Always gentle and sweet, just about everyone loves beagles. This dog breed is highly social, appears to have a battery-operated wagging tail and are welcome working companions for serious hunters. Beagles have been a popular breed for a long time, but especially since a champion won the Westminster Dog Show in 2008. Ever since, it's been beagle-mania! But before adopting one, here's what you need to know about beagle dogs.
Physical description- The shape of a beagle is described in squares: squarely built with a square muzzle. Their eyes are usually brown or hazel and set well apart. Average heights range from 14 to 16 inches for males with females in the 13-to-15-inch range. Males also weigh more at 22 to 25 pounds, with females around 20 to 23 pounds.
The beagle coat is medium in length, sleek and very easy to care for. Breed experts compare the appearance of a beagle to a miniature foxhound. Their coloring is varied and can show in tricolored shades of black and tan, orange and white, red and white, lemon and white, and blue tick and red tick.
Another important fact that you need to know about beagle dogs is that they have a very distinctive howling voice, especially when they are on the trail of an animal during a hunt. Indoor dogs are not shy about showing off their voices either, and the sound can be described as a short howl rather than a traditional bark.
Temperament In addition to its sweet temperament, the beagle breed is also very intelligent and brave. Generally, they socialize well with children, and most will get along with other dogs. Because they are very intelligent dogs, beagles can be strong-willed and determined when seeking a goal. Because of this tendency, they should be well-trained using patient training methods. New owners must teach their beagle to respect them as "leader of the pack." However, if a beagle is allowed to be the pack leader over its owner, behavior problems may arise including guarding, obsessive barking, biting and snapping, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Even if bad habits and poor training practices cause early behavior problems, keep in mind that problems can be easily corrected when you understand the beagle's natural instincts and then meet its needs.
Beagles require a lot of exercise. Keeping them on a regular workout schedule will avoid stress and keep them calm. Remember, beagle dogs are instinctive trackers. Try to incorporate tracking games by buying animal scents that you can spray around the yard. Playing these games will keep your dog challenged and interested.
Their natural scenting instincts can also get them into trouble when they are determined to follow their curiosity. While in hot pursuit of an interesting scent, they will most likely ignore your calls to return home. Keep this caution in mind when walking your beagle on a leash. If you decide to unleash your dog, do so only in a safe area and away from busy streets.
Health issues What you need to know about beagle dogs includes these common health issues: epilepsy, heart disease, back and even eye problems. Chondroplasia, also called dwarfism (front legs that appear warped), is not unusual in this breed. When well cared for, beagles can live an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
Beagles really are the best. So if you want to adopt a pet, why not opt for a beagle today?
Robert Clarke
