The Beagle dog breed is an active companion for children and adults. Beagles are small, compact, and durable. Additionally, this dog breed is happy and playful. Still, because they are hounds, they may also be challenging and need patient, inventive training methods.
They navigate the world with the aid of their noses, and nothing makes them happier than pursuing a captivating fragrance. Beagles were initially bred as scenthounds, mainly to hunt rabbits and hares.
Many nations, including the United States, still employ them for this purpose today. But many of these puppies are now living as devoted family pets and companion dogs.
Beagle Overview
| Breed Group | Hound dogs |
| Weight | 18 – 30 pounds |
| Height | 13 – 15 inches at the shoulder |
| Coat | Dense double coat |
| Coat colour | Lemon & white, white and tan, tri-colour, chocolate tri, red & white |
| Shedding | Medium to high shedders |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, active, social, determined |
| Trainability | They are independent; they require more effort to train |
Brief History Of The Beagle Dog Breed
It’s unclear about the origin of the word “beagle”. It’s hypothesised that it may have come from the Old English word beag, which means little, or from the French term bégueule, which means open neck.
Others speculate that it may have originated from the German term begele, which means to reprimand, or the French word beugler, which means to yell.
The breed’s history is somewhat murky because modern breeds didn’t take off until the 19th century. Greek texts from 400 B.C. mention that it’s possible that the Romans brought small rabbit-hunting hounds to England and crossed them with the native hounds there.
Health Issues Prevalent Among The Beagle Dog Breed
Intervertebral Disk Disease
IDD occurs when the jelly-like inner layer pushes through the spinal canal and presses against the spinal cord.
The degree of spinal cord compression can range from mild, resulting in neck or back pain, to severe, resulting in sensory loss, paralysis, and bowel or bladder function loss.
Because surgery is not always successful, the harm caused by spinal compression may be irreversible.
Hip Dysplasia
Due to this hereditary problem, the thighbone does not fit securely into the hip joint. Dogs can exhibit lameness and pain in one or both of their hind legs, although not all do.
Cherry Eye
This disorder causes the gland under the third eyelid to protrude, giving the eye a cherry-like appearance. The gland might need to be removed by your vet.
Glaucoma Is Common Among Beagle Dogs
This painful condition causes abnormally high pressure in the eye. Aqueous humour is a fluid that the eyes constantly produce and drain. It can damage the optic nerve and result in blindness and vision loss if it doesn’t drain properly, increasing the pressure inside the eye.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This degenerative eye condition eventually results in blindness. Long before the dog displays any evidence of blindness, PRA can is evident.
Epilepsy
The neurological disorder epilepsy is frequently, but not always, hereditary. Epilepsy can result in mild or severe seizures, manifesting as strange behaviour.
These behaviours include frantically running, staggering, or hiding, It can also include falling, unconscious, and rigid limbs.
Beagle Dwarfism
A beagle with dwarfism is a canine that is smaller than average. Other physical abnormalities, such as incredibly short legs, may or may not be present in conjunction with this illness.
Chinese Beagle Syndrome
A broad head and slanted eyes are two characteristics of the illness known as Chinese Beagle Syndrome. Dogs with CBS frequently suffer toe deformities and cardiac issues.
Patellar Luxation
This condition is the misalignment of the kneecap in your pet. Although the actual misalignment or luxation does not often happen until much later, the problem is present at birth.
Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can develop from the rubbing that patellar luxation causes.
Care For A Beagle Dog Breed
A scenthound like a Beagle requires a fenced-in backyard. Suppose you are outside; you should safely confine your Beagle.
Additionally, you could put it on a leash in open spaces. Beagles have a wandering nature; therefore, you should keep an eye on your pet, or it will flee.
Beagles, like all dogs, gain from obedience training. Because Beagles just shut down when treated severely, positive reinforcement tactics are preferable. Most Beagles are more than willing to do anything for a good treat.
Diet & Nutrition
Aim for two meals daily, each consisting of 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food. If you give them a chance, these dogs will regularly plunder your pantry and trash and eat until they’re full.
Instead of always leaving food available, keep yours in good form by weighing his food and feeding him twice a day.
Grooming The Beagle Dog Breed
Beagles have a dense, silky double coat that repels rain. At least once a week, it would help if you brushed them with a medium-bristle brush. Furthermore, you can use a dog glove to remove dead hair and promote new hair growth.
Because of their short hair, Beagles shed, but it isn’t apparent. They tend to shed more in the spring since their coats are thicker in the winter.
Interactions With Children And Other Pets
All members of the family, especially kids, form bonds with beagles. However, they can be boisterous when playing. However, they must be well-socialised and watched around very young children.
Additionally, Beagles tend to be “mouthy,” playing by grabbing objects with their lips, such as your or your child’s hand. They enjoy doing this and can be taught not to.
Beagles prefer company and dislike being alone because they are descendants of pack dogs. Their companionship need will be satisfied by another dog or even a cat.
