Beagles are cute, curious and spunky dogs that are social, intelligent and wonderful with children. Most people think of Charles Schultz’s popular Snoopy cartoon figure when they think of a beagle. Snoopy personifies what a typical beagle is like in many ways – carefree, happy, and a loyal friend. Beagles are small hounds that are capable hunters, good watchdogs, and outstanding family pets. Their warm and welcoming eyes and merry demeanor makes this breed virtually irresistible to any animal lover.
The average height for beagles is 13-16 inches and their average weight is about 15-30 pounds. Beagles come in two size classes, under 13 inches tall or about 15 inches tall. They have long heads with low set drooping ears of moderate length. Beagle bodies are compact and longer than they are tall. This breed is typically heavy for its size but quite muscular around the hips, thighs, and shoulders. Their short curved tails stands up like flags over the dogs’ backs while it is hunting. Their coats are hard, smooth and medium in length. Most often the coloring pattern of beagles is white with black and tan but other color patterns like red, lemon, and blue mottle exist as well.
Because they are so gentle and loveable these dogs make good family pets. They are alert, eager to play, good with children and rarely bite even though they do like to chew on things and grab items with their teeth. Sometimes beagles can be a bit stubborn but some good basic obedience classes at a young age should curb that tendency. Beagles learn well but often get bored easily and have their attention wander to other things. They are good hunters like their ancestors and make good watchdogs as well. These dogs may growl or bark when they spot a stranger but are not extremely yappy dogs that bark all the time at everything. If left alone for prolonged periods of time they may begin to howl or bark from boredom. It is important to give these dogs plenty of activity and companionship. Walking them on a leash or letting them run in a fenced yard should be sufficient for their high activity level.
Caring for beagles is not too time consuming or labor intensive. It is important to massage the dog’s skin with your fingers and brush it weekly with a bristle brush. Bathing should only be none when necessary and use a mild shampoo when doing so. Check both ears regularly to prevent infections, keep nails trimmed and exercise at least daily. Walking or running beagles on a leash is recommended as they tend to roam off when they become interested in an animal or scent they would like to follow. Basic obedience training should get dog to respond well and prevent behavior troubles early on. Beagles typically should not be trusted with non-canine pets unless raised with them from a young age.
Beagles are typically healthy dogs that live happy lives that average about 12-15 years on average. Health issues for beagles include congenital heart disease, spinal problems, skin disorders, and ear infections. Some common hereditary conditions that beagles may encounter are epilepsy, eye disorders, kidney disorders, and bladder cancer.
Some dogs have a tendency to become overweight as well.
This breed’s origins are debated and not clearly documented but it is thought that they come from a line of European hunting hounds that go back for centuries. The name Beagle may have come from the French word “bgueule” meaning gape throat or possible the Celt word “beag” meaning small. The American Kennel Club registered the Beagle breed into the hound class in the late 1880s. During the mid 1950s beagles became one of the most popular dogs in the United States and still remain high on that list even in modern times. In 1996, the beagle was the most popular dog breed to own in America.
