Beagles are a beloved and iconic breed with a rich history and distinctive characteristics.
Known for their friendly and loyal nature, keen sense of smell, and strong hunting instincts, Beagles have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts for centuries.
This introductory guide provides an insight into Beagles’ history, characteristics, care, and health aspects, offering a comprehensive overview of this cherished and popular breed.
Today, beagles are among the most popular breeds in the United States. The dogs are relatively easy to care for but require at least an hour or more of daily exercise.
If the dogs don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive and dig, bark, or climb in an attempt to escape.
Beagle breed overview
Breed characteristics
The actual dog lives up to its reputation—a great representative of the breed can be found in Uno, the Best In Show Westminster winner of 2008. Officially known as Champion K-Run’s Park Me in First, this gregarious dog increased the breed’s popularity as he traveled the country following his win and worked as a therapy dog.
Beagles are merry little dogs that consequently appeal to a wide range of folks and could be considered the dog-next-door in terms of a general doggy companion.
Beagles typically stand between 13 inches and 15 inches at shoulder height. The pocket beagle is slightly smaller and stands at a shoulder height between 7 inches and 12 inches.
Because these dogs have a keen sense of smell, they can work as detection dogs.
They also work as drug sniffers at airports (without invoking the fear that some other breeds might foster) and as therapy animals, termite sniffers, and all-around ball-chasers for kids.
Behavior
Beagles come in 13-inch and 15-inch varieties (the English standard is 16 inches, so they’re a bit bigger) and typically weigh 20-30 pounds.
The dogs hunt by themselves or in packs and are tireless hunters born to sniff and run.
Beagles have short, hard coats of medium length in hound colors and make gentle, fun-loving pets. They are also too friendly and willingly run to friends or strangers with a happy wag.
During my childhood, my cousins always had Beagles as hunters and companions, and I’m here to testify that there is nothing cuter than a soft-eared, big-eyed Beagle puppy.
Beagles are natural barkers, so don’t expect them to be quiet dogs or stay home unless they are leashed or fenced.
Like many hounds, scent rules this dog’s life; he’ll ignore anything (even training and food) for a good sniff. This fun-loving dog makes a wonderful family pet.
Coat type and care
The Beagle is generally a healthy breed that can accompany you for 15 years if you take care of it correctly and with much love.
These pups have short hair; therefore, its care is simple.
Beagles must be brushed twice or thrice weekly and bathed monthly. The frequency of baths depends on how dirty the dog gets.
The dog’s ears, however, require regular care to keep them clean and prevent infection.
The dogs need plenty of activity to maintain their physical and mental health; otherwise, you will have an obese and destructive dog prone to barking and howling.
Be sure to take your Beagle on daily walks.
Beagles can also become gluttons, so feed them set meals rather than leaving their food out and allowing them to graze.
Attitude and personality
Supervise outdoor playtime and check fences and gates.
This breed can be an escape artist when going after that elusive bunny or squirrel. Once your Beagle catches a scent in his nose, he’s hard to stop.
Beagle breed benefits:
- Good with kids
- Likes to run and bark
- Extremely friendly
- Gentle, happy, curious
- Ideal family pet
Training tips for Beagle puppies
Beagle puppies are known for their playful and curious nature, which can make training a fun and rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to help you train your Beagle puppy:
Start early
Begin training your Beagle puppy as soon as you bring it home. Early socialization and obedience training are essential to help your puppy grow into a well-behaved adult dog.
Positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and rewards to motivate your Beagle puppy during training sessions. Beagles respond well to food rewards and verbal praise.
Be patient
Beagles are intelligent but can also be independent and easily distracted due to their strong sense of smell.
Be patient and consistent with your training efforts, as it may take some time for your Beagle puppy to master commands.
Socialization
Expose your Beagle puppy to people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted adults. This can help prevent behavioral issues such as aggression or anxiety.
Use a harness
Beagles are scent-driven and may pull on the leash during walks. Consider using a harness instead of a collar to prevent neck strain and make walks more enjoyable for you and your puppy.
Crate training
Introduce your Beagle puppy to crate training early to provide them with a safe and comfortable space. Crate training can also help house training and prevent unsupervised destructive behavior.
Consistent rules
Establish consistent rules and boundaries for your Beagle puppy. Be firm but gentle, and avoid harsh punishment, as Beagles respond best to positive reinforcement.
Beagle care
Beagles are friendly, energetic, and loyal companions that make ideal family pets.
Proper care is essential to ensure the health and well-being of your Beagle.
Here are some essential aspects of caring for your Beagle:
Exercise
Beagles are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Plan daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities or puzzle toys to stimulate your Beagle physically and mentally.
Because Beagles can be aggressive chewers, invest in the best indestructible dog toys that will last more than six weeks.
Nutrition
Provide your Beagle with a balanced diet based on age, size, and activity level. Be mindful of portion control; Beagles tend to overeat and gain weight. Avoid feeding table scraps and monitor their weight to prevent obesity.
Veterinary care
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care for your Beagle. Discuss parasite control, dental care, and breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian.
Secure environment
Ensure that your home and yard are secure, as Beagles are known for their tracking instincts and may wander off if they catch an intriguing scent. A fenced yard or secure leash is essential for their safety.
Common health conditions
The most common diseases in Beagles affect the eyes, skin, and ears. The breed is prone to suffer from hereditary or genetic health issues.
This breed is relatively healthy, so it is difficult to spot viruses or develop health problems. Beagles are prone to specific ailments.
For example, beagles can suffer from:
- Bladder stones
- Bronchitis
- Cushing’s disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Ectropion – A condition that causes the eyelid to turn out
- Cherry eye – A condition that occurs when the gland slips out from behind the dog’s third eyelid, causing a pink or red lump in the inner corner of the dog’s eye. Surgery is needed to fix the cherry eye.
- Cataracts
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Disk disease
- Ear infections
- Periodontal disease
- Hemolytic anemia—The dog’s immune system produces antibodies that attack its red blood cells, causing anemia.
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy – A condition in which the retina degenerates, which causes gradual vision loss and, ultimately, blindness.
- Hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament disease
The bottom line on adopting a Beagle puppy
Beagles have established themselves as cherished companions, renowned for their friendly demeanor, hunting prowess, and distinct role in popular culture.
Their rich history, from the days of Buck Hounds to their modern-day popularity, reflects their enduring appeal.
By understanding their characteristics, care needs, and potential health concerns, prospective and current Beagle owners can ensure the well-being and happiness of these remarkable dogs.
As loyal family pets and versatile working dogs, Beagles hold a special place in the hearts of many. Their endearing traits make them a beloved breed for individuals and families alike.
The Beagle is a happy, friendly dog ideally suited to active families. To adopt a rescue Beagle, check Petfinder.com.
To find an American Kennel Club-registered breeder, visit the AKC Marketplace to find reputable breeders.
Alana D. Frazier is a content writer at Essay4Students. She is fond of learning something new and tries to keep up with advancing technologies. She also enjoys attending conferences and presentations to improve her skills.