At-A-Glance: The Beagle Dog Breed

Beagles are one of those dog breeds that thrives off human companionship. You will find that this dog breed is an excellent house pet who remains gentle and calm, especially around its family members.  A perfect choice if you have children or other pets in the house. 

This dog breed is affectionate and intelligent, yet easily distracted by their keen sense of smell (their noses can sometime overrule their brains). For this reason, patient and persistent training is required and extra care must be taken to ensure that he does not wander off.

Beagles are among the smaller scent hounds standing at 13-15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 18-30 pounds.

The Beagle was first mentioned by name in writings published in 1475.  They were used to hunt in packs for hare and were first imported into the United States for this purpose.  They have hunted many different quarries in different climates including jackal, wild pig, and deer.  In the United States and Canada, they are used to seek out and retrieve game and to hunt by scent in competitive Field Trials.

As mentioned above, exercise on a daily basis should be a part of the Beagle's physical upkeep.  Take them out for a long walk or a quick run through a safe area in the woods.  He particularly loves to scout trails and other small paths. However, be sure not to take this dog out off leash if he has been boarded up in the house for a long time.  If he catches the sense of a small animal through a trail, he is liable to dash off and run around for a long period of time, especially if his energy reserves are built up from non-activity.

Veterinarians suggest that Beagle owners request specific tests for eye problems, hip dysplasia, potential knee problems, and thyroid. The major health concerns that are widespread with many Beagles is CHD and intervertebral disk disease.

Most Beagles have a long lifespan of between 10 and 15 years but occasionally have minor health issues to watch out for which are cherry eye,  epilepsy, glaucoma, patellar luxation, KCS, chondrodysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Because the Beagle's coat is tough and weatherproof, it requires very low maintenance grooming.