Beagle Dog Breed History, Appearance, Health, Fun Facts

When you see a dog sniffing around constantly, the Beagle dog breed searches for food. Just like humans keep opening their fridges to find something, this breed always needs something to eat.

This breed will become your perfect food partner if you don’t have this breed as your pet. There are many other good things about this breed which you will find out if you keep reading further. 

Beagle Dog Breed Job Card / Overview

What To Know:

• Beagles are intelligent dog breeds, but home-train them can be quite tricky. It can take almost a year to train them fully.
• Crate training is recommended for this breed. They have an active personality that can make them bored if you leave them alone at home.
• They’ll dig or scratch areas to entertain themselves. These dogs tend to howl or bark a lot, so get them as your pet only when you know how to control this behavior. 
• Beagles don’t grow much big, so they become an easy target for thieves. Whenever you take your pet outside, keep an eye on them always.
• These dogs are known for being scenthounds and will go in the direction where they sense tempting smells.
• Their brains work on the commands of their nose, so if there’s any pleasing smell, they’ll chase it for sure. Their friendly nature doesn’t let them be guard dogs.

Beagle history:

The exact history of the Beagle is not known. It’s known that they are the descendants of England’s hunting hounds.

Some say Beagle comes from beguile, a French word meaning open throat. While others, this breed’s name is derived from beag, an English word meaning small.

It’s also said that it might be derived from beagle, a German word meaning to scold. The miniature version of Beagles are known as Pocket Hounds or Glove Beagles, and they have been in popularity since Henry VII and Edward II.

The Beagle is a mixture of many breeds like the Talbot Hound, the Southern Hound, the Harrier, and the St. Hubert Hound.

In 1066 Talbot Hounds were brought to England by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest. In England, Beagles rose to popularity very soon.

There’s something about Singing Beagles, too, in history’s pages because of their bulging voices.

Elizabeth I was known to keep packs of Pocket Beagles with a maximum height of 9 inches. These dogs have a history of hunting, but not that much because they weren’t fast enough. 

Different types of beagles

Standard Beagles:

These beagles are the most prevalent and what most people envision when they hear the name “beagle.” They normally stand between 13 and 15 inches tall and weigh 20 to 25 pounds.

Pocket Beagles:

As their name implies, pocket beagles are miniature beagles that can fit in your pocket. They are between 7 and 15 pounds in weight and 10 to 12 inches tall.

Miniature Beagles:

Even smaller than pocket beagles, little beagles are under 10 pounds. The majority of kennel clubs do not recognize them as a legitimate breed.

Lemon Beagles:

Lemon beagles are a particular beagle breed with white markings on a light tan or lemon-colored coat. They got their name because they looked like lemons.

Blue Tick Beagles:

A striking blue and black coat pattern distinguishes blue tick beagles. They have a keen sense of smell and are frequently utilized for hunting.

Red Beagles:

Due to their sociable and active personalities, red beagles, which have a reddish-brown coat, are popular with families.

Vital Statics:

Hound dogs like the Beagle often weight 18 to 30 pounds and stand 13 to 15 inches tall. They live for about 10 to 15 years. Beagles are renowned for their cheerful, inquisitive demeanor and keen sense of smell.

Beagle Appearance:

General Appearance

A medium-sized dog breed with a unique appearance is the beagle. They have an athletic, muscular build, a somewhat long, square-cut muzzle, and a slightly domed cranium.

Their eyes are big and expressive, and their ears are long and floppy. Beagles have a short, dense coat that comes in black, white, tan, and lemon, among other hues.

They are well-liked as both family pets and hunting dogs because to their gregarious personalities, keen sense of smell, and pleasant disposition.

Beagles are generally endowed with an endearing and alluring appearance that appeals to many dog enthusiasts.

Coat color

You will usually see Beagles with tricolor coats with black patches like a saddle on the back. A tail with a white tip is also commonly seen. White and red color combinations are often seen too in these breeds.

Basically, you will see these breeds in a variety of color combinations. They have a double coat that is smooth and dense and also rain-resistant.

Beagles are pretty easy to groom. You can use a hound glove or medium-bristle brush for their brushing needs.

As these breeds have drop-ears, they don’t get enough ventilation and can get infections easily too. Check their ears once in two weeks. Don’t let oil or water enter the ears. 

beagle shedding

Beagles shed a lot, but it goes unnoticed because they have short coats. During winter, their coat gets thicker, so the shedding quantity increases during spring. To remove dead hair and keep their coat clean, rush them once a week.

beagle size and weight

The American Kennel Club recognizes two types of Beagles. The first type is the Beagle which can grow at a maximum height of 13 inches.

The other type can grow anywhere between 13 inches to 15 inches tall. Their weight can be between 18 to 30 pounds, depending on their height. Overall, the Beagle dog breed can have a size from small to medium. 

Beagle Dog Maintenance

Care

Beagles are scenthounds, so make sure you have a fenced backyard that doesn’t let them go chase smells. Keeping them on a leash outside would be best because they will follow wherever their nose takes them.

They are wanderers, so they attach a microchip on their collars to trace whenever they can’t be found.

They are intelligent but naughty creatures, so you must use smart training methods. This breed likes positive reinforcement and responds well to such treatment.

Use delicious treats to lure them because this dog will love to do anything for food. Their high energy levels can be maintained by taking them on walks or letting them run around the yard. 

beagle grooming

Beagles have short, dense coat that requires little grooming. However, routine brushing can help maintain their coat shiny and healthy by removing stray hair. When needed, bath them, but avoid doing so too regularly since this can dry up their skin.

Beagles need their ears cleaned frequently to avoid infections. Regular nail trimming is necessary to keep them from becoming too long and irritating the user.

Beagles shed occasionally all year long, but more frequently as the seasons change. Beagles require little maintenance overall in terms of grooming.

beagle temperament

Kid Friendly?

Beagles are typically regarded as family pets. They are renowned for being gentle and loving, which makes them excellent playmates for kids. Beagles enjoy being around children since they are playful and active.

They are also tolerant and patient, making them an excellent fit for households with young children.

To keep everyone safe and content, it’s crucial to oversee interactions between kids and beagles, as it is with any dog.

Good with Other Pets?

Due to their gregarious nature, beagles often get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs.

However, early socialization and training are crucial to ensure proper behavior, as with any dog.

Additionally, watching Beagles’ interactions with other animals is crucial, especially in the beginning.

Barks a Lot?

Beagle dogs are well known for barking frequently and loudly. Originally developed as hunting dogs, they would bark to warn their owners of potential prey.

Beagles may bark excessively without the right training and exercise, which can annoy nearby residents. However, their barking may be controlled with continuous training and socialization.

Can Be Left Alone?

Beagles are social dogs who enjoy interacting with people. They can be left alone for little amounts of time, but prolonged alone time might cause anxiety and destructive behavior.

It’s ideal to gradually accustom them to being by themselves while also giving them a tonne of mental and physical stimulation while you’re gone.

Pros And Cons:

beagle personality

Beagles are considered funny, gentle, and sweet dog breeds. Your stomach will hurt laughing at their cute acts, but you’ll cry because of their naughty personality.

As these dogs are food lovers, you can use food to train them and manage their naughty behavior.

They will be a little alert around strangers, but their friendly personality makes them frank very soon.

This is the reason why they can’t be good guard dogs. However, they can make good watchdogs because they bark a lot, especially around unfamiliar things or people. 

They are always excited and love to have company. You can’t leave them alone for long because they’ll get bored and act naughty. Beagles can also get separation anxiety as they are pack animals. 

Training a beagle puppy

Training a beagle puppy takes time, persistence, and good reward. Start off with simple instructions like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” then gradually introduce more complex ones.

Because beagles are pack animals and require interaction with both people and other dogs, socialization is particularly crucial.

The beagle has a keen sense of smell and is quite energetic. Your beagle puppy can develop into a well-mannered and adored companion with commitment and a firm but kind attitude.

Beagle food And Nutritional Requirements

Beagles are foodies and always want something to eat. This doesn’t mean you should keep giving them food throughout the day, thinking they are hungry.

High-quality dry dog food in quantities of ¾ cup to 1.5 cups will be enough.

They are active breeds, so their diet should maintain their energy levels instead of making them lazy.

Because of their love for food, these breeds can get obese easily, so they hide their treats properly. Give them a nourishing diet that also satisfies their hunger. 

How much exercise does a beagle need?

Being an energetic breed, beagles need at least one hour of exercise daily. They enjoy playing and running and gain from routine strolls or treks.

Beagles tend to gain weight, so it’s crucial to give them regular exercise and keep an eye on their nutrition to avoid obesity.

How long do beagles live?

The average lifespan of a beagle is 10 to 15 years. However, some beagles can live up to 20 years with the right care and a healthy lifestyle. As with all breeds, genetics, environment, and general health can impact a beagle’s lifetime.

Beagle health issues

Beagles, like all breeds, are susceptible to specific health problems. Hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, obesity, and some cancers are a few conditions that Beagles frequently experience regarding health.

A balanced diet, frequent veterinary appointments, and lots of exercises can aid in preventing and managing certain health problems.

Beagle Dog Breed Characteristics

Beagle Fun Facts:

🐾 A beagle dog named Elvis can tell someone is pregnant just by telling them. 

🐾 The well-known cartoon character from the Peanuts comic strip known as Snoopy is a Beagle.

🐾 One of the most popular breeds today, beagles have been kept as pets for hundreds of years.

🐾 Because of their pleasant temperament and manageable size, beagles are popular for laboratory research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beagle Dog breed