Beagle Breed Description

Beagle Description, Straight from the Dog's Mouth
You just had to know that someone was going to name me Snoopy. I don't mind sharing the spotlight with the world's most famous 'other' Beagle!

Although I'm feeling pretty merry for the most part, I can get the blues from time to time. It mostly stems from me being bred to be in a pack, going hunting. I just hate being by myself. I guess that's why I enjoy being part of the 'pet therapy' program here in town, helping bring a little of my good feelings to the elderly. They say it rubs off.

I've often thought of getting employed as a detection dog. I bet I can sniff out just about any prohibited stuff that needs to be found. My lack of any inherited health problems would keep sick days to a minimum. But then, I guess my easygoing and even temperament, along with my gentle disposition makes me perfect for family life with kids. I think I'd prefer that over sniffing illegal cargo at the airport. Not that I don't crave a good scent to chase down!

I've been told that I'm a bit single-minded and that nothing can get my attention once I have a particular scent going up my nose. Folks say that's why I would make a poor guard dog (and I'm way too nice for that job anyway!). Besides, it's not my fault that I get bored, or that I'm easily distracted and suffer from separation anxiety. I'd rather be inside with my people anyway!

 

 

Introduction

One of the most loved breeds of all time, the Beagle is a small hunting dog that is a member of the Hound group. Bred down from the Foxhound to accompany hunters on foot, they appeared sometime in the 14th century in England. Primarily they were used to hunt rabbit and hunted in large packs. Their upraised tails with white tips were an advantage to the hunter as they looked out to spot their dogs in thick grasses and brush from afar. It is a natural instinct for a Beagle to announce its presence and to howl to find the location of its family pack. With Bloodhounds as distant relatives, Beagles are excellent trackers. Their long ears dangle to the ground as they sniff to help trap scent into the nose. They are not highly energetic but are good little athletes and enjoy active play, long walks, hikes, and of course tracking events. These dogs are excellent companions for children and typically get along great with other family pets. The Beagle is a very easy dog to care for as its coat is short and waterproof. Occasional bathing and brushing is all that is required. The Beagle ranges in size from 13 to 15 inches at the withers and weighs 18 to 30 lbs. This small dog has been a long time favorite for hundreds of years and no doubt will continue to be so.

History

The Beagle-type of dog has been in existence for more than 2,000 years. It is thought to have existed in Britain before the Romans came to the island. The dog may have originated in Ancient Greece or France. History records beagles being used for hunting during the Crusades. The modern type of Beagle was developed in England during the 1830s through the crossing of a number of breeds that included the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle and the Southern Hound. Beagles were popular during Elizabethan times (1500s). The dogs were used primarily for hunting hares and rabbits, and they were popular because hunters could follow them on foot rather than with horses. The first Beagle was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Description

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs and members of the Hound Group. They look like a smaller version of the Foxhound, with shorter legs and longer ears. The dogs have an excellent sense of smell and are used as scent hounds to track game. A sturdy dog, the Beagle has an intelligent expression and a short coat that is usually black and white, with some orange, red, or yellow patches. They have a square muzzle and a broad nose and eyes are typically brown or hazel.

Temperament

Beagles are friendly, warm, loyal and brave. They are playful and curious as well, which makes them good family pets. They enjoy human companionship and get along well with children and other dogs. Beagles do have an independent streak that sometimes makes them a challenge to train, but they are even-tempered and friendly overall. Their size and lack of inherited health problems make them popular companion animals.

Health and Care

Beagles are energetic, lively, and have a somewhat excitable personality. They need regular exercise, but care should be taken when outdoors, since the dog’s sense of smell can result in it wandering off to follow an interesting scent. It’s best to walk a Beagle on a leash or let the dog play in a fenced environment. Beagles have large appetites and have a tendency to become obese. They need a balanced diet, with the addition of carbohydrates if they are used for hunting. Clean water should be available at all times. Beagles are susceptible to congenital heart disease as well as obesity, so their diet should be monitored closely and they should be given lots of regular exercises. The dogs may also be at risk for spinal and skin problems and epilepsy.

Interesting Facts

The first mention of the dog by the name of Beagle in English literature was in 1475, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, but the origin of the name is not known. Beagles are used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at customs inspection stations and airports to detect prohibited plants and other contraband secreted in luggage. Beagles are prized for their excellent sense of smell and non-intimidating size. Law enforcement also uses Beagles to detect accelerants in potential arson fires, and the dogs are sometimes used to detect termites in buildings.

Colors

Tri-color, Black/Tan, Orange/White, Lemon/White, Red/White. Beagles appear in a range of colors including two-color and three-color variietes, very light tan, reddish, and orangish brown. They often have different colored spots on their coats known as

Living Area

Beagles are small enough to fare well in an apartment but enjoy their time in the outdoors as well. They are very active and energetic and may feel cooped up in a small home or apartment. A small yard to play in is ideal for these dogs since they need fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. These dogs do not do well being chained up all day, and will enjoy a variety of activities with their owners and guardians.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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