Beagle Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Beagle

As dog owners and people who care deeply for animals and wildlife, we wanted our Dog Encyclopedia to be a website that could empower pet owners to create the most positive, loving environment for their dogs. Dog Encyclopedia realizes that owning a dog is like adding a new member to your family.

Hound Group
Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 20-25 pounds Color: black and tan, orange and white, tri-color.

The Beagle is originally from England and is famously one of the most popular scent hounds. It has a sweet and merry disposition with a high level of energy. It is willing to share affection and attention with owners, family members, and other dogs in its pack. It has originated as a cross between the Harrier and other hounds of old England, and has been used in pack hunts and in pairs. It was originally used for hunting hare, pheasant, and quail. His hunting ability, combined with a merry personality, has made the Beagle one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC® Registration Statistics. The most famous Beagle of all is Snoopy from the comic strip "Peanuts." Today’s Beagle comes in two height varieties (13 in. and 15 in.) and any true hound color, including tri-color, red and white and lemon.

General Appearance
The Beagle's coat is hard and of medium length; hair grows steadily and rarely needs trimming. It looks very similar to a smaller version of an English Foxhound with a broad skull and slightly rounded head. The muzzle is typically straight and square, and the feet are round and strong. The Beagle has a black nose and full nostrils that are ideal for scenting. Long wide ears are a pendant shape, and the characteristic pleading expression has made it famous. Brown and hazel eyes give it a love struck and innocent look, and the tail is carried high and tight; it is rarely curled over the back. The Beagle's coat is short and easy to take care of. It is sleek and smooth and offers the dog plenty of protection year round.

Temperament
Playful, good natured, and very sociable, the Beagle is a dog that is well suited to inexperienced dog owners as well as the more experienced. These are dogs that are well suited to households with children, as they get along well with kids. They also get on well and enjoy the company of other dogs in their pack. They have a tendency to chase smaller animals. The Beagle is a dog with bags of love and attention to give to his family. He is always happy to see you when you come home, and will wag his tail of and greet you with kisses. He is a dog that loves to explore and follow his nose!

Grooming
The short, sleek coat of the Beagle does not take much in terms of maintenance, and a quick brushing and occasional wipe down with a damp cloth should help to keep the coat in good, glossy condition. You should ensure that you clean the ears of the Beagle regularly to reduce the chances of infections. He is a moderate year round shedder.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The Beagle has a life expectancy of around 10-14 years. There are various health problems and issues linked to this breed, and some of these include thyroid problems, epilepsy, spinal problems, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and bleeding disorders.

Activity Level
Beagles have a high amount of energy and great stamina; they need a lot of exercise to keep up their energy levels and a small fenced yard is most suitable for them. A daily walk is essential, and this can take place in the early morning or late evening. Running with the dog is a great way to stay active and Beagles enjoy exploring new territory and parks. It is best to keep these dogs on a leash so that you do not run the risk of losing them in search of wild game. The Beagle requires plenty of attention and an ongoing exercise regiment to stay healthy. Beagles can be trained to do tricks and perform various skills, but this may take some time due to their transient and energetic nature. They adore attention, so positive reinforcement can prove to be very helpful for the young pups.

Search:

Dog Breeds:

Dog Encyclopedia has added beautiful dog photographs on each of our Dog Breed pages to enhance your experience. Each section in Dog Encyclopedia helps to educate pet owners, enabling both the dog, and the owner to have a safe, high quality experience