The Beagle dog is a breed of small hound. It is a scent hound, and developed primarily for hunting hare. It is similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. It is also known as English Beagle.
The modern Beagle dog breed was developed in Great Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier.
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 dogs are intelligent. It is a popular pet due to it’s size, good temper and a lack of inherited health problems.
Beagle dogs have been depicted in popular culture since Elizabethan times in literature and paintings, and more recently in film, television, and comic books. Snoopy of the comic strip Peanuts has been called “the world’s most famous beagle”.[1]
Beagle Dog Characteristics
The general appearance of the Beagle dog resembles a miniature Foxhound, but the head is broader and the muzzle shorter. The expression completely different and the legs are shorter in proportion to the body.
They have a smooth, somewhat domed skull with a medium-length, square-cut muzzle and a black gumdrop nose. Their jaw is strong, and the eyes are large, hazel or brown with a mild hound-like pleading look.
The Beagle dogs have large ears, which are long, soft and low-set. Their neck is strong and of medium-length, with little folding in the skin but some evidence of a dewlap.
The tail does not curl over the back, but is held upright when the dog is active. The beagle has a muscular body and a medium-length, smooth, hard coat. The front legs are straight and carried under the body while the rear legs are muscular and well bent at the stifles.
They have a short haired, hard coat of medium length. Common coloration is tricolor or white in combination with black & tan/brown or brown/tan.
Average body height of the mature Beagle dog is between 13 and 16 inches at the withers. And their average live body weight is between 10 and 11.3 kg for males and between 9.1 and 10.4 kg for females.
Temperament
The Beagle dogs are gentle, sweet and funny. They will make you laugh, but that’s when they are not making you cry because of their often naughty behavior.
People who has Beagles spend a lot of time trying to outthink their dogs, and they often must resort to food rewards to lure the Beagle into a state of temporary obedience.
The Beagle dogs also require early socialization, just like every dog. Exposure to many different people, sights, sounds and experiences is very important, especially when they are young. Socialization helps to ensure that your Beagle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Beagle dogs is between 12 and 15 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Beagle dogs are smaller in size. So, their diet should be formulated for a smaller sized breed with average to high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Beagle dogs. A fenced backyard is a necessity with a scenthound like Beagle.
Like many other dogs, the Beagle dogs benefit from obedience training. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, because Beagles will simply switch off when treated harshly. Most Beagles are more than happy to do anything for a tasty treat.
When mature, a Beagle can become fairly lazy, content to lie about the house all day, getting up for meals and perhaps an occasional scratching of the ears. Since this is a breed prone to obesity, don’t let this happen.
Health
The Beagle dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation etc. Always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Beagle |
| Other Names | Also known as English Beagle |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | Between 13 and 16 inches at the withers |
| Weight | Between 10 and 11.3 kg for males and between 9.1 and 10.4 kg for females |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Tricolor or white in combination with black & tan/brown or brown/tan |
| Lifespan | Between 12 and 15 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | England |
