The Beagle
Vital Stats of Beagles
- Dog breed group:
- Height: 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches
- Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
- Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Physical Characteristics of Beagles
Beagles have a solid structure that resembles a Foxhound. This breed has close, hard and medium length coats. They are tri-color or primarily white with a combination of red, lemon yellow or orange/brown.
The body of a beagle has a square-build while the skull is fairly long and has a slight dome-shape. The square muzzle is straight and medium in lenght. Beagles have large eyes that are typically brown or hazel in color.
The Beagle’s Personality
Beagles are happy, outgoing and loving. Often times, Beagles have a merry temperament. However, their personality can also have a mischievous nature. This breed likes to have their own way. Therefore, they can be naughty, determined and stubborn in their efforts to get what they want, which is typically food.
Begin training for beagles early. Be patient and be consistent, and one day you will have a great dog. However, there are a few Beagle behaviors that you will have to expect to live with throughout his life. They are part and parcel of being a Beagle, and nothing you do will change them. This breed loves good smells, to howl, have selective hearing and love to eat.
Caring for Beagles
The Beagle is a social dog that is especially great to the company of humans and other dogs alike. Beagles also need to spend equal time in the yard as they do in the house. Exercising regularly, such as romping at the park or in a spacious yard area is ideal for this breed. In addition, regular leash-led walks are a great outdoor activity for the Beagle.
Beagles can withstand temperate climates and live outdoors most seasons. This is, as long as they have bedding and an enclosed, warm shelter. Since this breed has a short, close coat, it doesn’t require extensive grooming. Occasionally brushing will encourage turnover of hair. In addition, this will minimize hair buildup in the house and keep your Beagle looking healthy and vibrant.
Health of Beagles
Some lines of Beagles can be prone to the following:
- epilipsy
- heart disease
- eye and back problems
- chondroplasia aka dwarfism (warped front legs, similar to Basset’s)
History of Beagles
The original of the word “Beagle” is uncertain. However, it is thought that it may have been derived from the French word begueule, which means open throat, or from the Old English word beag, which means small.
Others believe it may have come from the French word beugler, which means bellow, or the German word begele, which means to scold. This history of Beagles is cloudy as well because breeds as we know them today didn’t really develop until the 19th century. Greek documents from 400 B.C. describe Beagle-like dogs, and the Romans may have brought small rabbit-hunting hounds with them to England and bred them with the local hounds.
For more information on the Beagle or other dog breeds, don’t hesitate to contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
