Beagle

Southern Hound

Error creating thumbnail:

4-beagles

Beagle Upsy

Beagle portrait Camry

Beagle-Farben

Beagle is a breed of small hound that is similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. The beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare (beagling). With a great sense of smell and their tracking instinct, the beagle is employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. The beagle is intelligent but single-minded. It is a popular pet due to its size, good temper, and lack of inherited health problems.

History

The origins of the beagle are unclear, but it is believed that the breed was developed in England from various breeds of English hounds and possibly the Harrier. The breed was mentioned as early as the 15th century in writings that describe small hound packs used for hunting. The modern breed was developed in the 19th century, with the standardization of the breed beginning in the 1830s.

Characteristics

Beagles are known for their small size, compact feet, and smooth, dense double coat which comes in any hound color, including tri-color, red and white, and lemon. They typically weigh between 20 and 25 pounds and stand 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Beagles possess a distinctive bark/bay, which allows their owners to identify them from great distances.

Their skulls are broad and somewhat domed, with a long, squared-off muzzle and large, hazel or brown eyes that have a characteristic pleading expression. Their ears are long, soft, and low-set, turning towards the cheeks slightly and rounded at the tips.

Temperament

Beagles are known for their gentle, even temper, and tolerant attitude. They are sociable, brave, and intelligent. They are excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets unless socialized with them from an early age. Beagles are curious and have a tendency to follow their noses, which can lead them into trouble. They require patient, firm training.

Health

The beagle is a sturdy breed with few major health problems; however, they are prone to obesity, epilepsy, allergies, and other minor conditions. Regular exercise and a controlled diet are important to keep them healthy. Their lifespan is typically 12–15 years.

In Popular Culture

Beagles have been featured in popular culture many times. Perhaps the most famous beagle is Snoopy from the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Beagles are also popular in literature, movies, and television.

Care

Beagles require daily exercise to keep them fit and to prevent boredom. They benefit from a fenced yard where they can explore, but fences should be high and secure, as beagles are known to be able to escape from low or poorly constructed barriers. They are not suited to living outdoors full-time but enjoy outdoor activities with their family.

Training

Training a beagle can be challenging due to their single-mindedness and sense of independence. Training methods should be consistent and involve food and positive reinforcement, as beagles are food-oriented dogs. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended.

Use in Research

Beagles are commonly used in animal testing due to their size and passive nature. They are one of the most popular breeds for lab use, which has led to controversy and criticism from animal rights groups.

Conclusion

The beagle is a versatile, loving, and loyal companion with a rich history. While they require patience and consistent training, their intelligence, temperament, and size make them an excellent choice for families.