Greencross Vets
If you are searching for a dog that is small, compact and resilient, the Beagle may just be the perfect answer. Famous across the world for its merry and fun-loving attitude the Beagle has been a family favourite for centuries. So, if you are interested in finding out why Charlie Brown loved Snoopy so much, continue reading our breed owners guide for the Beagle.
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The modern breed of Beagle was developed in the countryside of England in the 1830s, from a mix of several breeds including the North Country Beagle, Talbot Hound, the Southern Hound, and the Harrier. The Beagle is a scent hound, developed for hunting hare, known as beagling. This role came naturally to the breed as it possessed a keen sense of smell and superior tracking instincts.
Throughout history, the Beagle has been no stranger to celebrity status, having been depicted in literature, paintings, comic books, and television since the Elizabethan era. The Beagle is still used for tracking and hunting sports today but is even more popular as a family pet in households across the world.
The beagle has a calm and gentle disposition. They are a merry dog that displays neither aggressiveness nor timidness, though this can change depending on the individual dog. Beagles will love the company of your family, and although standoffish to strangers, they are easily won over.
Beagles are an intelligent dog, but due to its lineage as a hunting hound the Beagle is often single-minded and determined; often making them difficult to train. Beagles respond well to food incentives, and are eager to please and alert, however, they can be easily distracted by smells and other stimulus, creating a challenging training environment.
Beagles are a great family dog. Like any dogs, they can be prone to separation anxiety. Training is the key here. Meaning that if left alone during the day they can get up to naughty activities and are prone to destroying anything chewable in their reach. Although not all Beagles howl, they are known for being vocal and will often bark, howl, or yelp when confronted with strange situations.
Beagles typically range in size between 33 and 41cm in height at the withers and weigh between 8 and 15kg. Females on average are slightly smaller than males. For owners that are constantly on the move or have not found their forever home, Beagles are the perfect size for either an open back yard or apartment living; if, you provide regular exercise to maintain their weight.
Typically, the Beagle will live for 12-15 years. As outdoor field dogs, beagles are prone to common injuries including cuts and sprains and are likely to pick up parasites such as ticks, mites and fleas when running, working, or chasing a scent in the wild.
If inactive, Beagles can be prone to obesity. They are also great eaters and will eat just about anything presented to them – for these reasons, it’s important to regulate the food intake alongside their activity level, ensuring a healthy dog. Speak with your local vet team to discuss appropriate food for your pet.
Like any dog with long floppy ears, their inner ear does not receive well-ventilated airflow and damp air can become trapped, leading to ear infections. Ensuring ears are dried when the dog has taken a dip or been out foraging in the rain is a great way to prevent any ear troubles. If you think your pet has an ear issue, check with the vet team first for advice before cleaning their ears.
Beagles can also be affected by a range of eye conditions; two common problems in the breed are glaucoma and corneal dystrophy.
There is no denying that Beagles are an extremely popular breed for the family home. This can be attributed to their low maintenance cost, temperament, and affection for the family.
Living with a Beagle is great and when cared for properly you can expect the following benefits.
Friendly: Beagles, love making new friends with other dogs, cats, and humans. So, there should be no issue taking your new Beagle down to the local dog park.
Sociable: The Beagle is bred to live and work in a group. This contributes to their friendly behaviour and their perfect status as family pets.
Low Maintenance: The breed is generally healthy and has been bred with characteristics that require little in the way of grooming – their coats are short, meaning no expensive bills at the groomer. It is still important to provide adequate care for your Beagle, this will involve cleaning ears, trimming nails, and brushing their teeth.
Versatile: Beagles are extremely adaptable from bush properties to big cities. They are versatile and are more than happy to settle for a dog park if a backyard is not an option.
Exercise: Beagles are an adventurous breed; remember they were bred to track rabbits through the forest. However, Beagles require very little with regards to strenuous exercise or working to get them to rest, they just need enough exercise to keep them in shape and happy.
Whilst Beagles are active and need calories to sustain their energy levels, it is necessary to keep them on a complete and balanced diet. Whether you are feeding your Beagle home-prepared or commercial meals it is important to feed your pooch a diet of essential nutrients including protein, carbohydrate, healthy fats, not to mention fibre, vitamins and minerals. Speak with your local vet team to discuss appropriate food for your pet.
Beagle puppies, as with all puppies, have different dietary requirements to adult dogs. As such, they will need an age-appropriate diet, as found available with most commercial foods. These diets typically have a slightly higher calorie count and differing vitamin and mineral levels (to adult diets) to ensure healthy growth occurs. The Petbarn Food Finder is a great tool to discover which puppy food options are available. Explore the options available and discuss with your local vet team the best nutrition choice for your pup.
Beagles are characterised by their resemblance to a miniature foxhound. Their muzzle is long and squared at the end, they have long floppy ears and large, begging hazel eyes. Their coats come in a similar colours including the traditional lemon and white, red and white, tan and white, and chocolate. Their coat can come in an assortment of patterns and shades and is characterised by a medium length, hard hound coat.
Although a hardy breed, it is important to show love and care to your Beagle in the grooming department. Regular backyard dog washes are all that is required, ensuring you give a thorough clean. Dry brushing their coat is also a great way to keep it perfect all year round.
Beagles are an excellent dog for young and growing families with children, and other pets, because of their merry nature and playful temperament, however if you want to be well prepared, read our article on how to introduce new pets into your family. As they are a playful and energetic dog it is always important to supervise your children when playing with the family pet so no accidents occur.
Male Beagles weigh between 8-15kgs while female Beagles weigh between 9-10kgs.
Beagles have a life expectancy of between 12 to 15 years.
Beagles may not be as easy to train as other breeds, due to their high energy levels and tendency to shoot off when they smell potential “prey”. Though every individual dog is different and with the gentle persistence Beagle’s can be effectively trained.
Beagles can be left alone if they are well trained and are provided with plenty of physical and mental stimulation before leaving them.
Beagles should be walked twice a day at a brisk pace for about 20-40 minutes to provide them with adequate exercise.
Beagles are not classified as a Miniature Foxhound. Although both share the same appearance except for size, they do not share the same relation as a Poodle and Miniature Poodle.
If your Beagle is not barking, howling, or yelping there is nothing wrong. If anything, this means that you have provided your dog plenty of enjoyment and the dog does not feel the need to. A Beagle that is bored and not stimulated may bark as it has nothing else to do. Don’t forget that barking is part of a dogs natural behaviour and a way they communicate with you and other dogs
Yes, Beagles will shed. However, because of their shorter coats, it is not very noticeable.
Beagles are great dogs that will provide any household with a lifetime of memories!
At Greencross Vets, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of your four-legged friend. If you have any more questions, please reach out to your local Greencross Vets. You can find your local Greencross Vets here. We are more than happy to help!
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