Overview
Group: Hound Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 6 of 195
Height: 13 inches and under; 13-15 inches
Weight: For 13 inches and under, under 20 lbs; For 13-15 inches, 20-30 lbs
Life Span: 10-15 years
Temperament: Merry; Friendly; Smart; Curious
The Beagle is just like any hunting dog. It is very active, energetic, and will dash off in pursuit of anything that catches its eyes or nose. However, unlike other hounds, the Beagle is a happy, joyful dog, not to mention so adorably cute that you cannot resist the urge to plop down and cuddle it.
History
The origins of the Beagle remain a mystery up to the present time. The earliest reports of small pack-hounds hunting hare and rabbits was during 55 B.C. in England.
From the very beginning though, Beagles are known as “foot hounds”. English ladies and gentlemen who don’t own or cannot afford horses, naturally, could not keep up with the larger and faster foxhounds. The much smaller Beagles enables them to hunt on foot and they can easily keep up with the pack. By the end of the Civil War, the breed has made its way to America, where they are utilized for rabbit hunting.
Because of their cuteness, Beagles are staples in popular culture. First, you have Shiloh from the Shiloh children’s movies. Shoeshine became the superhero pooch in the movie, Underdog. Equally famous was singer Barry Manilow’s Beagle, named Bagel, who appeared on a cover of his album. Of course, let’s not forget “the world’s most famous Beagle”, namely Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strips.
General Appearance
The Beagle has a long, broad head. Its face is absolutely cute, highlighted by expressive brown or hazel eyes with long pendant ears with rounded tips. It has a dense medium length coat that is close and hard. Among the popular coat colors are red and white, lemon, and tricolor. Its tail is of moderate height with a slight curve and ending with a white tip. Although it has a small nose, the Beagle has a very keen sense of smell, so that they are used by law enforcers to sniff out drugs and explosives.
The Beagle is a merry, cheerful dog. It is very eager to obey commands. Friendly and tolerant, the Beagle is a great pet for kids.
Nutrition
Beagles thrive on well-balanced, high quality dog food (whether home-made or commercially-prepared). For home-made preparations, recommend a mix of foods, consisting of 35% whole meat (lean chicken, lamb, veal), 25% vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli), and 25% starch (rice, potatoes) for their energy needs. Like other dog breeds, give treats in moderation while training your Beagle to prevent unwanted weight gain.
Grooming
The Beagle is a moderate shedder throughout the year, although you can expect more shedding during spring. Give them a good brushing every week with a hound glove, rubber grooming mitt, or medium bristle brush. Bathe your Beagle when necessary. Give your dog’s nails regular trimming since long nails may cause them pain while walking or running.
Exercise
Because they are very energetic dogs, Beagles need to be exercised an hour or more daily. However, you should be with your dog if you plan to let them loose in the backyard. Better yet, take them out for a run in an enclosed park or space. In open spaces, keep your Beagle on a leash since they have a tendency to run off when something catches their attention.
Do not leave them alone for lengthy periods because of their tendency to destroy. To keep them from getting lonely and restless, you need to have someone else at home to stay with them or get another dog to keep it company.
Take note that Beagles are notorious escape artists. To keep your dog from escaping from your home, your fence should be at least five feet in height and extending deep into the ground to prevent it from burrowing into the earth.
Training
Socialization and training classes need to be started on Beagle puppies, so that they can learn important commands early on. Treats are big training boosters, but do not overdo it unless you want a fat dog. Never use harsh training techniques on a Beagle. Instead, utilize positive reinforcement, patience, and some creativity.
Health
When buying a Beagle puppy, make sure that it comes from a responsible breeder. Such breeders screen their puppies for common health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, spine disorders, and dislocated kneecaps. Always check your Beagle’s eyes and ears weekly. Brush their teeth regularly.
Costs
The average price of a Beagle puppy is $500. Dogs of championship lines may cost $1,300 to $6,000. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend too much on grooming because of the dog’s low maintenance coat. What will drive up costs is health care, with an average of $7,700 for a dog’s entire lifetime.
A Beagle is a lively, energetic dog to own. It is friendly, cheerful, and a fun companion for kids. However, you might want to consider getting another dog or if you have a stay-at-home family member who can be its playmate.
SOURCES:
1) Beagle https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/
2) Famous Beagles https://beagleclubqld.org/famous-beagles/
3) Feeding a Beagle http://www.beaglepro.com/feeding-a-beagle/
4) Beagle Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Beagle.htm/
5) Cheapest Dog Breeds https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/pets/cheapest-dog-breeds/
