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