Love a Beagle

One of the most well-known dog breeds worldwide is the ever so energetic beagle.

The Beagle first became popular in 1840 when they were exported to the United States as hunting dogs. However, it wasn’t until around 1870 that they were considered domestic dogs.

The Beagle is a well-proportioned, muscular dog with a pronounced chest and an elongated head. They have large, drooping ears and stand between 33 and 42 centimeters (13 and 16 inches) tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 8 and 16 kilograms (17.5 and 35 pounds). The coat of a beagle is divided into either two or three layers of fur, with variations of white, brown, and black hues. 

Many people are initially attracted to beagles because of their physical appearance. They are gentle dogs, both as puppies and as adults. However, before making the decision to adopt a beagle, it is important to consider their behavior and whether or not they would be a good fit for your family. Beagles are extremely active dogs with a very strong hunting instinct and somewhat independent character. They are intelligent yet impulsive, which means they will fit well into an active family that regularly goes outside or is passionate about sports. This dog is best suited for a family with older children who can keep up with its exercise needs. It is not recommended for quiet and sedentary families. When well socialized, beagles can get along with other dogs and cats. However, they need to be constantly monitored if you have smaller mammals, rodents or birds. 

A beagle’s coat doesn’t require a lot of upkeep – a couple of weekly brushes and a monthly bath should suffice. We recommend using a rubber mitt and dog-specific bath products, due to the shape of their ears which are prone to trapping moisture. You should clean them regularly with sterile gauze to prevent lice. As an active dog, it is advisable to take them out for three or four walks a day, where they can sniff, relax, and interact with other dogs. They should also spend at least 10 minutes off the leash in a suitable dog park.

The Beagle is a very intelligent dog, and they require positive reinforcement if you want to educate them appropriately. When they are puppies, you need to teach them to control their bite, urinate on a newspaper, and socialize with people and other animals later in their adult stage. We must start basic obedience training programs for both their safety and a healthy coexistence. This is fundamental in keeping beagles mentally active. We can do this by starting them with some basic dog skills sports and varied activities. 

As with any dog, beagles will need a preventive care plan for various medical conditions, as well as regular checkups at the vet. This way, we can detect any possible health problems and provide prompt treatment. It is advisable to have these checkups every 6 to 12 months with beagles; however, sporting dogs will need more regular visits, approximately every three months. Some of the most common medical conditions faced by beagles are pulmonary stenosis, various eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, deafness, ataxia, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Despite this, beagles are a breed that generally enjoys good health and can live with us for 12-16 years.

Despite its ability to keep healthy with its active lifestyle, Beagles are still quite a delicate dog. Remember to gently treat them with love and care.