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Beagle

Beagle
History:

Country/Origin: Great Britain/11th Century

The Talbot Hound, brought to Great Britain by William the Conqueror, is believed to be an ancestor of the Beagle, as well as the Irish Kerry Beagles. The origin of the word Beagle is not set in stone; it is thought that it may stem from the French begueule, which colloquially means "loudmouth." The nose of a hound is a statement with a good foundation, and a Beagle is no exception to it; Beagles have superb noses, friendly personalities and passive natures; these second two characteristics make them the dog of choice for thousands of people around the globe.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: National Beagle Club of America

Rescue Club: Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare

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Body Type:

  • Beagles are a smaller breed
  • the AKC recognizes 13 and 15 inch varieties; both sizes feature a muscular build, a broad chest and a medium length, smooth coat

Personality:

  • Beagles have great temperaments, but they are spirited, intelligent, yet stubborn.
  • It is important to remember that their ancestors were used for hunting, and their keen noses have been passed down through generations; this terrific scenting ability can sometimes make walks interesting, as they try to follow every smell they encounter
  • Some individuals will exhibit the hound yowl, but others rarely bark
  • With the proper master, they are easy to train, being loyal and friendly
  • They are playful, and can be trusted even with small children

Coat:

  • Their coats come in tricolor (white with black areas and brown spots), lemon, red, liver and ticked varieties. All colors typically feature a white-tipped tail, which is called a flag that helps hunters locate them in the field

Health Concerns:

Most Beagles enjoy a life expectancy of 12-15 years. They are usually healthy, but, as a breed, they do have a few common health problems:

  • Ear Infections due to their long, floppy ears, which create the perfect environment for bacteria warm, dark and moist. This condition can be treated successfully by regular cleaning and medication
  • Distichiasis when the eyelashes grow into the eye, causing irritation. Sometimes requires surgery
  • Obesity the Beagle's playfulness and gentle nature often results in overfeeding; most Beagles will overeat if given the chance. This can lead to weight-related issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart trouble
  • Congenital Heart Disease some lines are prone CHD. It can sometimes be successfully maintained by medication
  • Seizures and Epilepsy these disorders are manageable with medication. Arthritis many Beagles, especially those who were active when they were younger, are afflicted with arthritis in old age
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • The Beagle is a dog of high intelligence with a good heart and a willingness to please
  • The majority are very motivated by food so reward-based training should achieve success