Adored worldwide for decades as the popular comic strip character of Snoopy, the beagle is one of the most easily recognized breeds. As a popular hunting companion and cherished household pet, the beagle consistently holds his place among the top five most popular dogs registered with the American Kennel Club. During the 1500s, hunters used packs of beagles of various sizes to track hare and deer. The smallest variation became a cherished pet. In the southern United States, hunters used dogs that were also called beagles, but they did not resemble those that were used overseas. It was not until the 1860s, with the importation of beagles from England to America, that the breed was developed into the beagle that we recognize today. The American Kennel Club recognized the beagle as a member of the hound group in 1885.
The Beagle is a medium-sized breed, square-proportioned dog. They look like small foxhounds and were originally bred to trail small prey. They have square muzzles, drop ears and straight tails. It has a dense, flat coat that is weather resistant, allowing the Beagle to trail through bushes and rough terrain. Beagles need to be brushed regularly and need occasional bathing, as they like to play in the mud. Their ears need to be checked regularly for infections. The compact, solid beagle comes in two sizes. One size does not exceed 13 inches tall at the shoulder, and the other size may stand 15 inches tall. The average weight ranges from 20 to 35 pounds. The coat of a beagle is tight and coarse. Beagles come in all colors featured in the hound group, including black, tan, white, red, blue, lemon, fawn and brown. Piebald and tricolored patterns are more popular, but the coat may also come in a solid hue. The eyes are hazel or brown. The soft and gentle expression, combined with the distinct dark outline of each eye, give the beagle a lifelong and endearing puppy-like appearance. The ears flop downward, and the tail is carried upward.
Personality
The Beagle is an extremely social dog breed that is energetic, fun-loving, affectionate and playful. Beagles were bred as hunting dogs and therefore love being outside to roam and trail. They enjoy being outdoors and need ample daily exercise because of its high energy levels. Beagles are sociable, gentle and good with children. They are known to have a mind of their own and be stubborn, so they need a firm, yet gentle hand, when it comes to training. They are also known to bark and howl. Beagles are sociable, intelligent, adventurous, playful and affectionate, and they get along well with children. Their noses get the best of their curiosity, which can get them into trouble. When a beagle picks up an intriguing scent, the dog is determined to track it to the source. Be sure to keep beagles fenced or leashed when outdoors, and secure all garbage cans and wastebaskets. Their keen sense of smell can also limit their attention span. Scent distractions and a stubborn streak can make training a challenge. Their trumpet-like barks, soulful bays and plaintive howls alert everyone to their presence. Beagles love the outdoors and require exercise. A beagle revels in hiking, camping and hunting trips, especially when it gets to tag along through wooded trails that offer plenty to sniff along the way.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | English beagle |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Beagle Build Information
The Beagle is a medium-sized breed, square-proportioned dog. They look like small foxhounds and were originally bred to trail small prey. They have square muzzles, drop ears and straight tails. He has a dense, flat coat that is weather resistant, allowing the Beagle to trail through bushes and rough terrain. Beagles need to be brushed regularly and need occasional bathing, as they like to play in the mud. Their ears need to be checked regularly for infections. The compact, solid beagle comes in two sizes. One size does not exceed 13 inches tall at the shoulder, and the other size may stand 15 inches tall. The average weight ranges from 20 to 35 pounds. The coat of a beagle is tight and coarse. Beagles come in all colors featured in the hound group, including black, tan, white, red, blue, lemon, fawn and brown. Piebald and tricolored patterns are more popular, but the coat may also come in a solid hue. The eyes are hazel or brown. The soft and gentle expression, combined with the distinct dark outline of each eye, give the beagle a lifelong and endearing puppy-like appearance. The ears flop downward, and the tail is carried upward.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Beagle is an extremely social dog breed that is energetic, fun-loving, affectionate and playful. Beagles were bred as hunting dogs and therefore love being outside to roam and trail. They enjoy being outdoors and need ample daily exercise because of his high energy levels. Beagles are sociable, gentle and good with children. They are known to have a mind of their own and be stubborn, so they need a firm, yet gentle hand, when it comes to training. They are also known to bark and howl. Beagles are sociable, intelligent, adventurous, playful and affectionate, and they get along well with children. Their noses get the best of their curiosity, which can get them into trouble. When a beagle picks up an intriguing scent, the dog is determined to track it to the source. Be sure to keep beagles fenced or leashed when outdoors, and secure all garbage cans and wastebaskets. Their keen sense of smell can also limit their attention span. Scent distractions and a stubborn streak can make training a challenge. Their trumpet-like barks, soulful bays and plaintive howls alert everyone to their presence. Beagles love the outdoors and require exercise. A beagle revels in hiking, camping and hunting trips, especially when he gets to tag along through wooded trails that offer plenty to sniff along the way.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
A Beagle’s coat requires minimal grooming, but the dog sheds moderately. Using a grooming mitt or a slicker brush every other day will remove the dead hairs and reduce shed accumulation on floors and furniture. Inspect the ears weekly, and keep them clean and dry to minimize the risk for ear infections. Brushing the teeth every other day will help to prevent periodontal disease and preserve overall well-being.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Fawn, Lemon, Red, Tan, Tri-Color, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Beagle Common Health Conditions
Beagles live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions that have been seen in beagles include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, patellar luxation, chondroplasia, deafness, heart disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis, cherry eye, glaucoma and central progressive retinal atrophy.
Beagle Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The beagle originated in England. The beagle is sometimes called an English beagle. The beagle is an active dog with keen tracking instincts. He serenades everyone with bays and barks, and he makes an affectionate and sociable companion. The beagle stands 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs 20 to 55 pounds. Beagles have a moderate energy level. Beagles require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a beagle is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
