The Beagle
The Beagle is a breed of dog categorized as a scent hound. They originated in Great Britain and are one of the most well-known dogs in the world as many have been featured in movies and cartoons! The Beagle is thought to be a cross between a mixture of English Hound and of the Harrier hound.
Small and durable, the Beagle is a hunter that uses his nose to locate out his prey. They hunt small game such as quail and pheasant and use their loud "bay" when they catch the smell of their prey. They are attractive for animal testing as they are notorious for eating anything that is offered to them or that they come across.
The Beagle has a square shaped head that is quite broad. Their ears are large and floppy and the fur being short yet smooth. The Beagle has small paws often compared to those of a cat. Their tail is long and usually has a white tip on the end of it known as its "flag" so hunters can locate the dog in tall grass.
Breed Group
Hound
Size
There are 2 types of Beagle:
Under 13 inches high
or
13-15 inches high
Weight
7 - 9 lbs
Color(s)
Lemon (blonde & white), black & tan, tri-color, orange & white, red &white. Tri-colored has a pattern of black called the "saddle" which is shaped just as the name suggests.
Coat
The Beagle has a short yet thick coat that is designed to protect against the elements.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Personality
The Beagle is an active bundle of energy! They love people and children and get along well with other dogs. They are fun loving and affectionate but have a stubborn streak to them. Beagles are known to become attached to one person yet still stay friendly towards all others.
Beagles are well known for their alert bark, otherwise known as a "bay", which is a long and loud howl. This breed will need to be leashed on walks as they like to follow their nose which might just lead them away from their owner!
Care
The Beagle's coat is shorter but will need to be brushed about once per week and should be bathed once every 2-3 months. 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.
Training
The Beagle will need an owner who has had experience in basic obedience. These dogs can be very stubborn, so training should start as soon as the dog is brought into the home. They are the type of dog that should not be left alone often.
This breed will need a lot of constant attention, and it is said that it might be best to obtain a second to keep him or her company if you will be leaving it alone often. Beagles can become bored quickly so supply them with a variety of toys so they do not use the couch or any other inappropriate objects as one.
Activity
Since the Beagle is a smaller breed, they will do well in an apartment setting as long as they are getting daily exercise. Walks or trips to the dog park so they can run around and sniff around will do this dog good!