Dogs Types

Beagle Dog

Country of Origin: The Beagle (also known as an “English Beagle”) has been a popular rabbit-hunting English dog since the 1300’s (similar breeds may have existed as far back as 500 BC!). ‘Beagle’ derives either from the Gaelic ‘beag’, for ‘small’, or the French ‘begueule’, for ‘open throat’ (referring to the breed’s musical bark). Tiny versions of the Beagle, about nine inches tall, were bred to be carried around in the hunters’ pocket, or to be followed about on the hunt by children or the elderly. Beagles have been around in America since early colonization, and have grown to become one of the most popular American pets. Today, they are used for pack hunting a variety of game, such as Wild Boar, Coyote, Red Deer, and foxes. Their strong sense of smell and excellent temper make them popular drug sniffing dogs. Famous Beagles include Snoopy, Disney’s Beagle Boys, and President Lyndon Johnson’s Beagles. A national ruckus occurred when President Johnson picked up one of his Beagles by the ears on the White House lawn. This is a definite no-no!

Coat: The Beagle's coat is short and easy to take care of. It is sleek and smooth and offers the dog plenty of protection year round. The coat is close to the body and of medium length. These hounds can come in tri-color, black and tan, orange and white, and other color combinations. They are generally not bred in solid colors.

Character: The Beagle is full of energy and does great in a family environment. They are very lively, active, and high energy making a wonderful childs companion given the proper socialization. This breed is alert and of even temperament and should never show signs of aggression or timidity. The Beagle can be very mischievous and very bold at times so proper precautions must be taken when training and/or socializing this fun loving breed.

Temperament: Highly intelligent and openly happy, the Beagle is on of the most expressive breeds. It is gentle, lively, curious, and sweet and manages to attach itself to anyone giving it attention and affection. This highly sociable dog is excellent for families with young children and will bond immediately with children and adults of all ages. They are also generally good with other dogs as well, but cannot be trusted with non-canine pets.

Cats and other small animals can become quick prey for Beagles and they may not socialize well with these animals. Other household animals should be kept out of the Beagle's way as they can become very watchful, suspicious, and anti-social with other animals. Beagles are determined and lively, and may require extra training to make sure their behavior is appropriate. Since they are highly sociable, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They will be more likely to become destructive and even neurotic if they are left alone for too long, and it may be helpful to adopt another Beagle just to keep it company.

The Beagle's signature cry has helped with hunting and other outdoors sports for years. Hunting horsemen in particular attune to the loud baying cry of the Beagle but his can easily be offensive to neighbors and family members. Beagles must be trained to control their bark, and this may be especially difficult for younger generations of the breed. These dogs have an instinctive nature to follow their noises and will travel great lengths if they are left off their leash. It is best to keep them in a fenced in area with plenty of security and a watchful eye.

Beagles are intelligent, lively, and ready to learn. They adapt quickly to their environments and will pick up behaviors readily. They need to be socialized at an early age, and cannot be left alone for lengthy periods of time. They fare well in packs or with other dogs of the same breed, and thoroughly enjoy the company of family, owners, and friends. Beagles have very good tempers and a natural, gentle disposition. They tend to get aggressive during their first heat cycle but also adapt relatively quickly.

Care: The Beagle should have its coat brushed daily and ears cleaned regularly. It should be bathed with a damp cloth occasionally. Beagles are generally very healthy, but susceptible to vertebral problems and hip dysplasia. Beagles live 12-15 years and have litters of 3-14. They can live outdoors in warm environments, as long as sufficient shelter and companionship is provided.

Training: The Beagle is very intelligent and very eager to please making him a wonderful student to work with. However, they do tend to lose interest fairly quickly as they are bound to pick up a scent and follow it. This is when obedience training definitely comes in handy. If properly trained, the Beagle should listen however, if not trained properly, ignoring is a big problem. Consistency and firm yet gentle handling is a must if this breed is to excel as they so desperately want to.

Activity: The Beagle is fairly active and loves long and vigorous walks, as they are the outdoorsy type. Considering they have a very strong hunting instinct, this breed should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced in yard as he is bound to run off if something catches his interest. Two long daily walks are recommended, as this breed seems to have great stamina and be somewhat tireless. The Beagle responds best in a home with a large yard.

Back