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Breed Info

About the Beagle

The beagle is a breed of small scent hound that was developed primarily for hunting hare (beagling). Possessing a great sense of smell and superior tracking instincts, the beagle is the primary breed used as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. The beagle is intelligent. It is a popular pet due to its size, good temper, and lack of inherited health problems.

Temperament

The Beagle’s happy, affectionate nature and robust character make them an ideal family pet. They are extremely intelligent and keen to please. Their hunting heritage gives them the quality of persistence and the ability to work things out for themselves. Their rather ‘happy go lucky’ outlook makes them great companions for all the family both human and animal alike. Beagles require regular exercise and do not do well being left alone for long periods.

Activity Level

They are active and energetic, daily exercise is required to keep them happy and healthy. Daily outdoor exercise is a must for this little hound with incredible stamina. True scent hounds, Beagles will inevitably follow their noses if an inviting odor leads them away so they should be kept in securely enclosed areas or exercised on lead for safety’s sake.

Training

Some beagles can be challenging to train, but it certainly can be done. To have a well-trained dog like any breed you need regular consistent training. Beagles often work well for treats. Beagles can do well in all different types of events. A Beagle’s intelligence and energy makes it a natural in the show ring. Agility they can run, jump and crawl with the best of them.

Height/Weight

For field trialing and conformation shows, Beagles are divided into two classes – 13 in (33 cm) and under, or over 13 in (33 cm) but under 15 in (38 cm).

Coat

The Beagle wears a close, hard hound coat of medium length.

Color

Any true hound color or combination of colors is acceptable.

Grooming

A weekly rubdown with a hound mitt or a stripping knife will help reduce shedding. Nails need to be trimmed monthly.

Pros Cons of owning a beagle

Pros

1. Socialable

While most dogs are considered pack animals, beagles are bred to live and work in packs. This contributes to making them very sociable dogs and thus great pets to have as part of a family.

2. Friendly

Beagles are friendly dogs and enjoy making new friends. This goes for humans, canines, and maybe even a cat. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t just keep to itself a beagle might be the right dog for you.

3. Low maintenance

Beagles tend to be healthy. They don’t have long coats that require complicated or expensive trips to the groomer. Remember that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. You need to ensure that your dog’s ears are clean, nails are trimmed, and that they’re regularly bathed. You should check their ears weekly to make sure they are clean and free from infection. You will also want to brush their teeth regularly. Most pups only need annual wellness visits once they’re finished with the puppy vaccinations. Consult your vet about your dog’s medical needs and make sure to keep all recommended appointments and vaccines.

4. Small

Beagles in the 13 – 15-inch range weigh about 20- 30 pounds.

5. Versatitle

Beagles can thrive in a variety of living conditions. This ranges from life in more rural areas to big cities. Beagles are adaptable. While they may prefer to have a big yard to play in, for many beagles the dog park can be an acceptable alternative.

 
 

Cons

1. Loud

Beagles can be loud and bark more than some other breeds. With proper training, this can be corrected. If you live in a city or have neighbors close by this is something to consider. You also just might prefer a quieter breed of dog.

2. Love to dig

As beagles are used for fox hunting, they can be diggers. Your dog might think he’s trying to dig a fox out of a hole but what he’s really doing is tearing up your backyard.

3. Determined

Beagles can be on the determined side. This may make training a challenge. This means that if your dog is off lead they need to be in a fenced-in area. Otherwise, to keep your pup from following his nose, make sure to keep his leash on for all walks.

FAQ

Find out why so many dog owners have chosen the Beagle as their companion of choice. This pro-con list can help you decide if a beagle is a right dog for you.

 

It depends. Consider your lifestyle on the whole first – especially these three factors.

Do you have very young children or are you planning to have kids soon? You probably have already figured out that Beagles are great with children. However, if you have very young children, a beagle puppy may not be the right choice for now. Raising any puppy properly is a lot of work. You need to make time to train and socialize your young dog. It can be overwhelming to meet the needs and demands of young children and a new puppy at the same time. For a lot of families with very young children, adopting a young adult beagle might be a better idea.

What do you do all day and what will your dog do all day? Do you work outside the home? Will your beagle spend eight to ten hours home alone between your job, a partner’s job (assuming you have a partner to help care for the pup), and your commutes? If so, a beagle will not be the best choice for your family. Beagles were bred to live and work in packs. They thrive when they can be an active part of their family’s lives. Beagles that spend too much time alone are beagles that develop behavior issues such as anxiety, excessive barking, or destructive tendencies. An ideal home for a beagle is one in which they spend no more than four or five hours alone each day.

Would it bother you if your dog barked, chewed on your shoes or furniture, or dug holes in your yard (or worse, the couch)? While not all puppies will develop behavior issues but you will play a big role in the development of your puppy and prevention of these issues.

Do you have the time and patience to raise the puppy properly and be consistent with house training? Will you attend puppy kindergarten or obedience classes? What will happen if you do have issues? Can you consult a trainer or behavioral specialist to help you and your dog?

This is a lot of information to digest. While it is not meant to scare you out of getting a dog, it is meant to make you stop and think. Before you bring a beagle into your home you want to make sure the dog will thrive in your environment