New Dog World: Beagle Dog Breed: Fun-loving Family Pet

Sunday 30 March 2014

Beagle Dog Breed: Fun-loving Family Pet

Breed: Beagle

AKC Breed Group: Hound

Other Registries: ANKC (Hounds); CKC (Hounds); FCI (Scenthounds); KC (Hound); UKC (Scenthound)

Weight: 18-30 lbs

Height: 13 inches

Color: Lemon, Tri-color, Black and Tan, Red and White, Orange and White, Lemon and White, Blue Tick and Red Tick

Origin: Great Britain

Beagle Overview

This dog breed was bred for hunting purposes. The Beagle is a scent hound and when following the scent will ignore everything else. Obedience training is a must. The Beagle originated as a cross between the Harrier and many different hounds in England. This breed does best when hunting hare, pheasant and quail.

Beagle Characteristics

This dog breed is full of vitality. The Beagle makes an excellent family pet. This breed is very lively and active, and given the proper socialization is an ideal companion for a child. The Beagle is alert, even-tempered and non-aggressive, but by no means timid. They can be very mischievous and bold at times, so correct precautions have to be taken when training and socializing this fun-loving breed.

Beagle Temperament

This is a thoroughly joyful dog that makes a wonderful companion for almost all families. The Beagle adapts to most environments and lifestyles. This breed of dog is eager to please and highly intelligent. Training is essential as they tend to lose interest easily and change focus to whatever catches their attention. The Beagle gets along extremely well with children and other pets, provided they receive proper socialization.

Beagle Care

This dog breed requires daily brushing to remove dead hair. A wipe down with a damp towel is normally sufficient in place of a bath. The Beagle’s ears require cleaning on a regular basis, as this breed is susceptible to painful ears and infections. The nails of the Beagle should also be trimmed. This breed is an average shedder, which can be managed with regular combing.

Beagle Coat

This dog breed has a very glossy and short-haired coat. The hound-type coat is medium in length, making grooming comparatively simple. The hair of the Beagle is hard, never soft or silky, and lies close to the body.

Beagle Training

This dog breed is very clever and eager to please. Beagles are wonderful pupils, but do tend to lose interest and focus quickly. When they pick up a scent, they follow it, completely ignoring their handlers. If properly trained, the Beagle will listen, but if not trained properly, ignoring can be a big problem. Consistent and firm, yet gentle, handling is a must if this breed is to excel as they so desperately want to.

Beagle Activity

This dog breed is fairly energetic and loves long, vigorous walks. The Beagle is an outdoorsy type. Because of their hunting instincts, this breed should always be kept leashed or in a fenced-in yard as they have a tendency to run off, if something catches their interest. The dogs have tremendous stamina and are seemingly tireless. If possible, they should be walked twice a day.