems, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and disc disease. Beagles are also prone to eye problems such as glaucoma, cherry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy. Certain neurological problems are also common, such as epilepsy, which can be caused by hypothyroidism. Many Beagles can experience minor health problems, such as ear infections, which can be very unpleasant but are easily treatable with prompt veterinary attention.
