Contents
Breed Profile: Beagle
Where to Get a Beagle
Gear for Your Beagle
How to Feed Your Beagle
How to Groom Your Beagle
Beagle Healthcare
How to Socialize Your Beagle
How to Train Your Beagle
How to Fix Beagle Behavior Problems
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- The best places to find and adopt a beagle
- The gear and care you need to make sure your beagle settles in at home
- Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved
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Breed Profile: Beagle
The modern beagle may have descended from foxhounds or harriers from the time of Henry VIII, when fox hunting was a popular pastime among the English wealthy. Some think that buckhounds—large dogs used to chase deer—were combined with small rabbit-hunting dogs to create foxhounds, and subsequently, beagles. But others suggest that beagle-like dogs existed long before fox hunting and that foxhounds were “bred up” from beagles rather than the other way around.
The beagle first came to America from England in the mid-1800s. The early American beagle was an excellent hunter. It was mostly white with a few dark markings, but breeders imported British stock to improve the breed’s appearance. The American Kennel Club registered its first beagle in 1885. Today, the beagle is one of America’s most beloved breeds.
Appearance
The following description is of an “ideal” beagle. Not all beagles fit the description exactly, but that’s not a problem unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.
- Height: For competition purposes in the United States, beagles come in two varieties based on their size. Smaller beagles cannot exceed 13" (33 cm), and larger beagles cannot exceed 15" (38 cm).
- Weight: Weight ranges from 22–25 pounds (10–11 kg) for males and 20–23 pounds (9–10 kg) for females.
- Coat: Most beagles are tricolor, meaning that they have a black saddle with a white chest and underbelly, often with a brown or tan face. But beagles come in a wide variety of colors and usually have two or three colors in their coats. The coat should be dense and shiny and should feel wiry, not soft, to the touch.
Temperament and Personality
Beagles are amiable, nonaggressive, active, and alert. They possess a pack mentality acquired from their history as hunting dogs. They’re also highly social with both humans and other dogs. Most beagles tend to be stubborn and give in easily to their hunting instincts, and they’ll run off if not on a leash. Though beagles are eager to please their owners, they will not return if they’ve caught a scent that interests them.
Traits
Following are some traits to consider when determining how well a beagle is going to fit in with you and your family.
Companionability
Beagles are a friendly, versatile breed and fit in well in most homes. They are pack-oriented dogs who tend to bond with everyone in their family (and with visitors). Because they’re outgoing and tolerant, beagles are also particularly good with children—as long as the dogs are not frightened or abused. They socialize well with other pets, especially if they’re raised with them.
Environment
Beagles are tough dogs who can withstand both heat and cold very well, but they shouldn’t be left outside because they don’t tolerate being alone. They’re one of the noisiest breeds and have a tendency to bark frequently. All beagles will run if given a chance and are inclined to chase
after cats or small animals. A fenced yard will prevent your beagle from running off.
Exercise Requirements
Like most dogs with a hunting background, beagles need plenty of vigorous exercise, but a secure backyard and a dedicated owner can provide a sufficient amount. Beagles also have a lazy streak and can develop the problematic habit of lying around all day. They don’t tend to self-exercise, so you must be prepared to spend time exercising your beagle to keep him healthy.
Trainability
Beagles are very intelligent, but owners often it difficult to train them because they aren’t teaching things the beagles themselves find interesting. As part of their hound nature, these dogs can be very stubborn. But beagles can and should be taught basic manners. Keep lessons short: 5–10 minutes at a time is plenty. Quick lessons keep beagles from becoming bored and disinterested in their training.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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