If you’re looking for a friendly, affectionate dog breed to add to your family, the Beagle may just be the perfect canine for you. Known for its gentle temperament and sweet personality, the Beagle makes a wonderful companion and great family pet.
If you want to learn more about this intelligent, sweet-tempered breed, you have come to the right place. Today, we’ll explore the characteristics of Beagles and what it’s like to own this particular breed of dog. We’ll also break down the steps to Beagle care and important information on Beagle health.
Ready to learn more about caring for Beagles? Let’s take a look at how to care for Beagles and why this breed may be the perfect dog breed for you!
What Do Beagles Look Like?
The Beagle is a breed of small hound quite similar in appearance to the foxhound. Beagles may be between 13-inches tall and 15-inches tall, and weigh between 18 to 20 pounds. Other noticeable traits of the Beagle include a square-cut muzzle, slightly domed skull, long droopy ears, and slightly curved tail tipped with white. A Beagle’s eyes are large and may be either hazel-colored or brown-colored.
A Beagle’s smooth, dense coat comes in a range of colors that include white, black, tan, and brown. Most Beagles are tricolored, meaning their body is white with black spots and brown shading. The tricolored Beagle may come in other shades, include the “Dark Tri,” “Faded Tri,” and “Classic Tri.”
Beagle Characteristics
There are a number of characteristics that make the Beagle a unique breed of dog. Although Beagles were originally bred for hunting and catching game, they have a sweet temperament that makes them wonderful house pets. Here, let’s take a closer look at Beagle characteristics and temperament.
Temperament
Beagles are brave, intelligent, and social dogs that are good with children and known for their loving, tolerant, sweet, and gentle temperament. The breed does well indoors and as an apartment dog as long as they are properly exercised and taken for long walks daily.
Socialization
Because Beagles were traditionally bred for hunting purposes, they need to be socialized from an early age, especially if their household includes non-canine pets. Furthermore, Beagle owners are advised to keep their pets on a leash during walks to prevent them from running off and trailing scents or chasing game.
Beagles can be stubborn but respond well to positive reinforcement. Like many breeds, they do best under the guidance of a strong pack leader. Practicing calm assertive leadership will help your Beagle to integrate into your lifestyle and prevent behavioral issues from developing.
Potential Beagle owners should also be aware that the breed exhibits a loud howl and bark, which may not always be appreciated by neighbors. Also keep in mind that although Beagles may bark at intruders, they are quite friendly and are unlikely to guard your house against invaders.
Beagle Health
Beagles are average shedders and are fairly easy to groom due to their short hair. Proper Beagle care includes bathing them with a mild, nonirritant shampoo whenever necessary and frequently brushing them with a firm bristle brush. Additionally, owners should occasionally check their dog’s ears for signs of infection (discolored wax, dirt, foul odor, excessive scratching, whining, or shaking of a dog’s head) as well as keep their nails trimmed.
As with any dog breed, mental stimulation is key for keeping Beagles happy, healthy, and content. Because Beagles are active dogs, they need to receive daily exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Common Beagle Health Problems
The most common health problems associated with Beagles are obesity, epilepsy, allergies, cherry eye, and hypothyroidism. Fortunately, each of these conditions can be treated by your local veterinarian. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your Beagle, contact your vet immediately.
When properly cared for, Beagles have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Engaging a Beagle’s Senses
In addition to playing fetch and going for walks, runs, and hikes, Beagles enjoy staying mentally stimulated. Because they are scent hounds, Beagles have a keen sense of smell and superior tracking instincts. These dogs make excellent hunting companions but can also benefit from other scent-oriented activities.
Owners of Beagles can purchase animal scents and play tracking games at home in order to engage their dog’s senses. Beagles will also enjoy the stimulation of sniffing out hidden treats or having their food bowls placed in new locations.
Training Your Beagle
Because Beagles are curious dogs, they need proper training in order to prevent them from being destructive. Keep in mind that training a Beagle requires a lot of time and patience, as Beagle training can be a challenging process. The best time to train a Beagle is from a young age. Crate training, potty training, and leash training are all most easily taught during the puppy stage. If you are working with an adult Beagle, expect the training process to take a bit longer.
In addition to teaching your Beagle manners in the house, you’ll also want to socialize your dog with both people and other canines. Socializing your Beagle can easily be done by frequently taking your Beagle out for walks in the neighborhood, as well as exercising him in local dog parks.
Although discipline may be necessary when training a Beagle, most Beagles react best to positive reinforcement. When your Beagle pup behaves well, reward him with verbal praise and food rewards. If your dog is behaving inappropriately, you may either ignore the behavior or firmly tell your Beagle “no.”
Beagles are independent thinkers and therefore can be difficult to train. With that being said, they are an extremely smart breed that can learn practically any type of training. If you are having trouble training your Beagle, treats may be used to motivate your pup.
We hope this article answered all your questions on caring for Beagles and what owning a Beagle is like. Whether you’re looking for a walking buddy, a hunting companion, or a family pal, Beagles can make wonderful additions to your home.
