The beagle dog is a breed of small scent hounds, resembling the much larger Foxhound in appearance. Their keen sense of smell is comparable to that of bloodhounds and basset hounds.
English hunters took packs of these dogs on hunts for rabbits, hares, pheasants, quail and other small game.
The breed likely originated as a cross between the Harrier and other types of English hounds.
It has also served as an excellent narcotics (drugs) detection dog and is a lovely family companion.
It is a popular pet due to its size, good temperament and the absence of hereditary health problems.
The ACK registered its first Beagle, named Blunder, in 1885.
Advantages of a Beagle dog
- Excellent family dog and they love to cuddle.
- All they want is love and food.
- They always want to spend time together and are a constant companion.
- This is a friendly but not overly clingy breed that gets along well with people.
- The short coat doesn’t require much grooming.
- They get along well with other animals.
- Beagles are excellent therapy dogs.
- Adaptable to different environments and living spaces
- Social and friendly
- Intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training
Disadvantages of a Beagle dog
- Stubborn, not ideal for first-time owners.
- Beagles rely more on their nose than anything else.
- They need a lot of exercise and training.
- They can be very noisy, and are more likely to howl than to bark.
- They love to dig and can dig up your garden.
- House training can be a challenge.
- They have a high prey drive.
- As a breed they can become anxious or destructive if left alone too often.
Some fun facts
- They are used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to detect contraband in luggage.
- Snoopy from the comic Peanuts has been chosen as “the most famous Beagle in the world”.
- American President Lyndon B. Johnson kept Beagles as pets in the White House during his term.
- Queen Elizabeth I was a great fan of this breed and she had pocket Beagles.
- Beagle dogs have between 2 and 14 puppies per litter, with an average of 7 puppies per litter.
Appearance of a Beagle dog
A Beagle has large brown eyes, drooping ears and a short coat.
Usually their coat consists of two different colors, one of which is often white. But lately tricolour Beagles have also become quite popular. They occur in a range of other colors, including black & tan, tricolour, red and white.
The weight varies between 10 and 15 kilos and the shoulder height ranges from 33 to 41 cm.
The average life expectancy of a Beagle dog is about 10 – 15 years.
What care do Beagles need?
Beagles require relatively little care.
During the shedding period you can use a rubber glove or a soft brush to remove loose hair from their body. Brushing stimulates circulation, distributes the natural oils and helps them stay looking fresh.
Bathing can be done every four to six months, depending on odor. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin, so if they get dirty more quickly than usual you can clean them with a cloth or briefly rinse them off.
Make sure the ears are cleaned weekly and file the nails if they seem necessary.
The shedding period
Beagles shed moderately.
Beagle dogs lose hair. They shed 2 to 4 times a year.
They shed more heavily in spring, but are moderate shedders the rest of the year. Brushing the coat with a soft brush will certainly help these dogs during the shedding period.
A beagle is not considered a hypoallergenic breed. So people with dog allergies should choose a different breed for their home.
Costs
On average a Beagle puppy costs 1450 euros and the prices of most puppies range between 500 and 2000 euros.
This can vary based on the quality of the dog, the origin, the location and the quality of the breeder.
Exercise and trainability
The Beagle dog breed needs sufficient exercise each day. If their exercise needs are not met, the Beagle’s mischievous side will show.
As superb escape artists, these dogs need a fully fenced yard. Otherwise their nose will lead them off on an adventure.
Beagle dogs can be a challenge to train thanks to their stubborn character. This easily distracted breed will not be able to concentrate for very long.
Recall is one of the most difficult commands to teach a Beagle.
If you want them to listen, food is their best motivation. Watch their food intake to prevent weight gain. Beagles want a reward at the end of the command, so always keep a treat on hand.
A potty training a beagle can be difficult, especially if they live in an apartment. Some Beagle owners find crate training a good way to counter this.
Beagles are reasonably intelligent dogs with fairly good reasoning and problem-solving ability. According to “The Intelligence of Dogs” by Stanley Coren, the Beagle ranks 72nd.
Beagle dogs are not very fond of water and do not like to swim or take a dip in large pools. These dogs can swim or be taken to a beach, like most other dog breeds, but that does not mean they will be very happy or content while floating in a pool.
Do Beagles bark a lot?
A Beagle is a very vocal breed.
These dogs love to express themselves by barking and do so regularly. Beagles are known to bark when they are excited, happy, or frustrated, or when they want something from their owners.
If you are looking for a calm and quiet breed, then Beagle dogs might not be a good option for you.
What climate is best for Beagles?
Beagles can tolerate high temperatures and heat quite well. They can thrive in places known for their sunny and warm climate.
Beagles have a short, smooth coat that cannot protect them in extremely cold or harsh climatic conditions. Their tolerance for cold or low temperatures is therefore not very high.
Friendliness
Beagles are exceptionally kind, friendly, and gentle with small children. They remain mild and tender when around young children.
They can easily be recommended to families with young children in the home.
Beagles are known for their great social skills. They get along very well with other dogs and enjoy playing games with them. Beagles have no problem sharing space with another dog and they love companionship.
If a beagle owner is looking for a little brother or sister for their dog, never hesitate.
Beagles were bred for hunting, so their inner instincts drive them to chase small animals. Therefore, at first they may not be very warm and friendly with cats or other small pets. If beagles are properly trained and socialized with different animals from a young age, they can be taught to live in harmony with other small animals such as cats, rabbits, etc.
Beagles are very willing dogs that enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. These dogs have a welcoming character and never shy away when in the company of someone new.
Their adaptability
Beagles are somewhat adaptable by nature. They can adapt to apartment living if they are well trained and remain happy.
These dogs are best suited for people who have a small yard or a garden next to their home, where they can easily meet the high training needs of these lively and energetic dogs.
Beagles can be a good option for first-time dog owners, provided they train these dogs patiently. So, if someone who isn’t very experienced in raising dogs wants to raise a beagle, he/she should always be willing to train this feisty dog gently and calmly.
Beagles have a pack mentality and always appreciate the company of others. They are not meant to be left alone for long periods and need attention and care from their loved ones. Without their close ones, beagles can become sad, frustrated and eventually destructive, which is not good for their mental state.
Are beagles good guard dogs?
Beagles are not considered great guard dogs. They are too sweet and friendly with strangers.
They are not able to make a clear distinction between a friendly stranger and a potential threat or intruder.
Beagles are not good guard dogs, but they will alert you to strangers knocking at the door.
Do they drool a lot?
Beagles are not excessive droolers.
They usually drool before or after a meal or when their owner is eating something tasty. But this also occurs in all other dog breeds.
Health problems
- Hip dysplasia – the hip joint is not properly formed, so the femur does not sit properly in the socket.
- Musladin-Lueke Syndrome – This troublesome condition is characterized by deformities of the feet and the face in Beagles.
- Steroid Responsive Meningitis – An immune response causes inflammation of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and spinal cord.
- Factor VII deficiency – this condition is characterized by problems with blood clotting.
