Beagle

Beagles are active companions for both children and adults because they are small, compact, and hardy. Canines of this dog breed are happy and playful,

but because they are hounds, they can be stubborn and require patient, creative training techniques.

Beagles were originally bred as scenthounds to track small game, primarily rabbits and hares.

    Good with Children Families & Cats
    Energy Level: Very Active; This quick, energetic and compact hound dog needs plenty of exercise
    Good with Children: Yes
    Good with other Dogs: Yes
    Shedding: Seasonal
    Grooming: Weekly
    Height: 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches
    Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
    Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
    Barking Level: Likes To Be Vocal

Begles are active, energetic dogs who need at least an hour of exercise every day. This doesn't mean just letting them out in the backyard. Beagles were bred to work in packs and are happiest when they have company. A Beagle who is left alone inside or outside for long periods of time will tend to become destructive. This can be avoided if he has a companion (whether human or canine) to play with. Beagles are escape artists, so an exercise area must have a fence at least five feet tall that extends underground to prevent tunneling. Walks must always be taken on a leash, because as a scenthound with a very strong hunting instinct, a Beagle will not be able to resist the urge to run off in pursuit of a compelling scent.

Beagles are very friendly. Don’t depend on them to guard your house. There are two Beagle varieties: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder, and those between 13 and 15 inches. Both varieties are sturdy, solid, and 'big for their inches,' as dog folks say.

Beagles are happy, outgoing and loving. They are often described as having a merry temperament, but they are also known for their mischievous nature. Beagles like to have their own way, and they can be naughty, determined and stubborn in their efforts to get what they want, which is usually food.

Start training early, be patient and be consistent, and one day you will wake up to find that you live with a great dog. But even so, there are a few Beagle behaviors that you should expect to live with throughout his life. They are part and parcel of being a Beagle, and nothing you do will change them. Beagles love good smells, Beagles howl, Beagles have selective hearing, and Beagles love to eat.

The Beagle should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval.

Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior).

Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level.

Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The Beagle has a smooth, dense double coat that gets heavier in the winter, so spring is shedding season. Beagles also shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will remove the loose hair, and promotes new hair growth as well. Beagles don't need to be bathed too often, unless they happen to get into something particularly messy. As with all breeds, the Beagle's nails should be trimmed regularly, because overly long nails can cause the dog pain as well as problems walking and running.