Beagle: Origin, Temperament, Training, Exercise

Group: Hound Dogs.

AKC Ranking: 5

Also Known As: English Beagle

About Beagle

Origin of the Breed It is believed that the Beagle breed originated in England as a cross between the Harrier and other hounds. Records pertaining to the dog’s ancestry also point towards ancient Greece and France. There is evidence suggesting that Beagle-type hunting dogs had been used during the Crusades too. The dog had been used for hunting hare, pheasant, quail etc. either in packs or in pairs or singularly.

The word ‘Beagle’ possibly comes from the French word ‘begueule’ meaning ‘open throat’ or ‘loudmouth’. It could also have possibly come from the Old English, French or Welsh term ‘beag’ meaning ‘small’.

A Beagle pack had been established by Reverend Philip Honeywood in Essex in 1830s. It is held that this pack had formed the basis for the modern Beagle breed.

Description

The Beagle looks like a miniature English Foxhound, with head broader and muzzle shorter and putting on a different expression. This is a small, sturdy and squarely built dog. The dog’s coat is smooth, shorthaired and sleek and easy to care. The coat may take on any hound color- tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white or lemon and white.

The Beagle’s skull is broad, fairly long and slightly rounded (domed). Its muzzle is straight and square and is of medium length. The nose is black, nostrils are large and open and eyes are brown or hazel with a characteristic ‘pleading’ expression in them. The feet of the Beagle are round and strong. The dog’s tail is slightly curved and shorter in length than those of most hounds. The dog carries its tail gaily but it never curls its tail over the back.

Height

Male dogs have heights ranging between 14'' and 16''
Bitches have heights ranging between 13'' and 15''.

Weight

Male dogs weigh 22-25 pounds
Bitches weigh 20-23 pounds

Temperament

This is a sweet and lively little dog full of curiosity. It always stays happy and wags its tail and loves all. The dog is also calm, sociable, brave and intelligent.

The dog is excellent with children and good with other dogs too. However, they need to be socialized with cats and other non-canine household pets while as pups so as to ensure that they can get along well with them later.

These are thinking dogs- they have a mind of their own. They require patient and firm training. The owner/trainer of the dog need give it constant attention- the dog does not like being alone. However, if there is another fellow Beagle for company then there will be no problem.

Beagle dogs have a loud baying cry. Though hunting horsemen had enjoyed it yet this can be disturbing to family and neighbors. The dogs have a tendency to follow their noses and move in the direction of some favorable scent. So, owners/trainers need to be careful while letting them off leash in some unfenced area.

Living Conditions

The Beagle dogs can be kept inside apartments. These dogs remain active indoors too. However, they need to be given plenty of chances to be outdoors. It is better if there is a small yard set for them to move and play around.

Grooming

The Beagle has got a smooth and shorthaired coat. It is an average shedder. This is easy to care for. Brushing the coat with a firm bristle brush and bathing the dog when necessary are sufficient grooming measures. The ears of the dog too need to be checked carefully from time to time for signs of infection and the nails are to be kept trimmed.

Health Issues

Some lines of the Beagle dogs are known to be prone to heart disease, epilepsy, eye and back problems. The dogs are also prone to another condition called ‘chondroplasia’ alias dwarfism characterized by warped front legs.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Breed Club: clubs.akc.org/NBC/

Rescue Link

http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/beagle_rescue.htm
http://www.brewbeagles.org/giving-up.php