Beagle dog breed
Thinking about
the Beagle dog breed as a companion?
Height:
33-40cm (13-15 inches) at the shoulder Group Lifespan: 13-15 years Who is the Beagle?A happy-go-lucky, energetic, intelligent dog, superb at following a scent. Breed historyThe Beagle dog breed is quite ancient and can trace its ancestry in Europe to at least the 1500s. In England in those days, they were used as hunting dogs to track various animals. Larger dogs tracked deer but the smaller dogs were developed to track hares and rabbits. They generally hunted in packs of 12 or 24 hounds and became well known for their ability to track small animals by scent over any country. They are used at many airports, particularly in Australia, as 'sniffer dogs' to detect illegal items in baggage or in clothing. They have become one of the world's most popular puppy breeds. Personality
Good with children?Yes. The Beagle dog breed is used to living in packs so they adore the company of the family and love to play.Exercise needsBeagles are an active dog and will need a daily walk but, as one of the small dog breeds, do not require a large amount of exercise. They should never be walked off-lead because their strong scent drive can lead them to follow the sniff of something interesting into traffic and other danger. It is sometimes said that when a beagle's nose is turned on, his ears are turned off! HealthGenerally, they are a strong, healthy breed and have few health problems. Possible health problemsBeagles love their food - often too much! It is very easy for this breed to become fat and even obese so you must watch their diet carefully and make sure they are not able to reach any food they should not eat. GroomingThey have a short coat that requires little maintenance beyond the occasional bath and a few minutes brushing every few days. The Beagle dog breed has long, floppy ears which do not allow the air to flow around the ear's opening. The ears can become infected but regular cleaning with an ear cleanser should keep them in good condition (ask your vet or pet shop for a good product to use). When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning. More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: Ideal ownerThe ideal beagle owner has a generous amount of space for their dog to run about in and has good fencing to keep their inquisitive hound at home. As a dog used to living in packs, they do not like to be left on their own for long periods of time and should be given plenty to do to keep them occupied - otherwise the garden and everything in the yard will be chewed! This Beagle dog breed will happily live outside for short periods but needs to come in to be with his family as often as possible. Return to top of Beagle dog breed Go back to Puppy Breeds |
|||||||||||||||
