The Beagle is one of the most popular dog breeds around. They have a signature look with soft facial features and floppy ears.
This article explains the breed characteristics, vital stats, history, size, temperament, and general health of a Beagle.
Let’s get started!
Beagle Breed Characteristics
We have listed below the breed characteristics of Beagle. This is meant to be a general guideline for Beagles.
Adaptability
Beagles love large gardens and yards with plenty of space to run and play.
- Beagles are compact dogs who can adapt well to apartment living.
- They are moderately suited for novice owners.
- Beagle is a sensitive breed that is prone to worry or even panic when left alone by the owner.
- These dogs have a low tolerance for cold temperatures. They need assistance if they hit extreme cold or a heatwave.
Friendliness
Beagles are well known to be cheerful, friendly, and even-tempered dogs.
- Owning a Beagle can be great fun as they shower the whole family with affection and loyalty.
- The breed is friendly with children and is well-suited to households with small children.
- Beagles are friendly with other pets in your house.
- They are stranger-friendly dogs and always greet your guests happily.
Health and Grooming
Beagles have a short and dense coat and are easy to groom dogs.
- Beagles are easy to groom and are moderate shedders.
- They have a low drooling potential and hence suitable for neatniks.
- Beagles have the potential to put on weight easily.
- They are prone to many health problems.
Trainability
Beagles are stubborn and strong-willed dogs.
- Beagles are tough to train due to their independent and willful nature.
- These dogs have high intelligence and concentration levels.
- Beagles have a very high prey drive along with a strong impulse to chase something.
- They have a moderate tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people.
- Beagles have a strong desire for exploring the world.
- They have a tendency to bark frequently.
Physical Needs
The Beagle is a playful and high energy dog and has high physical needs.
- One of the things we appreciate about Beagles is their playfulness.
- Beagles are high intensity and vigorous dogs.
- They are bundles of energy and need regular exercise and physical activities to maintain good health and condition.
Vital Stats About Beagle
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of Beagles:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Hound dogs |
| Purpose | Hunting dog and a loyal companion |
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Merry |
| Average Height | 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight Range | 18-30 lbs. |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Exercise requirements | 20-40 minutes per day |
| Coat | Short coat with low grooming needs |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
History of Beagle
The Beagles’ history is cloudy and uncertain. They can be dated back to ancient history as Greek documents from 400 B.C. describe Beagle-like dogs.
Beagles can be traced back to sixteenth-century England. They descend from hounds used in packs by hunters in England and Wales.
Beagles were used to hunt rabbits, hares, and foxes. These dogs have a unique bark that hunters can recognize and follow deep within the woods. Beagle is intelligent, always on high alert and drives the prey towards the hunters.
Today the Beagle is used not only as a hunting dog, but also by Police, Airport, and the United States Department of Agriculture as scent hounds. They have just as many scent receptors as the German Shepherds. Beagles are now widely seen as wonderful companions and family dogs.
TheBeagle Club was founded in 1890 and set the breeding standards for the Beagle. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. It ranks 6th on the AKC breed popularity index. And guess what, Snoopy from the “Peanuts” cartoon is a Beagle!
Temperament and Personality of Beagle
Beagles have a friendly, sweet, and affectionate personality. They are curious, charming, and intelligent but sometimes can also be mischievous. When bored or left alone for a longer duration of time, they can indulge in destructive behavior.
Beagles were bred as pack animals. They love to be around people and other animals. This gentle dog loves children and makes a wonderful addition to any family.
Beagles are playful dogs and enjoy playing with their human companions. These dogs are extremely loyal to the family. They make great pets once their exercise needs have been met.
Like all dogs, Beagles need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences during puppyhood.
Size of Beagle
Beagle is a medium-sized dog and comes in two different sizes.
- 13-inch variety: The 13-inch variety is for hounds that don’t exceed 13 inches in height at the shoulder.
- 15-inch variety: The 15-inch variety is for hounds that stand 13 inches to 15 inches at the shoulder.
Depending on their height, Beagles weigh between 18 and 30 pounds. As with most medium-sized breeds, their life expectancy can vary from 12 – 15 years old, if given a healthy diet and exercise.
Major Health Concerns of Beagle
Beagle is a moderately healthy breed with few health issues. The health conditions that may affect this breed are:
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (IDD): It occurs when the discs between vertebrae bulge and press on nerves.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a degenerative condition and an inherited cause of hindlimb lameness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a genetic disease characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina.
- Distichiasis: It occurs when an additional row of eyelashes grow in the dog’s eye and protrude along the edge of their eyelid.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disease that causes seizures.
- Hypothyroidism: It is caused by a disorder of the thyroid gland.
- Beagle Dwarfism: This is a condition where the dog is smaller than normal.
- Chinese Beagle Syndrome (CBS): This is a condition that is characterized by a wide skull and slanted eyes.
- Patellar Luxation: It is the looseness of the kneecap that can result in dislocation.
How to Take Care of Beagle
Beagles are like small kids and heavily rely on our care as dog parents! Taking care of your Beagle involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding your Beagle
A healthy and nutritious diet contributes to the overall health of your Beagle. These dogs need a nutritious and high-quality diet to stay healthy and full of energy.
- The amount of food that Beagle should eat varies with age, gender, metabolism, and physical activity.
- Clean and fresh water should be available for your Beagle at all times.
- Select good sources of protein and fats for your Beagle.
- Beagles are food thieves and will overeat if given a chance. Free-feeding is not recommended as you may end up with an overweight dog.
Training your Beagle
Beagle is an intelligent breed but not easy to train. These dogs can have an independent, stubborn streak. Here are some tips for Beagle training:
- Start training as early as possible. The ideal time to start training the Beagle pup is between 8-12 weeks of age.
- Positive reinforcement techniques work best for Beagles. They do not respond well to harsh training methods.
- Try to develop a strong bond with your Beagle.
- Be consistent with the rules and show a lot of patience.
- Socialize your Beagle puppy as much as you can.
Grooming Needs of Beagle
Beagles have a smooth and dense double coat. They are moderate shedders and easy to groom dogs.
Let’s get down to the grooming needs of Beagle:
- Beagles should be thoroughly brushed with a medium-bristle brush, at least once a week. This will remove dead hair and keep their coat smooth and healthy.
- Beagles are clean dogs and do not require frequent baths. While bathing them, use a high-quality canine shampoo.
- Beagles have floppy ears and require regular cleaning. Examine your Beagle’s ears at least every two weeks. Clean them with a cotton ball and a cleaning solution to prevent infections.
- Brush your Beagle’s teeth two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup.
- Trim your Beagle’s nails every month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. This will ensure that they’re at a good length.
You should have lots of treats ready for your Beagle during grooming sessions.
Exercise Requirements of Beagle
Beagles are playful dogs and full of energy. They need a lot of opportunities to work it all off. By exercising your Beagle, you will prevent health problems and behavioral issues.
Exercising your Beagle should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their exercise requirements through activities and games like:
- Playing fetch
- Hide and seek
- Walking or jogging
- Playing with interactive and puzzle toys
- Playing tug of war
- Free play across a field or in a fenced yard
- Going for a hike
- Flirt pole
- Visit dog park
- Swimming
Parting Shot on Beagle
Beagles offer tons of fun and affection to their owners. Provide high-quality food and take care of their grooming needs. Give them a stimulating, loving, and energizing environment. They make great pets and bond with everyone in the family.
If you have any comments, please do let us know. We would be happy to hear from you.