Charlotte Foster
The Beagle instantly conquers with its remarkable charm. A dog’s hazel eyes look straight into the soul, especially if the animal intends to beg a tidbit from you. The charming look of a fidget is in perfect harmony with his character, so do not expect meekness and calmness from the Beagle. Despite the moderately short legs, the dog can reach high speed when chasing a pigeon or a neighbor’s cat. Beagles are by nature very active. There is no better entertainment for this breed than a walk in a city park. Bring a frisbee or a tennis ball with you – and your dog’s happiness will be unlimited.
Brief Information
- Breed name: Beagle
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Weight: 8-18 kg
- Height (height at the withers): 33-40 cm
- Life span: 11-15 years
Highlights
- The Beagle constantly needs company and therefore does not tolerate loneliness.
- Representatives of the breed are endowed with quick-wittedness and flexible intelligence – and all this is combined with stubbornness.
- The dog is always energetic and cheerful, loves to run and frolic in the fresh air.
- The main problem of the Beagles is their loud barking, so be prepared for possible quarrels with your neighbors.
- Animals gain weight easily, so they need regular exercise and proper feeding.
- Dogs are friendly even with strangers and therefore are not always good guards.
- Beagle gets along well with children and becomes a devoted friend for them.
- It is not recommended to keep the Beagle in the same apartment with cats or small decorative animals.
- Not suitable for beginner breeders due to its independent nature.
The History of the Appearance of the Beagle
The origin of the Beagle is rooted in antiquity, namely in the era of prosperity of Ancient Greece. The first indirect mentions of the breed date from this time. So, the famous historian and writer Xenophon talked about compact-sized hounds. They were popular with hunters for their outstanding speed and excellent scent – the perfect combination for successful game fishing.
Inspired by the example of the Greeks, the ancient Romans also began to breed the breed, who later brought the Beagle’s ancestors to Great Britain and began to cross them with aboriginal dogs. This experiment gave rise to many new breeds: the Beagles themselves, Foxhounds, Harriers, and Otterhounds.
There is another version of the origin of the Beagles breed. According to her, they appeared as a result of mating European hounds with Celtic ones and came to England only in the XI century along with the Normans. At the same time, William the Conqueror introduced the Talbothound (Talbot) into the country, which, when crossed with Greyhounds, gave rise to the progenitors of modern Beagles.
A fascinating legend is also associated with the breed. In it, the dogs appear as faithful companions of the Knights of the Round Table. So, according to legend, the Beagles accompanied their owners even at the time when they went in search of the Holy Grail.
Be that as it may, during the reign of Edward II, the breed gained crushing popularity. Then the dogs were much smaller than modern specimens and even earned the nickname “Glove Beagles” – Beagles, which easily fit into a glove. The animals were transported in the pockets of a hunting suit or in baskets, which were tied on either side of the horses. These improvised “vessels” could hold 10-12 pairs of dogs! The dimensions of the pocket Beagles were miniature: their weight did not reach 8 kg, and their height did not exceed 25 cm.
The book “Artistic Esquire”, published in the second half of the 15th century, became the first source where the breed was already mentioned under the name we know. Two centuries later, the writer Blum, who was fond of hunting, presented to England a book in which he described in detail the Beagles, his favorite breed. In 1790, Biweekly revealed the characteristics of these dogs and their main use – hunting.
Description of the Beagle
The Beagle is of medium size and strong build, with muscular hind legs and a medium-length tail with a necessarily white tip. The ears of the Beagle, if extended, reach the tip of the nose, while they are rounded in shape and hang down. This breed has an amazing sense of smell, so it is often used not only for tracking games but also for finding smuggling and drugs at airports. Big brown eyes and slightly pendulous lips give a special charm to Beagles.
Colors
Beagle color is variable. The most common type is red, black, and white (or, as it is called, tricolor). It can be considered classic since it is this color that appears to a person who hears the word “Beagle”. In addition to him, the following are common:
- reddish-blue-white,
- reddish-white,
- red-white,
- lemon-white,
- black-white,
- lemon-motley,
- motley.
All colors, except for completely white, may have specks – small specks. No other options are allowed. Pay attention to the tip of the animal’s tail: it always remains white regardless of the color of the coat.
Character
Beagle is a vivid combination of excellent hunting instincts and genuine good nature. These dogs are the best companions for the reason that even at the dawn of the formation of the breed, they walked side by side with people, making their existence easier. Beagles personify inexhaustible optimism and energy that must be thrown out inactive games and walks. If you go with your pet to a park where a lot of people rest, there will be no limit to the dog’s happiness. Beagle loves to attract the attention of others and feels better in large companies (both human and canine).
The Beagles show an uncommon curiosity about new scents. During a walk, it is not recommended to take your eyes off the pet, otherwise, it may chase after an intriguing scent and get lost. In the event that you live in a private house, be sure to make sure that the fence is intact: the dog can slip out even through a seemingly small gap.
The worst punishment for Beagles is a day spent alone in a few square meters of an apartment. In an attempt to amuse himself, the dog will resort to extreme measures – the destruction of his habitat. Returning home, be prepared to meet with torn wallpaper, gnawed furniture, chewed up slippers – and this does not end with the little prankster’s to-do list. If you are late at work for a long time and do not want to witness the apocalypse, get a second dog, which will become an active playmate for Beagle.
Beagle subtly feel the situation and smooth out its roughness with their mischief. The dog will draw attention to itself, which will eliminate the brewing conflict and make you forget about the reasons for the heated dispute. Sometimes it seems that by this Beagle is teaching others an unpretentious lesson: put aside the negative, because in the world there are so many reasons to rejoice and give happiness to each other!
Training
The breed is distinguished by intelligence and quick wits, combined with unwavering stubbornness. The Beagle has selective attention and “hears” only what it sees fit. In other cases, the dog prefers to melt the heart of a demanding owner with a meek look and a funny expression on the muzzle. Beagle will not miss the chance to show who is in charge of the house, and will not immediately execute even a well-known command. You are faced with a difficult task – to gather patience into a fist and make the dog understand that the leadership remains with you. In no case do not resort to assault, otherwise, the animal will lose confidence.
If you decide to train the dog on your own, pay attention to the following: sooner or later the monotonous training will bore the Beagle, and he will stop responding to your words. The secret to proper training is variety. Come up with an interesting and exciting program, remembering to reward your pet with a treat and a word. This approach will only strengthen your friendship with the Beagle and give positive emotions from communicating with the dog.
Care and Health
Beagles require minimal maintenance and are very unpretentious to the conditions of detention. The short coat of the dog needs to be brushed once or twice a week.
Bathing your pet shouldn’t be your goal. It is worth arranging water procedures for Beagle as rarely as possible, so as not to wash off the protective “film” from the wool. If the need arises, use a mild soap or hypoallergenic shampoo for short-haired dogs. After bathing, insert cotton pads into your pet’s ears to remove excess moisture. Eliminate all drafts, otherwise, the animal will catch a cold. After a walk, it is enough to wipe the dirty paws, and sometimes the stomach, with a damp cloth.
For eye care, you must purchase a special fluid to remove secretions from the pet store. If they are too abundant, and the look seems unclear, contact your veterinarian immediately. Beagle’s long ears should not be ignored either. Clean them from accumulated plaque and dust once every two weeks.
Your dog’s claws should be regularly ground during walks, but a nail clipper in the house will not hurt. If necessary, carefully trim the nails and smooth the sharp edges with a file.
For teeth, brush them once or twice a week with a brush, a piece of bandage, or a fingertip. No need to use your own paste: dogs do not like the taste and pungent smell of human hygiene products.
Feeding
Beagle nutrition should be balanced. Do not forget that this breed is prone to corpulence, and therefore the chance to turn a lean dog into a motionless bun on paws is very great. Use premium dry food that is high in vitamins and minerals for feeding. Its daily dose is usually indicated on the package. From time to time, dilute the monotonous diet with natural products. Be sure to give your pet a teaspoon of vegetable oil to keep the coat looking healthy.
Diseases
The breed is distinguished by strong immunity, but the Beagles are still susceptible to certain diseases. Among them:
- the disease of the intervertebral discs;
- deformation of the forelimbs;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- heart and eye problems;
- epilepsy;
- diabetes.
Visit your veterinarian regularly if you want to keep your pet healthy and happy.
How to Choose a Puppy
- It is recommended to purchase a Beagle only in proven kennels, where puppies are kept in the right conditions and undergo veterinary preventive procedures.
- The best age to acquire a puppy is 1.5-2 months. During this period, the Beagle was already accustomed to self-feeding and gradually moved away from the excessive care of the mother. Do not forget about the main thing: the earlier the baby appears in your house, the more chances you have to make a well-mannered and obedient dog out of him.
- A healthy puppy is active and curious, happily plays with other puppies, and does not run away into a corner from a stranger’s outstretched hand. Check your toddler against the standard if it matters to you. Are you planning to raise a champion from a Beagle puppy? Then trust your intuition: if you looked at the baby and could not take your eyes off him, then this is your dog!