Beagle Alternate Names
English Beagle
Beagle Appearance
Body: Compact with a moderately deep and broad chest.
Coat: Medium length, dense, hard hound hair and weather-resistant.
Color: Tricolor (white with large black and light brown spots). Two-color varieties are always white with colored areas, including “lemon”, a very light tan; “red”, a reddish, almost orange brown.
Ears: Long, fine-textured and hang with a graceful fold.
Eyes: Large, brown or hazel colored and set well apart.
Feet: Tight, round, hard and firm with full, hard padding.
Head: Broad and full with a slightly domed skull and wide nostrils.
Neck: Strong
Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-muscled with short, strong pasterns. Hind legs have muscular thighs and firm hocks.
Size: Two sizes
Height is 10 – 13 inches
Weight is 16 – 20 pounds
Height is 13 – 15 inches
Weight is 20 – 30 pounds
Tail: Moderately high, erect, and with a slight curve.
Beagle Behavior
The Beagle is a calm dog with a gentle disposition. They are good with children and other dogs and family pets.
They are an intelligent and playful dog but can be difficult to train due to their hunting instincts. Early obedience training is essential.
The beagle loves going on long walks but is best kept on a lead. They are a scent hound and will naturally follow whatever scent they pick up along the way.
I had a beagle when I was young. He was a friendly, loving dog and was very tolerant of my two sisters and I, got along well with our cats and kittens, and was best buddies with our Golden Retriever.
Though he made a wonderful pet, if let lose he would be gone for hours, if not days, at a time. He once disappeared a week but was eventually found shut in the garage of a neighbors home with their female bitch. While he was quite tired when we finally got him home, he was clearly quite proud of his endeavors. As for the neighbor, they still remained friends of our family.
Beagles are good climbers and will, if possible, find a way out of a fenced in area if the fence is not secure. When inside, they will get into the garbage or steal tidbits if left in their reach. They are not easily housebroken, and will bark if left to boredom.
Beagle Breed Type
AKC Group: Hound Group (Sent Hound)
The Beagle is best known for being used for hunting rabbits and larger hares.
The United States Department of Agriculture employs the Beagle to detect food items in luggage being transported into the U.S. This force is called the Beagle Brigade and these dogs wear a green jacket.
Beagle Care and Grooming
Exercise: Regular walking and playing is important. Running is recommended but they should be kept on a leash unless they are trained for hunting.
Grooming: Minimal grooming is needed but it’s important to keep his ear canals clean and dry.
Beagle Health
Life Expectancy: 13 Years.
Possible Problems:
Allergies
Bleeding disorders
Chronic ear infections
Disc problems
Hip Dysplasia
Heart disease
Obesity – if not regularly exercised
Seizures
Ear infections may occur due to moist air getting trapped in the ear canal by their long ears, or no air getting into the canal. Frequently cleaning the Beagles ears can help prevent this from happening.
It is also advised to be careful when bathing the Beagle to prevent water from getting trapped in the ear canal.
Beagle Country of Origin
United Kingdom (Great Britain) – 1300s