Read About Beagle

These irresistible little dogsare known for their joyous, gregarious nature. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Summary:

  1. Size:

    Beagles are small dogs.
  2. Weight:

    Typical beagles weigh 18-30 lbs.
  3. Coat:

    The coat of a beagle is short, sleek, and hard.
  4. Shedding:

    Beagles have a low amount of shedding.Image
  5. Temperament:

    Beagles are happy and friendly scent hounds.
  6. Obedience:

    Because they are scent hounds, the beagle can become distracted easily and may forget to behave.
  7. Ease of Training:

    Again, beagles are easily distracted, so training needs to be persistent. Because they can be sensitive dogs, training must also be kind. Some claim that the beagle is stubborn.
  8. Way with Children:

    The beagle is excellent with children.

- Facts

  1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

    Hounds/1884
  2. Size & Weight:

    13-15"; 18-30 lbs (note:
  3. Coat:

    Short, sleek, and hard -- not soft or silky, but of medium length
  4. Head & Muzzle:

    Rounded but well shaped. They have the pointed muzzle of scent hounds. The head should not be flat on top, nor should the dog look jowly. A few wrinkles are acceptable. The ears are nearly as long as the muzzle, and are soft and completely flat against the head.
  5. Body:

    Small solid bodies, well-formed with a deep chest and a tilt down to the rear quarters from the shoulders.
  6. Colors:

    Any true hound color.
  7. Life Expectancy:

    12-15 years
  8. Popularity:

    Really popular -- in the AKC's top 10 regular.
  9. Habitat:

    Beagles do well in a family with lots of stimulation and a good bit of exercise. They are prone to boredom if not given tasks to do and games to play. With their hunting pedigree, they can also be diggers and barkers. Socialization solves these ills.

- Origins

  1. Country of Origin:

    British Isles
  2. Historical Information:

    Although many have researched the beagle's origins, the breed can only be documented to the mid-1800's, and the name is also difficult to pin down. However, there was a beagle-like hound used to hunt small game in the 1300's, and the belief of the breed's adherents is that the beagle is one of the oldest breeds and close in appearance to the first hunting hounds.

- Defining Characteristics

  1. Temperament:

    Happy and willing, the beagle will play all manner of games. They do not do well left alone. They are not aggressive dogs, but will bay to alert the family of visitors and danger.
  2. Behavior:

    Beagles are perky, playful dogs that love people and other playmates.
  3. Habits:

    Beagles should not be left to their own devices for extended periods. They need to be occupied, and they need exercise. They should be kept on leads, because they can sniff their way into trouble.

- Concerns

  1. Health Issues:

    The beagle has some potential health issues. Things to watch for are: • Dermatitis • Epilepsy • Eye conditions: cataracts, glaucoma. "cherry eye" (prolapse of the third eyelid) • Intervertebral disk disease (spinal disks moving out of place) • Kidney disorders: Amyloidosis. Developmental kidney disease
  2. Exercise Needs:

    Like any hunting dog, a beagle benefits from lots of exercise. However, their relative size means that they can get quite a bit of a workout running around the house, too. They are, however, indefatigable.
  3. Grooming Needs:

    Minimal grooming needs, although their fairly short coat can use a brushing now and then. They don't smell excessively "doggy," so baths are only as needed.
  4. Travel Needs:

    The beagle is a small dog, so should be crated for travel.
  5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

    Extraordinarily well. Beagles like company, and are outrageously friendly.

- How to Choose

  1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

    ImageClear eyes, sleek coats, and tons of energy. Their sweet, friendly nature will be evident, as will their scenting propensities.
  2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

    An appropriate crate, door gates and backyard dog fencing will keep him safe. Lots of toys and room to run will keep him happy.
  3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

    Puppies are small and explore a lot. Be sure that anything that your dog can get into, pull out, or chew is safe for him. The beagle is a small dogto begin with, so be particularly cautious.