The origin of the name “Beagle” is debatable. Some said comes from the French term “be’geule” (“gape throat”). Others say the name came from the German “beigh” (that means scold). Some others said is originated from the old English word “begele,” or the word Beag,”which all mean “small.” The Beagle is the midsize compacted version and one of the most amicable hound breeds. Because they are essentially scent hounds and were bred to hunt on foot they are always curious, inquisitive and happy to be in a group which also makes them great family companions.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Great Britain
Used for: Hunting, Trailing, Companion
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Any. Tricolor is the most common with: Tan on the head. Tan and black across the back. White legs, chest, belly with a little tip on the top of the tail
Coat: Short, close and smooth, sheds constantly
Average Height: Up to 16 inches tall
Average Weight: 23 pounds
Group: Hound
History and Domestication
Since the 5th century BC dogs of similar size and purpose were found in Ancient Greece. In the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the Talbot hound to Britain, which crossed with the Greyhounds to give more speed were the ancestor of the modern beagle. Beagle-type dogs were also described during Elizabethan times. She was such a fan that some of her portraits even included the dogs. The King James I named her “dear little beagle” after their dogs. The breed came to the United States of the 1840s at the latest and starts to become popular since then. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson had two beagles in the White House. In popular culture the world’s most famous beagle is without a doubt Snoopy, Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip. But in Garfield, Jim Davis’s strip the character Odie, was also a Beagle.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The pendant ears, the squarely-built, packed body and the tricolor short coat are the features that made the Beagle so distinctive. Beagles are very similar in appearance to the miniature FoxHound but the head is wider, the skull is domed and the muzzle is straighter and smaller than the FoxHound. The large eyes widely apart, have a very soft expression. The black nose with 220 million of olfactory receptor cells compared with the 5 million of the average human makes the Beagle an exceptional hunter. The neck is strong and wrinkly in the front. The feet are firm and rounded. The tail is straight and should always be white or have white tip at the end for hunters to be able to see the dogs from far or when they are pursuing a scent. Their coats are very short and soft, would repel water and dirt so Beagles as a result don’t have a “dog smell”.
Care, Grooming and Health
This breed lacks inherited breed health problems. Their soft and short coat is very easy to maintain. Mostly they can suffer from epilepsy, heart disease, eye and back problems.
They also can get Chondroplasia (warped front legs, like their close relatives the basset hounds), mast cell tumors and occasionally glaucoma, deafness and cataracts.
This breed sheds constantly, so isn’t recommended for people with allergies. Make sure also you check and clean their ears weekly to avoid possible infections, very common in long ears breeds and clip the nails regularly too.
Living Conditions
This dog breed will do okay in an apartment, but they need to get the chance to go outside every day. As most dogs, they need the proper amount of mental and physical exercise, including daily long walks on a leash. When on leash, they are very independent, enthusiastic trackers so is very important to show them leadership. They can get very active indoors so it will be smart to spare their time between the house a small yard.
Temperament
The Beagle is very sociable, intelligent, sweet and gentle. Their barks sounds like a howl and sometimes are very funny to hear it. Is excellent with children and good with other dogs, but can’t be trusted around other pets. Love to be surrounded by people and other dogs and hate to be alone because they were bred to be in packs. For that reason they always need a consistent pack leader, otherwise will suffer from behavior problems such as constant barking, biting and can even get destructive. These dogs aren’t easy to train are sometimes stubborn and get easily distracted because they are always following their noses so patience, consistency and firm training are needed.
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